Some more macro

[peter]

Well I started my holidays today and its time to get out and about with the camera. Still trying my hand at macro so here are a few that I liked. I must get a hand on the flash as it seems to blow the yellow flowers out.

[jds9000]

Re: Some more macro

Well I started my holidays today and its time to get out and about with the camera. Still trying my hand at macro so here are a few that I liked. I must get a hand on the flash as it seems to blow the yellow flowers out.

Blimey Pete .... if these are going in the club on thursday, I'm staying home

Jay

[peter]

Re: Some more macro

Blimey Pete .... if these are going in the club on thursday, I'm staying home

Jay

No they will not be going to club. These are still in the planing stage.

[Stephen]

Re: Some more macro

These look pretty good to me Peter, no sign of yellows being blown

[peter]

Re: Some more macro

These look pretty good to me Peter, no sign of yellows being blown

Thanks Stephen

I may have worded it wrong. Something I do all the time I am told. In the first one I think the flash may have been a bit harsh. The flash was mounted on the camera, it may have been better to have it off to the side. I also think the power could have been dropped down a bit?

[StuartR]

Re: Some more macro

They look pretty good to me too..what gear are you using as a matter of interest?

[peter]

Re: Some more macro

They look pretty good to me too..what gear are you using as a matter of interest?

Thanks Stuart.

This was the first time I used extension tubes on my sigma macro lens. So kit used was 1dmk2n, canon 580ex flash, sigma 105mm macro lens and one extension tube also all hand held. Next time I try insects I will use a tripod because as you can guess that lot is not easy to hand hold after a while.

I am working on something different at the moment and will post those up later.

[Jocelyn Walker]

Re: Some more macro

I think your 2nd shot is absolutely magic with its positioning, great view of eyes, veins in wing as well as pollen grains on thorax!

[Autumn]

Re: Some more macro

Wonderful captures Peter. I also prefer the 2nd shot particularly because of the wing.

[StuartR]

Re: Some more macro

Thanks Stuart.

This was the first time I used extension tubes on my sigma macro lens. So kit used was 1dmk2n, canon 580ex flash, sigma 105mm macro lens and one extension tube also all hand held. Next time I try insects I will use a tripod because as you can guess that lot is not easy to hand hold after a while.

I am working on something different at the moment and will post those up later.

I'm surprised the flash gave such good coverage from the hot-shoe position. I'm trying to take similar shots with my 100-400mm locked at various positions between 100 and circa 180mm with an extension tube and hand-holding my flash (camera on a tripod). Sometimes I use a reflector on the opposite side of the flash to try and even the lighting. I've had plenty of "nearly" shots but nothing as good as yours yet.

I'm actually finding mounting the camera on a tripod for this type of shot is the limiting factor as the buggers keep moving! I'll have to try mounting the flash on-camera and leaving the tripod in its bag - although the 100-400mm is arguably a bit big and heavy for this type of work and, If I'm honest, focusing is a bit of a problem too, as the auto-focus doesn't like working with extension tubes. I did get some reasonable results with this set up at a local butterfly sanctuary though, so I'll persevere.

I'm also using a 580 EXII - are you using a diffuser of any kind? IIRC the 580 does let you drop the head down slightly below 90 degrees so I guess this will help.

I do have a dedicated macro lens - the EF-S 60mm macro which is a cracking lens but I find you need to be too close to fill the frame for most insects.

[peter]

Re: Some more macro

I'm surprised the flash gave such good coverage from the hot-shoe position. I'm trying to take similar shots with my 100-400mm locked at various positions between 100 and circa 180mm with an extension tube and hand-holding my flash (camera on a tripod). Sometimes I use a reflector on the opposite side of the flash to try and even the lighting. I've had plenty of "nearly" shots but nothing as good as yours yet.

I'm actually finding mounting the camera on a tripod for this type of shot is the limiting factor as the buggers keep moving! I'll have to try mounting the flash on-camera and leaving the tripod in its bag - although the 100-400mm is arguably a bit big and heavy for this type of work and, If I'm honest, focusing is a bit of a problem too, as the auto-focus doesn't like working with extension tubes. I did get some reasonable results with this set up at a local butterfly sanctuary though, so I'll persevere.


I'm also using a 580 EXII - are you using a diffuser of any kind? IIRC the 580 does let you drop the head down slightly below 90 degrees so I guess this will help.

I do have a dedicated macro lens - the EF-S 60mm macro which is a cracking lens but I find you need to be too close to fill the frame for most insects.

Wow using the 100-400 as a macro never heard that one before. The flash was on the hot shoe but I think it may have worked better being hand held off camera. No I did not use a diffuser but having looked around the net it may be something to look at using in the future. I did not use auto focus as I found it was hunting to much. Here is something I have been working on today. It may not be to everyone's taste but it's something I have had in the back of my mind for a while.

[Barr1e]

Re: Some more macro

Wow using the 100-400 as a macro never heard that one before. The flash was on the hot shoe but I think it may have worked better being hand held off camera. No I did not use a diffuser but having looked around the net it may be something to look at using in the future. I did not use auto focus as I found it was hunting to much. Here is something I have been working on today. It may not be to everyone's taste but it's something I have had in the back of my mind for a while.

This works for me - can you pass your technique on?

Regards. Barr1e

[peter]

Re: Some more macro

Hi Barrie

Thanks for that. What with the world we live in and the out cry of drug taking I was not sure about this. I am working on one now that I hope will be better but it needs some ps work on it first. The set up is more or less as used in the other photos. I will try and take a photo of the set up but it will only be with my mobile phone so do not expect much from that one.

[peter]

Re: Some more macro

OK this is what I have been working on. Also posted are two photos of my set up.

[Barr1e]

Re: Some more macro

Thanks for that -

I think your efforts have been well rewarded by the results.

Regards. Barr1e