Manual macro on the cheap.

[Don Hoey]

Bluebottle - not a pretty sight.

This was pure chance and spotted on my first try at hoverflys in flight. Standard 105mm lens and 100mm of extension. Full flash.

Don

[yelvertoft]

I disagree, that is pretty. In a spooky horror movie kind of way.

[Leif]

Some of you might be interested in this software:

http://www.heliconsoft.com/heliconfocus.html

It allows you to combine multiple images of the same subject, each with a different plane of focus, to create one image with enhanced depth of field. I am sorely tempted, and if I get some suitable images, I will give it a try.

Also, how do people get precise focus on these small insects? I tried with a macro lens and tubes at the weekend and it was extremely hard. A focus rail really is needed.

[Saphire]

Thanks for the link Leif, I have just been out taking more. LOL!. I am addicted. I do wish I had a proper macro though.

[Don Hoey]

Originally Posted by Leif

Also, how do people get precise focus on these small insects? I tried with a macro lens and tubes at the weekend and it was extremely hard. A focus rail really is needed.

Leif,

I have not yet managed to find anything I could get a tripod mounted camera to before its gone. I have used either nothing or a monopod, relying on flash to freeze any camera movement. Lens to subject distance is very short, about 1 1/2", so finding the subject is pretty tricky, as due to the shallow dof its invisible in the viewfinder even if you are lined up on it, at anything over 2 1/2".

You are right in saying that for a tripod job then a focusing rail is essential. Use of bellows can be a great help as you can focus with them over a short distance ( probably 1/2" ). Mine are a cheapo Panagor set from years ago ( never could afford the Nikon ones ).

If I come across something that is not likely to move during the action, I will put it on my milling table as that has micro control, and take a seies of pics to try out
' Heliconsoft '.

Don

[Don Hoey]

Originally Posted by Saphire

Thanks for the link Leif, I have just been out taking more. LOL!. I am addicted. I do wish I had a proper macro though.

Tee hee

Don

[Saphire]

Here it is. This was with my 75-300mm +31mm +13mm exif is included. Hand held about 4ft away.

[Leif]

Originally Posted by Don Hoey

I have used either nothing or a monopod, relying on flash to freeze any camera movement. Lens to subject distance is very short, about 1 1/2", so finding the subject is pretty tricky, as due to the shallow dof its invisible in the viewfinder even if you are lined up on it, at anything over 2 1/2".

I was afraid that you were using flash. Yet more expense ...

I'm sure someone has mentioned this, but I tried a reversed 28mm lens on my D200, and adding extension tubes significantly increased the magnification. Sadly my Triplus tubes are rather poor quality. (I think they are the same as Kenko.) I once had Nikon tubes and stupidly sold them.

[Don Hoey]

Christine,

You have me there ....................... BRILLIANT !!!!!!!!!!!

I doubt that I will ever equal that.

I just looked at Exif : 1/319 sec at f5.6, ISO 100. Was this using the home made ringflash, pop-up, or seperate flash ?

.................................................. .................................................. ......................................

Leif,

If you are able to reverse a 28mm then forget the tubes and just use that. All you now require is a diffusion panel taped above the lens and you can use the D200 pop-up. It will be good for around f16 at ISO200/400. That would get you something like the Bluebottle, but not a flight shot as I have struggled with that and less magnification.

As you have a 200 macro, I will see what can be done with D100 using the pop-up and my 200 f4 with tubes. I will not be able to get your IQ though.

Do not be too concerned about your Triplus tubes v the Nikon ones. I started out using cut down toilet rolls years ago when I struggled with the cost of film and processing, never mind buying kit.

I might even try reversed 50mm on a tc to see what I get.

Don

[Saphire]

Don, I didn't use flash at all it is just lit with the sunlight, it was underexposed by about 2 stops so had to bring it out. The hoverfly was about a foot above an empty planter just soil as background, I was pointing downwards when I took the shot.