Some experimental Dragonfly macro work

Just playing around here with a quick and easy macro setup to see how it would do. All images captured with the 1DsMII, 580EX flash with diffuser, 300mm f/4L & 25mm extension tube, off monopod. My preferred configuration is the 180mm macro, with twin macro flash....but this is a much easier setup to carry in the field when pack space is a premium. I shot the camera at EV 0, but dialed the flash down to -3 EV in order to keep the flash assist more subtle. Auto focus used on all.

http://CatcherofLight.smugmug.com/ph...2_iJ3xA-X3.jpg

http://CatcherofLight.smugmug.com/ph...7_4jmUx-X3.jpg

http://CatcherofLight.smugmug.com/ph...8_MpKE5-X3.jpg

http://CatcherofLight.smugmug.com/ph...3_hnaZK-X3.jpg

http://CatcherofLight.smugmug.com/ph...4_kzjW7-X3.jpg

Canon_Bob, these are great! How long do they stay still for so that you can get these wonderful images? Just curious.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WesternGuy

Canon_Bob, these are great! How long do they stay still for so that you can get these wonderful images? Just curious.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

---

The nice benefit of the 300mm/extension tube solution is that I can stay back a few feet and still fill the frame with the image. At 4 to 5 feet, most species of dragonfly will stick around for quite awhile. When I use the 180mm, I always attempt to creep up to 1 foot or less, and they don't tolerate that very well. Unfortunately, I got rained out before my experiment was done. I was going to use 32mm of tubes on the 600mm f/4 to see what I could do. I'm also going to play with the 180mm, 25mm tube, and 2x TC for some super-macro stuff. Just fun for me really.

Super shots Bob, and your explanations answered several questions I've had about set ups for macro shooting. That 3rd shot is amazing.

Canon_Bob, you have some cracking images here. I would never have thought to put my extension tube on my 300mm lens. You have certainly inspired me to have a go now.

Cassie.

Great shots!!! :thumbsup:

This is amazing ! I love the colors and I think this method produces more captivating results than an actual macro lens would do

Nice work - especially considering that all of these specimens are small/medium sized (especially #1 and #4). And #3 is a significant crop? My 300mm with several tubes and an APS-C can't get that close.

Love to see your continuing work with this combo :thumbsup:

Personally, I would lose the flash, go with a lighter body, and go hand-held for ulimate stealth mode :)

Loupey - Yes, number 3 is a significant crop. The beauty of 17 MP....You can cut a 2MP postage stamp out of a poster, and it still looks ok :-)

Hmmm...as amazing as the third one is, I like the 1st one...perhaps it's the color of the wings :)

Amazing shots Bob.
Number 3 is the kinds ahots I would LOVE to take one day :thumbsup: