Pond Skater ( gerris spp. )
I am finding the new 150 Sigma macro very hard to use.I literally spent a whole morning trying to do this blasted pond skater.
They sit on the surface and their two front palps feel vibration from prey on the water.They can really shift when they feel like it to.
In the end I used fill in flash off the camera.
Nice low POV for some of you out there !
D200 Sigma
Sigma 150 macro
60th @f22
400ISO
JohnR
Nice, i like the 150 macro its a good sharp lens. No nits i can think of.
I think F22 may cause more sharpness loss through diffraction than the extra dof would benefit? Maybe F16 would be enough and offer higher shutter speeds?
Good picture John. My only niggle (slight) would be the distracting oof far legs and their reflection.
Posted by Paul Inglis on July 24, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Hi John,
Delightful image with an interesting composition! When I started using my 200mm f/4 Micro I struggled with the longer working distance for a while too! At f/22 you’re a brave man walking into diffraction territory like that. On a D200 I’d try no more than f/11.
I don't tend to use f22 for the reason Paul states, although I've never really done any accurate testing. I just have a feeling that a bit of sharpness is lost. This can't have been an easy subject to photograph particularly if it, and the surface of the water, kept moving. A well executed shot of a subject we don't see very often.
I love macro-shots of common species. They really show what we usually only see flashing about. I like the way the background above the body of the skater plays with perspective, it almost looks flat but once you look at the legs it reveals it.
Chris
Posted by Magnus Hird on July 24, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Very predatory looking, can't have been easy to get this captured.
Cracking shot: I've tried these before and they are deceptively difficult. You've achieved a much better result than I managed. Well done.
Was it captive? (sorry, couldn't resist).
I can tell your brain is working John, or is your imagination running riot?
A great Pond Skater and who would have thought of that one. Not the easiest of subjects I am sure. I have this vision of you trying to catch up with one so just to make it a bit more exciting still, why not try some wirly gigs.( Iam sure you know what I mean)
Nice one John and unusual subject too. My 150mm Sigma should be back today from the repair centre. I haven't tried it out yet as it was delivered new but broken from the supplier. 4 weeks I've been waiting to get my hands on it.
Well this is one subject I have not had ago at yet, but have thought about it many times when I've been out looking for emerging dragons.
I think you have done a good job here on a subject that cant be easy. But what I like the most is how we get a good top view and a nice view of the underside in the reflection.
Posted by Andy Astbury on July 26, 2008 at 9:20 AM
Very well done John - you have to be quick off the mark with these chaps.
As Guy points out, the reflection of the underside and the detail you can see is superb squire - very nice image indeed
Discussion
17 repliesI am finding the new 150 Sigma macro very hard to use.I literally spent a whole morning trying to do this blasted pond skater.
They sit on the surface and their two front palps feel vibration from prey on the water.They can really shift when they feel like it to.
In the end I used fill in flash off the camera.
Nice low POV for some of you out there !
D200 Sigma
Sigma 150 macro
60th @f22
400ISO
JohnR
I think F22 may cause more sharpness loss through diffraction than the extra dof would benefit? Maybe F16 would be enough and offer higher shutter speeds?
Delightful image with an interesting composition! When I started using my 200mm f/4 Micro I struggled with the longer working distance for a while too! At f/22 you’re a brave man walking into diffraction territory like that. On a D200 I’d try no more than f/11.
Matt
I love macro-shots of common species. They really show what we usually only see flashing about. I like the way the background above the body of the skater plays with perspective, it almost looks flat but once you look at the legs it reveals it.
Chris
Cracking shot: I've tried these before and they are deceptively difficult. You've achieved a much better result than I managed. Well done.
Was it captive?
Cheers, Chris
This warm weather has tempted the insects,flies and photographers out recently.
Austin
A great Pond Skater and who would have thought of that one. Not the easiest of subjects I am sure. I have this vision of you trying to catch up with one so just to make it a bit more exciting still, why not try some wirly gigs.( Iam sure you know what I mean)
Major.
Whirrlies ?!!
You have to be joking ! I may try them in the fridge !
Chas
Rob
Well this is one subject I have not had ago at yet, but have thought about it many times when I've been out looking for emerging dragons.
I think you have done a good job here on a subject that cant be easy. But what I like the most is how we get a good top view and a nice view of the underside in the reflection.
As Guy points out, the reflection of the underside and the detail you can see is superb squire - very nice image indeed