Before & After the cropping: A Sunfly

The first sunfly of the summer landed on the flagstone around my little pond today (actually a hoverfly, Helophilus pendulus).

I've been thinking about the crop factor of a 7D compared to the 5D Mk2 (I miss the extra length to a degree), I thought I would quickly try and show how good the crop is on the 5D Mk2 anyway, just for something to do, lol...


So here are the two before and after images, the first totally unedited and the second what I wanted it to look like after editing.

Exif:

Camera Maker: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Image Date: 2013-06-25 09:54:56 +0000
Focal Length: 100mm
Aperture: f/13.0
Exposure Time: 0.077 s (1/13)
ISO equiv: 125
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No (enforced)
Orientation: Normal
Color Space: Adobe RGB (1998)
GPS Coordinate: undefined, undefined
Copyright: Copyright: Paul Iddon - A View of the UK

IMAGE LINK: http://www.pauliddon.c​o.uk

IMAGE LINK: http://www.pauliddon.c​o.uk

The crop is the one that stands out as the 'obvious' choice, but I think there is a tendency (for me at least) to prefer high mag and detail. Having said that I like the way that full frame allows a decent shot of the environment while retaining detail on the subject. I guess that sort of shot tends to be more artistic, and the crop can be more for detail.

In this case I am torn, the stone with the narrow DOF is a little distracting, but I like the flowing shape in the background. Had that stone been a leaf it may well have been the preferred shot.

Cool work Paul.

I'm a lover of the extra detail too m8,


Paul.

Nice. I prefer the detail shots but also greatly appreciate the 'art' shots also.

Cheers Billy


Paul.

Great shot

Thank you

Paul.

That is a good example of both Paul, and for me, it puts into perspective what the difference is when using a full frame camera as I have never viewed through, or taken pics with, a full frame dslr.

I think cropping is the way to go obviously to see more of the detail, but I like to see detail plus the full size of the insect and sometimes with a little of its surroundings. I think we can get carried away a bit by the awesomeness of 'in your face detail' and forget to give the slightly bigger picture.

The crop above is a good balance showing both the detail and the insect (rather than just the massive detail of the eyes).

Linda

Lovely pictures Paul.

Thanks Linda.

It is surprising (perhaps I shouldn't be surprised) at how mush crop the 5D will give before losing any real definition. It's just harder to get to grip with than smaller bodies.

Paul.