A Bug's Life

[goldcoastgolfer]

Hi guys,

Just working on a little project to keep things interested while I'm doing the weeding    I'm searching for the bugs that hide out in my garden and taking macro shots with them.  My macro lens isn't a proper one - it has a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2.7 but I'd be interested to get anyone's feedback.

The link to the album is:  https://picasaweb.google.com/goldcoastgolfer/ABugSLife?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Cheers,

Malcolm

[InspiringFotos]

I love the hide and seek picture. Taking pictures of bugs are fun when using close-up mode of a macro lens. My weekend was getting up close and personal not with bugs but desert wildlife. I will post my desert friend later this week. Did you do these bug picture in close-up mode or with a macro lens? If not what mode or type of lens did you use for these bug pictures?

[goldcoastgolfer]

Looking forward to seeing your shots. 

I don't have a macro mode mode on my camera - just a setting that really only shifts the aperture to mid range to provide enough DOF for macro shots.  My lens is a zoom lens with a reproduction ratio of 1:2.7 - not a true macro but allows me to get close.  I'm thinking about buying a dedicated macro lens though - tossing up between the Tamron 90mm and the Sigma 105mm non OS version if I can find it as the optical stabilisation feature makes it more expensive than the Nikon 105mm micro lens.  Still a ways away budget wise but my wife likes taking macro shots too and when she gets her D5100 for Christmas, she'll end up stealing my lens if I don't get another macro lens.

Mr hide and seek was actually trying to run away from me.  I never realised how shy bugs actually were

[InspiringFotos]

Great photo . I had to buy the macro lens. It was a must for my accessories. When I had the Kodak it had the close-up mode. When I got the Canon it had close-up mode and I wanted the macro lens. I am hoping in February when the cacti starts blooming, I can use my macro lens more.

[goldcoastgolfer]

What are the specs of your macro lens out of curiosity?

[InspiringFotos]

The macro specs are focal length/aperture 60mm f/2.8 with a minimum aperture f/32. The minimum focusing distance is 0.2m/0.7ft with a max of 1 x for magnification. The field of field is 15.1 x 22.7 mm/0.6 x 0.9 inch (at 0.2m). Maybe you can get a macro lens for Christmas. Nice thing about having a camera that has accessories is that for birthdays and holidays you can get more accessories. 

[goldcoastgolfer]

The macro lens i'm after is a 105mm which is almost $1000!  I'm keeping and eye out for a second hand one at the moment otherwise i might have to opt for a third party one  Might be an anniverary present early for my wife and myself because she's into macro photography as well.

i didn't think there would be a hobby that was more expensive than golf but I think photography might beat it!

[InspiringFotos]

Hi Malcom - Just catching up on threads, was out for a while. I thought growing up playing hockey was an expensive sport, then I found out that skiing was more expensive. Now that I have found there are so many lenses out there and they range from $200 to $10k, I think photography can be an expensive hobby. My macro lens cost over $500, but I love the lens. I am hoping to use it more when I go to San Diego at the end of February to take pictures of more flowers and stuff on the beach.

I know a hobby that is more expensive and can beat photography - Rebuilding antique cars. My boyfriend, just finish rebuilding a 1930 Model A Coupe and entered it in the Model A Meet last June - It took him over 6 years to complete that project. It was well worth the time and money put into that project. Now he's going to rebuild a MG. So I think to get the great shots it is worth the time and money spent to have good lenses. I don't know if I would spend $10k on a lens though  .

[goldcoastgolfer]

Well that's true - cars are expensive.  But a friend of mine is building his own plane which I think is an even more expensive hobby!

I'm probably going to pick up the Tamron 90mm Macro lens instead of the Nikon one.  I can't justify the expense when the Tamron is supposed to be a pretty good lens as well.

[InspiringFotos]

Okay - I agree building planes top the list of expensive cars and the hobby of photography. After you get your new macro lens take a picture so I can see how good it is.

[goldcoastgolfer]

Will do.  I might have to try it before I give it to Kerry

[katy12]

Fine blog. I got a lot of great information.
I’ve been keeping an eye on this technology for awhile.
It’s fascinating how it keeps changing,
yet some of the core elements stay the same.
Have you seen much change since Google made their most recent acquisition in the field? 

[goldcoastgolfer]

As promised here are some photos with the new Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro