Flies 'n stuff

[4hero]

A few recent insect shots taken in my back garden (all shot hand-held).

1:


2:


3:


4:


5:


6:


7: A couple from this morning


8: Been trying to get a shot like this for a while with the MP-E65mm. Not the easiest shot in the world when the maximum shooting distance is only 4" and no auto-focus.


Anyone else done much macro recently? Let us see!

Edited by 4hero on Sunday 10th May 13:36

[crmcatee]

Not had time since I got my lens but this fella caught my eye yesterday morning.

One of those spindly fellas where all the legs go in front and the body's at the back. No idea what's its called. I think I need a Bumper Book of Insects and Spiders so I know what I'm looking at.



I can see this lens being a hard one to master - handheld is crazy... Put the lamps on the flashes - use my hand to guide it roughly into place - I've even started using the Liveview function (a godsend actually), aperture priority and click.

Nothing more spooky than focussing into place and then seeing the spiders leg as you focus past it...

Hints and tips for shooting with this lens gratefully accepted..

[4hero]

Craig, it is a bit scary sometimes (and I don't like spiders )

Looking at the exif for your shot you had the Aperture set at f5.6. Try and aim for f9-f11 for shooting at around 1:1 (reducing the closer to 5:1 you get). Set the mt-24 to around 1/16-1/32 for 1:1 (depending on natural light). I tend to shoot at a pretty fast shutter speed, around 1/200'ish.

Also, stick the camera on manual!

Edited to add, I rarely adjust the position on my flash heads leaving them set at 10 to 2 (imagine it on a clock), with the heads pointing fully inwards. Did you get diffusers for the flash?

Edited by 4hero on Sunday 10th May 17:36

[richo_i]

Poormans macro

[john185k]

Great shots Neil.

Off to the Dominican Republic on Tuesday and thought i would get a few wildlife shots, however after watching Bear Grylls' programme about the native wildlife, I have second thoughts about getting up close to the black widows and scorpions....

My only recent macro shot, which is pretty rubbish tbh

[richo_i]

Couple more feeble efforts from today

[crmcatee]

4hero said:

Did you get diffusers for the flash?

Cheers for the tips.. Getting time is key at the moment to practice and it's not going to happen in the immediate future..

Didn't get the diffusers - I'm guessing you mean the Stofen ones.

I did read up on them prior to ordering the flash - and had seen some cracking ideas including one that involved combining two hobbies - Photography and Motoring - which involved using the tops of Castrol oil canisters. Bit of long winded

And hotgluing diffusers to the front... Here

Might have a play about - but given the stofens are about £20 might be worth a punt..

[Simpo Two]

4hero said:

A few recent insect shots taken in my back garden (all shot hand-held)

Damn, eight photos and I can't find anything wrong with any of them. Time for some coffee and a walk in the garden I think...

[Dr MAD]

Nice shots Neil (again!!)

When you use your MPE65 do you use live view or look through viewfinder. I'm struggling with it to be honest!!!

Any other tips?

Cheers

Dan

[4hero]

ta folks

Dan, I always use the viewfinder (unless the insect is out of reach, or down low). What settings/lighting are you using?

Neil.

[Simpo Two]

4hero said:

Dan, I always use the viewfinder

Correct, real men use viewfinders. LV is for girls

[4hero]

crmcatee said:

Didn't get the diffusers - I'm guessing you mean the Stofen ones.

Not heard many good reports on the stofen ones to be honest. I went for the Gary Fong popups, they are not made for the mt-24 but work nicely. The just slot on, no glue (not keen on gluing stuff to this flash to be honest ).

A quick dirty shot purely to let you see them on.

[Dr MAD]

This one was taken 1/125 at f8



I guess it's just down to practice so after Le Mans I will have to find some time (and some willing subjects). I'll also invest in a pair of Puffers me thinks

Thanks for your advice chaps

Dan

[4hero]

Still a tiny bit soft Dan, but nice none the less!

You'll need to get practicing with stacking once you get the hang of the mp-e



It's never ending...

Edited by 4hero on Tuesday 12th May 08:50

[Rob13]

bloodyhell, some of those details are amazing! I had to look at the last pic twice to realise it was a common woodlouse and yet you never see it in such detail.

What body are you guys using?

[4hero]

I use the 40D mainly Rob.

[Dr MAD]

4hero said:

I use the 40D mainly Rob.

me too

Neil, that stacking looks awesome... oh boy I'm going to have to talk really nicely to those monks to arrange some more hours in the day