Macro's and a snake

[clutchkiller]

Some shot’s from today. The b/f isn't a macro.

Here’s a close-up of one of the red mites (like in the above image). It was taken with my Sigma 150mm macro lens, 68mm of Kenko extension tubes, and a reversed Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens (my first reversed 50mm shot).

My first garter snake of the year…

Sorry about the quality of this image, ISO was 1600 and I had to use my on camera flash (I’m waiting for a 430EX speedlight which is on backorder, I hate Adorama, should have stuck with B&H Photo). There were a bunch of ants collecting the dew from these aphids… I’ve only seen this done on television. Hopefully they will still be there tomorrow and the light will be much better…

Thanks for looking.

 

[Chenango Dave]

Those are unbelievable shots Paul. Looks like your having a blast with the new lens. That red mite looks like the same shape of a tick. Keep em comming.

 

[Hideandwatch]

Great shots paul. That little spider looks like someone from ZZ Top with a bandana on its head..LOL...keep them coming.

 

[clutchkiller]

Thanks Dave and H&W.

Dave, if you're thinking about a macro lens, check out the Sigma 150mm and the 105mm... they're both quality glass and shouldn't cost as much as a Nikon. Edit- the mite was smaller than a grain of sand (not exaggerating).

H&W, the ZZ Top spider is some kind of jumping spider... you should see them on FM... people post some incredible images of them!

Some more from today, I need to clean my sensor... tomorrow (lol).

 

[Chenango Dave]

Paul,
Physically, how close are you to these critters when you take them, I mean whats the distance from the lens to the bug?

 

[DEERSLAM]

Great great shots

plus!

 

[clutchkiller]

Thank you Mike

Dave, besides the dragonflies, butterfly, mite, and snake, the distance was under a foot. I used Kenko extension tubes to shorten my focal distance and increase the magnification of the subjects... without the tubes, the distance probably would have been around two feet. The distance for the mite was about three inches. With the dragonflies, I used my Canon 300mm f/L IS USM... the distance with tubes is about four feet at the macro end of the lens. You might be able to use the Kenko tubes with your lens (check before ordering), for just over $100 you can buy a set which includes one 12mm, one 25mm, and one 36mm tube.

 

[leod]

Great shots, and thanks for the info on your technique, that lens is on my "to get" list, but there are a couple ahead of it

 

[clutchkiller]

Thanks Leod, you'll love the lens.

 

[Ridn9high]

Very nice pics CK

Putting the lens to good use

Hoping for the rain to stop here so I can get out again and shoot.

 

[el_vaquero]

Outstanding as usual! Thanks for sharing.

 

[clutchkiller]

Thanks Mike and El_vaquero