Best lens for photographing butterflies

[RobinP]

Hi

I currently use a 70-200 zoom for butterflies but I can't get closer than about 5 feet for auto-focus to work. OK I get some reasonable shots but what would be the ideal lens to get in closer? I'm thinking maybe the Sigma 105mm or 150mm macro lenses would be a good choice? I don't have a huge budget so something under £300 would be ideal.

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi

I use the Sigma 180mm and I still have to get pretty close to fill the frame. I don't know how much they are used ? If I was to go for one of the lenses you mention then I'd pick the 150mm.

neil

[ron1863]

I don't think you will get either for under £300 unless you go for a used one. I don't have either but use a Sigma 70-300mm APO which has macro at 300mm giving 1:2 macro and is O.K. but nothing like the quality of a macro lens.

[NickCantle]

I'm just waiting for 5 butterfly images to be accepted, all of them taken with the Sigma 105mm. Some people are put off by the fact that you've got a smaller working distance but I like the challenge Getting close to a timid butterfly with a 105mm isn't easy sometimes and it makes it feel a little more deserved than something taken with a telephoto. Many people here use the 150mm which gives a little more working distance, but still takes a little knowledge of your subject to use successfully

I'll add pics to the thread once accepted

[pressld2]

I've just accepted them for you Nick - nice shots!

Nick gets great results with the 105 but I prefer the slightly larger working distance of the 150. I'm still editing shots from today but will post a few in the next half hour or so.

Dave P.

[riggy]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Getting close to a timid butterfly with a 105mm isn't easy sometimes and it makes it feel a little more deserved than something taken with a telephoto. Many people here use the 150mm which gives a little more working distance, but still takes a little knowledge of your subject to use successfully

I'll add pics to the thread once accepted

I enjoy trying to get close as well but saying that I am getting a tamron 70 -300 with 1:2 macro next week more for birds than insects I am quite fairly pleased with some of the results I have got with the kit lens I got with the a200 but of course we are never satisfied with the results we get.

Paul

[NickCantle]

Nice one Dave, thank you. As I say, I just prefer getting close to the subject and I enjoy skulking in the undergrowth being stealthy

Here's the images for today;











Nick

[pressld2]

I had a slight feeling of deja vu on that fourth image Nick!

Dave P.

[NickCantle]

Originally Posted by pressld2

I had a slight feeling of deja vu on that fourth image Nick!

Dave P.

DOH

Ta Dave

[pressld2]

Okay, here are mine from today (yesterday now) taken with the 150mm Sigma. Notice how there are five different images!











Dave P.