Photography equipment for Insect photographs

[Bushcraft]

Originally Posted by Kev

I'd forget about the 150mm upgrade, the lens quality is negligible, as is the distance, don't forget a 90mm lens on a DSLR is more like a 100mm, you're only talking a few inches if that, further away from the subject. Several of the pros use the Tamron 90mm and swear by it.

I'd try them both side by side before purchase.
Just trying to save you dosh

Prudent Kev

Thanks Kev I do like to be rather froogle when I can! I have had some nice results with my tamron 90mm. But I do seem to often blur at least one part of the image. Its to do with depth of field I have been told but im still learning. Thanks for the adive about the 150mm I will certainly bear that in mind!

[Alan]

Although the Sigma 150mm seems to be 'the macro lens of the moment', and I can't really argue with this, if you already own say the Tamron 90mm, it's best to try to get the best out of this first before you start thinking of upgrading.

.........the grass is always greener, and all that!

[Bushcraft]

Originally Posted by Alan

Although the Sigma 150mm seems to be 'the macro lens of the moment', and I can't really argue with this, if you already own say the Tamron 90mm, it's best to try to get the best out of this first before you start thinking of upgrading.

.........the grass is always greener, and all that!

Very true Alan....... I heard there is a new one on the way anyway

[matt_xyz]

Hi Kris,

The shallow DOF is unavoidable when it comes to macro photography, all you can do is to try to maximise it by using the smallest possible aperture. But it will still be very shallow. My tip would be to always try to get the insect's eyes in focus. I also find that flash helps considerably with macro shots - you do need to diffuse it though or else it is too harsh. If you are having a go with your onboard flash, try covering it with a tissue (you can hold this on with an elastic band). Looks incredibly professional as well I now use an external flash gun with an omni-bounce diffuser which looks very similar to that used by tr33lo above. You should still get good results with your onboard flash though.

Matt

[Bushcraft]

Originally Posted by matt_xyz

Hi Kris,

The shallow DOF is unavoidable when it comes to macro photography, all you can do is to try to maximise it by using the smallest possible aperture. But it will still be very shallow. My tip would be to always try to get the insect's eyes in focus. I also find that flash helps considerably with macro shots - you do need to diffuse it though or else it is too harsh. If you are having a go with your onboard flash, try covering it with a tissue (you can hold this on with an elastic band). Looks incredibly professional as well I now use an external flash gun with an omni-bounce diffuser which looks very similar to that used by tr33lo above. You should still get good results with your onboard flash though.

Matt

Hi Matt,

Thanks for the advice, I will try it out very soon. Im off on holiday in about a weeks time to the isle of Lundy so I hope to get some good insect shots and of course some good puffin shots.

Thanks again
Kris