40D, 180/3.5 + 56mm extension, Tripod, Three way head + focus rail.
ISO400, 1/6 @ f16.
ACR5.3 + resize & sharpen CS4
Full frame
Hi,
Some of you will be aware that inspired by Matt I took an MP-E65 out this weekend with the intention of getting close to the wildlife.... I take my hat off to anyone using this lens in the field, I have a vast experience of close up and macro particularly with this lens (its my living) but I had to go back to my 180 with tubes.
I guess with more practice I might be able to get some keepers
Any way here is a close up of a Heath Fritillary....
sorry to hear you didn't have much luck with the MP-E65 Phil. I suspect you struggled because you were trying to use natural light and a tripod which is a real challenge with that lens in the field. The tiny DOF above 1x magnification makes it very difficult to get a tripod in the right position, even with a focusing rail, and shutter speeds will often become unfeasibly slow in all but the calmest of conditions. Things become much easier if flash is used (and no ambient light) as this freezes movement and allows the lens to be handheld. All you then need is very steady hands to get the DOF in the right place. You also need to get your flash head very close to the subject and to diffuse it. But I'm sure I'm telling you things you already know...
Anyway, there's some very nice detail in this shot and I do prefer the look of natural light high magnification macro to flash. The only minor nit I have is that it does look as though the butterfly is looking away from the lens ever so slightly.
Agree with John here.. really nice example but a shame that it facing slightly away, but know just how frustrating they were having been trying myself.. Good to see you at the weekend..
Great to see something different Phil, makes a refreshing change from the norm.
Dont give up with the MP-E, bring it next time you are down.
BTW how do you shut the woman up? she hasnt a clue where she is going.
Yes good to see something different on the butterfly front. Keep on persevering with the lens and I hope to see some images that will give Matt a run for his money.
Discussion
10 replies40D, 180/3.5 + 56mm extension, Tripod, Three way head + focus rail.
ISO400, 1/6 @ f16.
ACR5.3 + resize & sharpen CS4
Full frame
Hi,
Some of you will be aware that inspired by Matt I took an MP-E65 out this weekend with the intention of getting close to the wildlife.... I take my hat off to anyone using this lens in the field, I have a vast experience of close up and macro particularly with this lens (its my living) but I had to go back to my 180 with tubes.
I guess with more practice I might be able to get some keepers
Any way here is a close up of a Heath Fritillary....
All the best
Phil
Robert
Anyway, there's some very nice detail in this shot and I do prefer the look of natural light high magnification macro to flash. The only minor nit I have is that it does look as though the butterfly is looking away from the lens ever so slightly.
Matt
John
Brett
Dont give up with the MP-E, bring it next time you are down.
BTW how do you shut the woman up? she hasnt a clue where she is going.
Tony
Love the detail!
David
Thought Tony was talking about me for a moment.....then I twigged
Fran