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View Full Version : Macro Re-revisited: all about the bugs


Paul_Mc
13th of October 2004 (Wed), 18:25
Hello! me again! ;) Sick of me yet? ok well not so fast! As i continue my quest for that most suitable lense I sit here confused as ever. Would thou helpeth me out-eth? ;-)

I know the 180 has a better reach than 100 lenses. And I also know that using a tripod with 1:1 is most essential. And I want 1:1 ;)

I also want to someday print out 11x16's or larger of my macro shots.

Therefore quality is essential.

But can I get away with NOT using a tripod and using the flash to freeze subjects? Or is this method still not as good as a tripod? What about daylight situations, will a flash freeze a bee flying near a flower or will i need to setup, sit and wait with my tripod and trigger release?

What are you successful methods? Again, it's all about the bugs for me. Should I take my tripod with camera and lense attached , at the ready, and search for bugs? Or stake out a flower for visitors? I'm talking for the bugs that move a lot or are easily scared (butterflies, dragonflies, etc)

Also I have John Shaw's Closeup book, and he uses 105 lense almost 90% of the time! And he talks about handheld too over tripod. So that doesn't help. And hardly any photos of 180 compared to 100 as well.

The whole thing that confuses me around this matter is getting a tripod or not, the setup problems and missing moving subjects, which also relates to getting either the 180 or 100 for the distances.

I am really in the need of some advice. If I use a flash system and handheld, if i get my technique down, and i print these images, will they be as goos as a tripod shot? What i mean is will you notice THAT much of a difference?

I'm arguing with myself constantly over this tripod/handheld/working distance issue. I hate to invest in a 180 and hardly anyone uses it (either most people have nikon 200's or canon 100 lenses)

Thanks SO much AGAIN!

CyberDyneSystems
13th of October 2004 (Wed), 19:15
Once you learn the nuances of flash.. you can get extremely good results in combo with a macro.

Search the "Share" for shots by "Megaweb" .. he is a master.

I think most of us DO NOT use a tripod for a lot of macro work. If the subject is mobile,. and we are trying to focus by moving in and out... a tripod makes it very difficult.

Scottes
13th of October 2004 (Wed), 19:56
I've never used a tripod or monopod for any butterfly shots, and I have a lot of them. I've also rarely gone near 1:1 for BF or DF shots. Bees & flowers, yes, but not bigger game.

Almost all of my BF & DF shots were with the 100-400 L IS. The rest were with the Sigma 105mm Macro. I have done many 1:1 macro shots handheld with the 105mm. DoF sucks but it can be done.

I can't really imagine chasing bugs with a tripod. Monopod maybe - Bogen 3245 automatic highly recommended for quick height adjustments.

Flor flash, I'd highly recommend the Lumiquest products, particularly the UltraSoft and the soft box they have. Very necessary for 1:1 for soft shadows. You'll also *want* a 550 EX or other *manual* flash. I made the mistake of buying a 420 EX and found it lacking for closeups since E-TTL can't respond in time. Maybe the working distance of the 180mm would help that.

I truly want a Canon 180mm Macro but just can't afford it since I have the 105mm Sigma.