A Macro Question?

I have the tubes, I have a 50mm 1.8, 70-200 f/4L, and Sigma 17-35mm EX, (Which I use only at 35mm).

I have the stuff right, but one thing I can't figure out is: How the hell are you guys getting so close to these insects??? I can't get within 10 feet of a dragon fly. I almost had a robber fly today, but he took off around 5 feet. What is your stand off distance here? Should I give up on the 50mm and 17-35? Should I focus on shooting with the 70-200? Even with that lens the stand off distance is only a few feet with the 12mm tube.

If this has been answered before then please feel free to direct me too it. At this point the only thing I can get close enough to shoot in real macro is flowers. They have more nerve than dragon flies.

Thanks,

John

I don't know what others tips are. I am curious to hear em. But for me, it just a matter of perseverance and patience. Move slowly and what I have been discovering lately is to have my camera up near my face as I move in on a subject. Since just lifting the camera seems to make a lot of insects take off.
I am using a 50mm, so my working distance at the farthest is like 4"! For my real close shots I am at about 2.5".

You will find some insects will split fast. Then you will find some that will just sit there and let you get as many shots as your memory card can handle. One Dragon fly may jet when you are 5 feet from it. While another will not budge while your lens is in it's face!
There is also the trick of baiting some insects. With a drop of honey or sugar water or piece of fruit. Though I haven't really done that much.

Hope that helps a little, wish I was more helpful. Look forward to input from others here.
-B

Move slowly and surely. Don't suddenly get in the way of the sun, or of open sky (insects have simple eyes, so large areas of contrast changes will spook them).

It's often better to get them in the early morning or late evening, when they're cold and fairly inactive. Animals of any size will often assume a lens is a large eye looking at them (so being looked at by something significantly larger than them will spook them).

With practice and thought, you can get within a few centimeters.

^^^^

When you're getting within a few inches of them don't get excited and make sudden movements either, it's how they get attacked and they move for defense.

Not wearing brightly coloured clothing...I usually try and wear neutral or dark colours.

go out early in the morning when they still have dew on them. that way they will stay still long enough for a shot or two. just my 2cent's.

Bill 1

Depends if you want true macro, or if a close up with the 70-200 will do. Have you tried that lens with the tubes?

A walk by the river

Viceroy on a Butterfly Bush

105mm + 1" tube:
http://img.photobucket​.com …lows_061.jpg?t=​1216990744

I baited some dragon flies by putting a stick in the ground near the river one day & it worked out fairly well.
Damsels without Dragons!

Out of all these tips, I'd say "going out in the morning" is the best one. After trying to sneak on flies w/ the MP-E 65 (min focus distance of a few inches) at midday, I got very frustrated. But after reading the morning tip, I was able to actually get some keepers...even of dragonflies.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=524448