Wasp!

[noritje]

My first macro attempt! I don't have a dedicated macro lens yet, so my first attempt was done by my compact camera Canon IXUS 80IS So, please pardon the picture quality

Macro is exciting, I can't wait to get my dedicated macro lens soon, for my Canon 450D. Am still contemplating between 60mm macro and 100mm macro.

Btw, the story:
It was hot and very sunny and we were hanging outside a bar, drinking beer when this little fella landed on my beer glass. I guess, wasp love beer on a hot sunny day too, eh?

[noritje]

Oh crap.
I thought I posted this at the 'Share Your Shot' forum.

Could the administrator move this thread, there?
Thank you!!!

*blushed*

[tubaspass]

I like that shot. As you know, Macro has its own challenges, one being that subject materials cannot always be moved to be modeled. It seems the wasp was willing to be the model for you. Good lighting, good depth of range. Good job!

[Lize]

nasty little things they are... a few weeks ago I got stung in the face, and then again just a few minutes later...wasn't a pretty sight :P anyway, nice spontaneous picture never noticed how hairy they are...

[Stupid]

Originally Posted by Lize

never noticed how hairy they are...

My dad always said drinking put hair on your chest!

[10chungs1]

nice picture, lucky whatever compact camera you had kept it in focus. id suggest a 100mm macro lens because subjects like water droplets have to be zoomed in, but the lens must be far away to keep it dry

[Preacherman]

If you can take shots as good as this with your compact, why bother!
PAUL

[Sybleann43]

Originally Posted by 10chungs1

nice picture, lucky whatever compact camera you had kept it in focus. id suggest a 100mm macro lens because subjects like water droplets have to be zoomed in, but the lens must be far away to keep it dry

I just recently bought a Cannon EF 100mm 2:8Macro USM and not real sure how to use it-- does anyone have any tips for me-- I really want to get as close to a bug as possible! thank you

[natek313]

Originally Posted by Sybleann43

I just recently bought a Cannon EF 100mm 2:8Macro USM and not real sure how to use it-- does anyone have any tips for me-- I really want to get as close to a bug as possible! thank you

I own this lens as well, and I'm sure that once you get the hang of using it, you will come to love it as much as I do.

My first tip for you would be to read the Owner's Manual.

Notice on the lens you have two switches - one for toggling between Auto Focus (AF) and Manual Focus (MF), and the other for switching between "0.31m - Infinity" focus and "0.48m - Infinity" focus. The latter of the two I mentioned is for restricting the lens to auto-focus within a certain range. If you do not require the lens to focus on anything closer than 0.48m to your focal plane, then you can switch it to "0.48m - Infinity". But, if you want to focus on subjects closer than 0.48m (distance to your camera's focal plane), then switch it to "0.31m - Infinity" and the camera will utilize its full focusing range. Does that make sense?

Now, if you want to, like you said, "get as close to a bug as possible," then you'll want to set your lens to shoot 1:1. For an explanation of 1:1 macro photography, you can read on it here. To do this, set your lens to MF and "0.31m - Infinity". Then, turn the focusing ring so that the white line just below the distance meter (on the "top" of the lens when it is mounted) lines up with the number "1", which is yellow in color. Then, look through your camera's viewfinder and adjust the distance between your camera and subject by moving the camera itself until you achieve the focus you want; do not use the focusing ring to adjust your focus because you want to stay at 1:1. Assuming you've already set your other settings (shutter, aperture, ISO, etc.), snap the shot.

If you're shooting 1:1, I would suggest using a tripod and remote shutter release. When working at such close distances, the slightest camera movement is magnified greatly and will botch your shots.

I hope this helps!