Antillean Blue

[c.j.]

CJ's Desert Dwellers: Antillean Blue Butterfly Hemiargus ceraunus sipping nectar from a Mexican Hat Ratibida columnifera

There are three separate races of this species in the United Staes. This is the Southwestern subspecies, denoted by it's singular 'eyespot' on the underwing. (I think I have an archived jpeg of this species with spread wings. I'll attempt to lacte it if I can't get a new shot…)

This is a member of the gossamer winged family. The coloring is from 2 types of scales: browns, grays and oranges are pigmented colors (think dyes, pigments) and blues, greens, purples and coppers are 'structural color (think of the rainbow created with oil on water or a hummingbirds gorget) created by light refraction in the scales. That is why the blue has a 'shine'

Same photo, one closer than the other.

Actual size .75 inch


Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Canon Macro Lens EF 180mm 1:3.5
Cnaon Extender EF 1.4x II
Opteka Grip

Handheld
Cropped

[Loupey]

Very sharp, CJ. Looks like you and that macro lens are coming along nicely. Handheld with the 1.4x - that's great!

As with your other recent post, nice job paralleling the subject :thumbsup:

[c.j.]

Very sharp, CJ. Looks like you and that macro lens are coming along nicely. Handheld with the 1.4x - that's great!

As with your other recent post, nice job paralleling the subject :thumbsup:

Thanks again!

I'm actively trying to think while taking the shots, "angle in relation of subject to lens, check shutter, DOF 'Creative Mode' setting?, manual?, late in day - exposure compensation" IMPORTANT NOTE: All learned through here!!!!!

The 1.4 Extender is great. I do have to compensate for exposure early/late in the day, though. I have a tripod, but it is an old combo photo/video Soligor Husky piece that is too cumbersome for use amongst the plants and flowers. I've set it up a couple times and was really impressed at the degree of improvement incorporating it and a 'shutter release remote'.

Love the lens!!! It is excellent having equipment that far outranks my ability. Due to that fact alone, obselescence isn't forthcoming for quite some time! :thumbsup:

[Loupey]

I'm actively trying to think while taking the shots, "angle in relation of subject to lens, check shutter, DOF 'Creative Mode' setting?, manual?, late in day - exposure compensation" IMPORTANT NOTE: All learned through here!!!!!

Wow, CJ - you think a lot Really you're doing the "right" thing. It's like learning how to drive. It's automatic now but remember having to say out loud, "buckle belt, foot on brake, key in ignition, transmission in D, don't run over anyone today"