Absolutely outstanding set. Love the hover fly - the way they zip around they are not easy to get with such good focus, bokeh and clarity. You must be thrilled with that one.
Excellent set Andrew - especially like the first and 2nd last shots - wonderful HIF and Blue banded Bee. I've never managed the latter - never found any resting and they're far too fast to catch in flight etc.
A wonderful portfolio showing off the amazing world of insects. All are superb captures, showing the mastery you have over this genre of photography. The detail and clarity is quite breathtaking.
Fantastic effort Andrew, I too like the hover fly best, interesting the way he has his undercarraige retracted. By the look of those Aphids I wouldn't like to be a bud in your garden.
Already commented on POTN, but I'll reiterate what a wonderful collection here. Particularly the hoverfly and blue-banded bee. Very difficult targets captured professionally.
Already commented on POTN, but I'll reiterate what a wonderful collection here. Particularly the hoverfly and blue-banded bee. Very difficult targets captured professionally.
Agreed. I'm quite envious of the Blue banded bee - I've seen a few of them but haven't had the chance unfortunately to get a standing shot :-( I have them and the teddy bear bee (both natives to australia, non stinging, non aggressive) on my shopping list. Oh, and a good damselfly shot at 1:1 too - despite many efforts, I haven't been able to nail a decent shot of one of them either.
Humayun - I'd recommend starting with something in the order of 100mm FL - the Canon 100, Sigma 105, and the Tamron 90 are all very similar performance. The 180L will give you more working distance, but it's heavy and IMO not worth the extra dough. Plus if you want higher mag you get greater benefit from extension tubes with the 100mm range of lenses, they'll get you to 2:1 magnification.
For lighting, just put a Lumiquest Softbox on your camera-mounted speedlight (I assume you'd have one).
Humayun - I'd recommend starting with something in the order of 100mm FL - the Canon 100, Sigma 105, and the Tamron 90 are all very similar performance. The 180L will give you more working distance, but it's heavy and IMO not worth the extra dough. Plus if you want higher mag you get greater benefit from extension tubes with the 100mm range of lenses, they'll get you to 2:1 magnification.
For lighting, just put a Lumiquest Softbox on your camera-mounted speedlight (I assume you'd have one).
I'll agree with Troy on all points here. Go the new Canon 100mm L f2.8 IS lens!!! Macro takes a LOT of practice, and a lot of patience. Like with sports photography, it pays to know about what you're shooting too. Insects and Arachnids have all sorts of behaviourial quirks and knowing them really does help!
H - if you're ever up in Brissie, I'm only too happy to meet up (say Brissie Centennial gardens) and give you some macro tips. Andrew and Troy are both experienced, and solidly good macro imagers as well, with enough forewarning, you'd have a bunch of us macro guys helping you out lol!
Great shots Andrew .. Fantastic. A great reward for stopping by this forum tonight and looking in .. I dont think Ive seen better actually .. its a 10 from the Alstonville judge !!!
I will not look at All creatures small again in the same light
Love the hover fly - the way they zip around they are not easy to get with such good focus, bokeh and clarity. You must be thrilled with that one.
