My macro journey

[clovishound]

I've posted a few macro (close up) photos lately. I'm hoping to learn and grow at this particular niche of photography. Hopefully, it won't be a flash in the pan. I've had those before.

Went out this weekend and shot some macro images. Had a couple of cooperative models. I had high hopes for the dragonfly that let me get up in his face, but it was the anole that was the star.

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And then there was this little damsel fly.

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[markiver54]

lookn' like you're the star!
More great pics!

[clovishound]

The bad news is I want my own macro lens. I've been co-opting the Pup's macro. I really want the new 105 Z mount. It's a little pricey, but reviews say it blows the competition away. Of course, sometimes reviews of something new exaggerate somewhat. I'm afraid of spending a bunch of $ on a new lens, and then the interest fades.

Decisions, decisions. I think I'll just get by borrowing her lens for now, and see how I feel in a couple months. This won't be a problem until the weather cools off and the Pup starts going with me on photo shoots again. I don't want to step on her territory by hogging the macro lens.

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[Ernie]

Love the pics. I have no talent with cameras but would love to be able to use a macro. I have had a microscope since pre-teen, not a good one but enjoy seeing things from that perspective. Being able to go beyond looking to SEEING. Good job.

[clovishound]

Well, my macro journey hit a big bump in the road. While I was using the Pup's macro lens, it died. Too expensive to have fixed, new ones no longer available. She finally opted for a new Sigma 105mm F2.8 macro. Decided I won't be using it.

After spending the $$$ on her replacement, I really can't justify the cost of the Z mount 105mm Nikon I want. I decided on a cheap set of extension tubes for my 24-70 lens, and they came in today. Tried them out and am happy with the results. Main issue so far is working distance is very tight. The front element of the lens is only a few inches from the subject. Sharpness seems good, and light reduction is acceptable.

Here are a few test shots in the yard. These were quick, check it out shots, so don't be too critical. The second image was of some very, very small critters, and it was cropped a decent amount, but not severely.

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I think I can make this work until I can justify the expense of the lens I want.

[CT_Shooter]

I think I can make this work...

These "test" shots are a great start. I look forward to seeing more. Thanks for sharing them with us.

[dave77]

I had extension tubes for my old Mamiya/Sekor 1000 DTL. How do they work with an auto focus camera? I remember you had to get the focus close by moving the camera closer or further away from the subject and then fine tune with the focus ring.

Took a lot of photos with that old camera, it was very basic. Had a build in light meter but that was it. My 70D's complete manual is almost 500 pages long.

[clovishound]

These tubes have connections between the lens and the camera, so AF works, as well as aperture control (which is actually more important). When taking close up shots, like the ones above, AF is generally not the best way to go. The least little movement between subject and camera causes the AF to chatter, and it's very difficult to get things rock solid with most subjects. Most folks just prefocus and do the old move the camera back and forth trick. The new technique on the block is focus peaking. (That's peaking, not peeking!) This is where the camera displays items in focus with a different color, you can choose from several colors in the menu. I'm not sure, but I think it's only, or perhaps mainly used on mirrorless cameras, since they have electronic viewfinders. Having to switch to live view on a DSLR for this would be a pain IMO.

My first camera was a hand me down Argus C-4 rangefinder camera. It didn't even have a built in light meter. It was handheld, or guess. I had a small handheld meter, but got pretty good at guessing after a while.

I know what you mean about a huge manual. After a year and a half, I'm still learning interesting features on my Z5. Focus peaking being the latest.

[clovishound]

Here's one more of the aphid farm with the flash off to the side.

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[clovishound]

Someone had a bad day today.

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And something a little artsy.

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[clovishound]

Had a good time at the Cypress Garden Swamp this morning. Got a few decent shots.

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[markiver54]

Thanks for continuing to share these awesome pics!

[clovishound]

Another enjoyable day at the swamp. Awfully humid, and I was dripping wet by the time I left, but was happy with the trip.

Lunch time!

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I like the contrast of colors in this one, as well as the dew on the flowers.

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Found this little guy hiding under some foliage.

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Stink bug!

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[markiver54]

Incredible! I always look forward to your pics. Thank you.

[CT_Shooter]

Outstanding, CH.

Your commitment to mastering digital photography by studying, then doing, and then adjusting is admirable. You have a talented eye and the ever growing knowledge needed to capture your superb images.

Thank you for sharing your journey and your photos with us.

I look forward to seeing these posts.

[clovishound]

Again, I appreciate the kind words. I've always thought that when pursuing a hobby, if you aren't progressing, then something is wrong. I do feel I've made a lot of progress in the last 2 years, and my current work is head and shoulders above what I was doing with film several decades ago. I would hope my work will be better in a few years than it is now.

Since you seem to have enjoyed the ones posted, here are a few more.

I think this is the same snail from my last outing. This is a better angle.

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I've always like straight on shots of the dragonflies.

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Not necessarily the best of the batch, but for variety, here's a damsel fly.

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[markiver54]

Again, I appreciate the kind words. I've always thought that when pursuing a hobby, if you aren't progressing, then something is wrong. I do feel I've made a lot of progress in the last 2 years, and my current work is head and shoulders above what I was doing with film several decades ago. I would hope my work will be better in a few years than it is now.

Your work is head and shoulders above ANY other professional photos I've seen.

[clovishound]

I'll bore you with a few more I took today.


Saw this guy as a shadow on a large blade. I gently bent it over and discovered it was a small frog. Got quite a few shots of him.

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Was leaving when I spotted this little spider on a reed in the border along the parking lot. Luckily, I still had my camera handy and managed a few pics. Focus was tricky with the reed moving back and forth in the wind.

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They have a butterfly house with a section for caterpillars and pupae.

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This wasp was quickly moving from flower to flower, but stated put on this one long enough for me to grab 2 shots. Would have liked have gotten him without his head buried in the flower, but you get what you can.

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[markiver54]

I'll bore you with a few more I took today.

Never bored with your pics.

[Headhog]

WOW. Those are some fantastic pictures.

Paul