Flight of the Bumble Bee

[Ginger Pixie]

ooo, nice shot. I might invest in one of those. I assume you have the camera on a tripod? (thinking it would be a bit tricky otherwise)

Taking lack of tripod into consideration, I think I had more luck with my butterfly!

[jiminyClickit]

Beautiful Painted Lady, GP. Things that move are tough for my Fuji. There's a pause of nearly 3 seconds from half-depressing the shutter button, then another 2-3 seconds delay after I take a shot. Critters move a lot in that time.

The loupe makes my focus area about 2 inches from the camera, so everything I shoot is handheld - camera in right hand, left hand touching or holding the subject, so manual focus is possible. There are times my DoF is between an ant's eye and its knees. Bending my fingers focuses the camera.

It all works, slowly, and just okay for quality. You'll be able to do much better.

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by jiminyClickit

Beautiful Painted Lady, GP. Things that move are tough for my Fuji. There's a pause of nearly 3 seconds from half-depressing the shutter button, then another 2-3 seconds delay after I take a shot. Critters move a lot in that time.

The loupe makes my focus area about 2 inches from the camera, so everything I shoot is handheld - camera in right hand, left hand touching or holding the subject, so manual focus is possible. There are times my DoF is between an ant's eye and its knees. Bending my fingers focuses the camera.

It all works, slowly, and just okay for quality. You'll be able to do much better.

Thank you.

Wow, that sounds like a tricky set up to master! It makes your results even more impressive. If I tried that I'm sure it would be anything but in focus!

[AliT]

Here's one of mine )

[Geodar]

Try a 'Monopod' rather than a tripod. The reason is that when focusing in macro it is eaisier to 'rock' your body back and forth to help with the focus. A tripod is ok for static flowers etc but too bulky and awkward for in the field close up/macro shots. Of course it is best to go hand held, as you are ready for those quick unexpected shots.

These two were hand held. Only a few centremetres from the subject. They were both more interested in eating and collecting the necter than in me.

Geoff

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by Geodar

Try a 'Monopod' rather than a tripod. The reason is that when focusing in macro it is eaisier to 'rock' your body back and forth to help with the focus. A tripod is ok for static flowers etc but too bulky and awkward for in the field close up/macro shots. Of course it is best to go hand held, as you are ready for those quick unexpected shots.

These two were hand held. Only a few centremetres from the subject. They were both more interested in eating and collecting the necter than in me.

Geoff

Wow.

I want a new macro lens so I can get in that close!

Hmmm... I might investigate the monopod - sounds like a good idea, I do find a tripod restrictive.

Cheers!