Various Macro Beasties

IPClark

Not been about for a while but I'm still around and still taking shots. Not as many as I would like as I'm so busy with other mundane stuff (except looking after my little'un that is) that I have less time for shooting

Anyway, Here's a selection of beasties photographed today. Some using Kenko extension tubes and the Sigma 105 and a few just using the trusty Sigma 105. ALL taken hand held which was easier due to the faster shutter speed and smaller aperture I was using. I also had the 430 EX II on diffused.

Not sure if this one is a wasp or a hover fly, it seemed too passive to be a wasp. I "Just" missed the focus on this shot which I'm a bit gutted about but still, it's not a complete failure

All comments happily accepted

Image Date: 2009:07:12 16:41:04
Flash Used: Yes (Manual)
Focal Length: 105.0mm
Exposure Time: 0.0050 s (1/200)
Aperture: f/10.0
ISO equiv: 100
Exposure Mode: Manual

#1



The next shot is of a fly. I think it's a simple common fly. This one was about 5 or 6mm in length. I'll happily be corrected on the species This was taken with the 36mm extension tube on (I think)

Image Date: 2009:07:12 17:01:44
Flash Used: Yes (Manual)
Focal Length: 105.0mm
Exposure Time: 0.0050 s (1/200)
Aperture: f/8.0
ISO equiv: 100
Exposure Mode: Manual

#2


The ever tireless bee. I did try to get a BIF but failed miserably.

Image Date: 2009:07:12 18:31:50 and 18:31:33 respectively.
Flash Used: Yes (Manual)
Focal Length: 105.0mm
Exposure Time: 0.0050 s (1/200)
Aperture: f/8.0
ISO equiv: 100
Exposure Mode: Manual

#3

#4


The final three shots were of a common garden spider (Cross spider) I believe. It was residing in our conservatory. This particular specimen was also about 5 or 6mm in length of the body, the eyes probably less than 0.5mm each. These were taken with a combination of tubes on. Can't remember what though.

Image Date: 2009:07:12 20:11:27 / 20:15:36
Flash Used: Yes (Manual)
Focal Length: 105.0mm
Exposure Time: 0.0013 s (1/800)
Aperture: f/8.0
ISO equiv: 200
Exposure Mode: Manual

#5

#6


Image Date: 2009:07:12 20:19:31
Flash Used: Yes (Manual)
Focal Length: 105.0mm
Exposure Time: 0.0010 s (1/1000)
Aperture: f/8.0
ISO equiv: 400
Exposure Mode: Manual

#7

Lord Vetinari

LOvely series of shots - #1 is a hoverfly
Brian V.

IPClark

Thanks Brian,

I thought as much though couldn't be certain. It just seemed so passive for a "wasp" like fly

Cheers.

Skippy

IPClark wrote:

Not been about for a while but I'm still around and still taking shots. Not as many as I would like as I'm so busy with other mundane stuff (except looking after my little'un that is) that I have less time for shooting

Anyway, Here's a selection of beasties photographed today. Some using Kenko extension tubes and the Sigma 105 and a few just using the trusty Sigma 105. ALL taken hand held which was easier due to the faster shutter speed and smaller aperture I was using. I also had the 430 EX II on diffused.

Not sure if this one is a wasp or a hover fly, it seemed too passive to be a wasp. I "Just" missed the focus on this shot which I'm a bit gutted about but still, it's not a complete failure

All comments happily accepted


#1



The next shot is of a fly. I think it's a simple common fly. This one was about 5 or 6mm in length. I'll happily be corrected on the species This was taken with the 36mm extension tube on (I think)

#2


The ever tireless bee. I did try to get a BIF but failed miserably.


#3

#4


The final three shots were of a common garden spider (Cross spider) I believe. It was residing in our conservatory. This particular specimen was also about 5 or 6mm in length of the body, the eyes probably less than 0.5mm each. These were taken with a combination of tubes on. Can't remember what though.


#5

#6



#7

Hi Ian, those Extension Tubes really come in handy.
I love the Spider shots .... Skippy
.

IPClark

Thanks Skippy

I'm having fun with them for sure.. closest thing I can get to an MPE-65... but one day, I'll have one.

Walk... then Run

Just noticed that Hoverfly on Yellow is popular, saw Chrissiebeez_NL's one. Hovers do look great on yellow

Chrissiebeez_NL

they sure do! love yours too

like the first and last shot most, the rest have a bit harsh lighting. I have the same problem, so i've just build a coca can diffuser and im very curious about the results. May be a option for you too. I'll post some results

IPClark

Hi Chrissie,
I agree, the lighting can be somewhat harsh. However, I have had another read over Brians excellent tutorials and I hadn't realised that he uses the Wide Angle disperser on his flash.

I have been playing around a touch today with the WA Disperser down and my sto-fen mounted and I have to say, visibly, the overall image has a nicer even lighting. The images I took were a little OOF due to the fact that I was having a balance issue due to the fact I didn't want to kneel in soil in clean jeans and I had nothing to hand to put down.

I think I'm going to have a go at creating a diffuser like Brians too.

Thanks btw for the compliment as well.

GOLDENORFE

the bumble bee shots look best, agree with light.
what are you using on front of diffuser?

phil

IPClark

Hi Phil,

I'm using a simple Sto-Fen diffuser on the 430EX. Contemplating making a LordV Diffuser

GOLDENORFE

from other peoples reports on sto-fens they block more light instead of diffusing it.
kitchen towel on a home made one will be much better
phil

IPClark

Thanks Phil. At least the Sto-Fens are cheap so I've not spent lots and lots out.

Will work on a makeshift one ..