Thanks dirt and William! These photos were with the old camera the A100 which has the kit lens 18-70mm AF. I usually use auto so it is adjusting the ISO, lens, and shutter based on my selection of f-stop. I always have trouble with the AF on the large plants and I forgot about the f/22 diffraction.
With the new Nikon I will have some higher quality, but the black background will still be a challenge. I think some diffused lighting may be in order to help reduce any contrast issues. That should help the ISO and shutter speed. With my A100 the long shutter speeds caused digital noise even with the tripod.
I just couldn't trust manual focus after I tripped and the A100 got damaged, because the display was different than the view finder.
The new Nikon will have the 18-55mm Nikkor lens. I should probably practice my manual focus bracketing. I can't wait for it to arrive.
This is one I took with the A100 at ISO 800 at 60mm f22 2sec. It was inside with a single overhead florescent (in a classroom). OMG did it ever present a challenge. I had no extra light and just a single white panel diffuser. I photoshopped to de-noise it. I was so glad it turned out decent, because once the plants go back to their owners we don't get a second chance.
