Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.

Bee Feeding

Discussion

12 replies
Posted by Matt Cole on December 16, 2008 at 2:36 PM
Bee Feeding
A bumble bee feeding on flowering redcurrant, taken back in Spring.

The MP-E 65 macro lens has a minimum magnification of 1:1 which, on a 1.6 crop sensor, means larger insects such as this appear very large in the frame. I think the ideal camera for this lens would be a full frame 5D. Come the Spring I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for second hand bargains.

Canon 30D with MP-E 65 macro lens, 1/160, f14, ISO 100, diffused Speedlight on side bracket, handheld.

All C+C appreciated.

Matt
Posted by Robert Lawrence on December 16, 2008 at 3:01 PM
A bit too 'busy' for me Matt. As you say, a bit large in the frame. Excellent detail etc.
Robert
Posted by Justin on December 16, 2008 at 4:14 PM
I quite like this Matt, particularly the way the extreme close-up shows up the coating of pollen on the bee.
Posted by David Taylor on December 16, 2008 at 4:15 PM
Excellent detail. Just how I like it.

:toast: :toast: :jump:
Posted by John Robinson on December 16, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Certainly a "close up " !
Cheers
JohnR
Posted by Dave Bartlett on December 16, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Really jumps out! I like these big close ups personally. How do you hold that 65 so still though!! :cool:

Dave
Posted by Simon Litten on December 16, 2008 at 7:07 PM
Nice detail - excellent.

Simon
Posted by Matt Cole on December 17, 2008 at 2:34 AM
many thanks for the comments. I realise this sort of shot is not to everyone's tastes since, compositionally, it has little going for it. Personally, I still find shots like this interesting since they provide a detailed view of a world we don't otherwise tend to see.

Matt
Posted by Mark Fellowes on December 17, 2008 at 4:50 AM
Very nice - I wish Nikon had an equivilant of that lens!

:toast:

Mark
Posted by John Chapman on December 17, 2008 at 5:57 AM
Superb capture and great detail Matt. :toast:
Posted by Sandra Hendrikse on December 17, 2008 at 9:37 AM
Hi Matt,

Wonderful detail but I think it is a little large in the frame :smile:
Posted by John Varley on December 17, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Really good Matt, excellent use of the available DOF, and the diffused flash works really well. :toast: :toast:

John
Posted by Magnus Hird on December 17, 2008 at 3:14 PM
Wonderfully lit again Matt and although I can understand the bigness issues it does provide an interesting insight into creatures we just don't see this close :smile: