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(Fairly) Wideangle Macro

Discussion

7 replies
Posted by Matt Cole on May 30, 2012 at 2:49 PM
(Fairly) Wideangle Macro
I've always been keen on wideangle macro and previously used a fisheye lens for this style of image. This was great for the 'wideangle' but the magnification wasn't great and so it really only worked for larger subjects and I still had to have the lens virtually touching the subject. However, I recently purchased a Tokina 35mm macro lens which, although less wideangle than the fisheye, is a true macro lens capable of 1:1 magnification. The following post on my blog provides more info on this lens and shows some examples of it in use on smaller insects.

Here I just wanted to include the waterside environment of this newly emerged Four Spotted Chaser dragonfly. It's a different style of shooting to my more typical macro shots, the main difference being that I can't be too hung up about the neatness of the background. The aim is simply to show the subject in its environment. The other dilemma is what aperture to use i.e. how much detail to include in the background. I have a selection of images from f5.6 to f22 but think this one at f13 probably provides the best balance.

Anyway, all comments gratefully received.

Canon 7D with Tokina 35mm macro lens, 1/50, f13, ISO 200, tripod, reflector.

Matt :toast:
Posted by PhilH on May 30, 2012 at 3:14 PM
I do like these images Matt, the inclusion of the environment adds so much and tells so much more than the 'clean' background images we all strive for... This image is so very strong in the story telling and is a great example of how it should be done... for me one of the best images I have seen on here for a long time...

:toast: :toast: :wavey: :toast: :toast:
Posted by Neil Burton on May 30, 2012 at 3:42 PM
I agree, tells a great story.
Posted by John Robinson on May 30, 2012 at 3:43 PM
Yes I like this sort of stuff to.
Did a load on Club Tailed a while back.
Even the cheap old 18-50 Sigma is usefull at it.
Nice work.
JR
Posted by Matt Cole on May 31, 2012 at 6:52 AM
many thanks for the comments Phil, Neil and John

Matt :toast:
Posted by keith mitchell on May 31, 2012 at 7:16 AM
Matt i think the way you have done this showing the habitat is great.

Keith. :smile:
Posted by David Sewell on May 31, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Yes, it tells the story. With those reeds on the left it would probably have worked well in portrait format as well.

David
Posted by Paul Whippey on May 31, 2012 at 1:48 PM
Superb photo Matt. This works very nicely with the inclusion of the habitat the lens gives. :toast: :toast: :toast: