BIMBO Queen's Park - not my best

[troypiggo]

Probably should have stuck with what I know works, particularly when it's been a while and out of practice, but for some reason decided to try out a flash bracket for my 580EXII instead of using my dedicated MT-24EX flash. And just to add to my frustration, I used the 180L as well. Not as forgiving as the 100mm FL range lenses, and heavy.

Result? A batch of shots that I'm really not happy with. These may or may not look ok at the resolution posted here, but there is a lot of movement blur in them.

The little cockroach was cute.

[naskies]

Nice job, Troy. Sorry I couldn't join you guys on the weekend. I really like that cockroach shot - those earthy tones and patterns (especially the white dots) makes me think of Aboriginal art.

Out of curiosity, do you use the MT-24EX "bare" or with any diffusers? I find that the lighting is somewhat harsh with a 100 mm macro on full frame, so I usually improvise with some paper and gaffer tape as impromptu soft boxes. The weight balance and portability of the set up is fantastic though.

[dpastern]

Not a bad set Troy - I like the angle on the tent spider. Like you, my only shot of the cockroach caught it on the move and had blur, and the angle was less than desirable so it got trashed in camera. The Red darter looks OK to my eyes @ this resolution, pity you couldn't get closer, but they were especially nervous yesterday I felt. I tried several times and gave up - as soon as I got within 10' they were off.

The damselfly shot is awesome though - you've held its colours really nicely (did you do any PP saturation?).

Dave

[dpastern]

Dave - pity you couldn't have joined us - the more the merrier. Perhaps next time? Troy let me use his MT-24EX, and yes, he uses diffusers on it. I didn't use the flash without them, so I can't comment on how hard/harsh the lighting is without them, but I presume if it's like any other flash units, it does make a difference.

Dave

[troypiggo]

I use Lumiquest UltraBounces to diffuse it. It definitely is harsh bare. Here's my rig: http://www.flickr.com/photos/troypiggo/5015564951/in/set-72157624772885223/
I'm playing with getting the flash heads back further towards the camera body so they don't project as far past the lens. They take up a bit much real estate at close working distances.

[troypiggo]

As you know, dragonflies like to perch at a few favourite spots. I crept up on this guy in the prone position like a sniper - a rather unfit sniper. When he buzzed off I just waited, or got Andrew's kids to shoo him/her back in my general direction. Sure enough he/she landed on the rock I had in my sights. Took me 10mins of stalking to get this shot and it was as close as I could get.

That damsel was patient - this was 2x magnification with the MP-E.

All these shots are just loaded into Lightroom (sorry, H) and on import I have a standard preset of setting I apply. They all looked as good as they're going to get there, just increased the exposure a little I think. The saturation and clarity are bumped up a little in my preset.

[acropolite]

Some nice images Troy and similarly in Dave's thread.

I'm kicking myself for not tagging along, we arrived in Brisvegas on Saturday, Sunday should have been one of the grandkids birthday parties but was postponed.

Regarding lighting, I have at home an LED ringlight around the right diameter to slip over the 100 macro, I can't remember whether it was here on IIS I read of the concept (Dennis maybe).

[troypiggo]

Would have been good to have you there. More the merrier as Dave said.

Have also seen DIY LED solutions, but haven't seen too many results so hard to get a feel for how successful they are.

[bloodhound31]

I love blue damselflies and red dragonflies. We have them both down here too. What made you use the 180L instead of the 100?

Baz.

[troypiggo]

Momentary lapse of reason. Won't happen again. Wanna buy a 180L? :D

[Dennis]

Hi Troy

It does take a bit of practice to get back into the groove, but none the less, a great set of shots given your gear change and your mojo going AWOL.;)

I’m impressed with the damselfly – these are flighty little critters and I have yet to take a good one.:)

Cheers

Dennis

[hotspur]

Lovely colourful images,the blue colour of the damsal fly is great and his eye detail too.That's a huge lens the 180 macro-be a real job to get it all working well,must be a big rig to hold,well done on all that gear.

Hope to meet up one time,if there are any more Ipswich meets.

Cheers Chris

[dpastern]

lol!!! I was actually surprised at how much physically bigger it was than my Sigma 150mm. From memory, the siggie isn't much bigger than the Canon 100mm in terms of size and weight. Which reminds me, must clean my lens.

Dave

[bloodhound31]

Nah...when the time comes to buy another macro, it will be the MPE65.

[Octane]

You're the master. Subtle, effective and beautiful images.

Even on a bad day, you do wonderful work!

H