1st posted Macros

[fortinaa]

I just recently sold my Sigma 105 Macro for lack of use, and then within 2 days someone had to tempt me with a good price on the 150mm Macro, which I have wanted to try for some time. Well, I got it and went to the butterfly/reptile house this weekend. I am very very pleased with this lens and would recommend it to anyone! For both shots, I used MF to get close, then let AF do it's job. The butterfly is handheld, the snake has the aid of a monopod. Both are 100% crops with no processing other than some levels on the snake! 580ex used right from the hotshoe.


http://www.wideopenwest.com/~fortinaa/butterfly.jpg

http://www.wideopenwest.com/~fortinaa/snakemacro.jpg

[Parkinho]

Good shots, for different reasons, I like the snake shot best. I love macro photography and wouldn't let my macro lens go for anything. The sharpness at the point of focus on the butterfly is amazing for a handheld shot, especially considering the focal length of the lens. The more critically detailed nature of the snake shot shows the value of using a monopod/tripod when biting sharpness is needed.

[racketman]

I bought that lens recently and like it too but I can't think why you would not have used the 105 just as much. Butterflies in 'captivity' are not timid so you wouldnt have needed the extra reach and the 105 would be easier to hand hold.

[fortinaa]

Thanks for the comments. I was actually surprised at how sharp the handheld shot came out. I am attributing it to balance of the 1D2 and lens. I am pleased with the snake, other than the streak from the dirty glass. It was shot at F13 and is definitely a sharper shot from the monopod.

The lack of use with the 105 was more for the lack of getting out and trying, and the fact that I wanted more working distance for skittish bugs and things. If I use this lens more, it will be because I like it more ergonomically (and performance-wise) and have the working distance I am looking for.

[Bald Eagle]

Great shots, both very sharp, You will love that lens, I know I do. A question if I may, I noticed you use the 580 EX Flash, I just recently upgraded to this flash, what were the settings on the flash? Thanks for sharing these. looking forward to seeing more.:D :D :D :D

[fortinaa]

Great shots, both very sharp, You will love that lens, I know I do. A question if I may, I noticed you use the 580 EX Flash, I just recently upgraded to this flash, what were the settings on the flash? Thanks for sharing these. looking forward to seeing more.:D :D :D :D

I used the flash on ETTLII with 0 to -1 exposure compensation. I did not have the diffuser over the flash and it was pointed straight on for these.

[kallousa]

Excellent start ..

Go on. show us more

Regards

[weka2000]

Now you are tempting me to buy one :)

Love the snake. Looking foward to seeing more

[LordV]

Love #2 :) Think the focus point is just a little off in #1
Brian V.

[Omri Alon]

If that is a 100% crop than it is sharp! Good shots :D

[fortinaa]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I look forward to the weekend when I can get back out and shoot some more.

As far as focus being off in #1, that is probably due to handholding and not standing as steady as possible. The monopod on #2 definitely shines through, but I think this will be a very handholdable lens with more practice as well.

[hidden forms]

Good shots, really like the texture of the snake

[fortinaa]

Good shots, really like the texture of the snake

Thank You. I was really surprised how much detail the lens pulled through on that shot that showed without adding any sharpening at all. Every time I look at it, it amazes me again (and then makes me mad because of the glass smudge).

Aaron