Photography equipment for Insect photographs

Bushcraft · #1 (**permalink**) 22-06-2006, 12:14 PM

From here:

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...le-whammy.html

Out of interest Jon, are you using a Panasonic lumex to take those shots?

tr33lo · #2 (**permalink**) 22-06-2006, 12:44 PM

Hi Bushcraft

nope im not, I use a canon 350D with sigma 105mm EX DG macro lens coupled with a homemade flash bracket and canon 580ex flash. sometimes i use jessops extention tubes

this is my rig for those that are interested lol

Bushcraft · #3 (**permalink**) 22-06-2006, 12:50 PM

Hi,

Thanks for the info. Do you use the flash when taking pics of insects? I ask this as you seem to have fine details of the compound eyes and I don't always get this. Im quite new to DSLR's. Im using a D200 and Tamron 90mm Macro for now although im going to upgrade to the 150mm Macro from Sigma at some point.

Best wishes
Kris

tr33lo · #4 (**permalink**) 22-06-2006, 12:55 PM

yeah I use the flash on most Insect shots because it allows for a greater depth of field and it will stop the action on those little critters that move around alot

the flash bracket helps to get the flash nearer to the subject as you can see. generally i use the ETTL mode on the flash which is canons new and improved metering and do pretty much everything for you setting

the biggest trouble with flash is the drop off you get sometimes if the subject has no background, basically this means that the back of the photo loses colour and usually ends up black or dark brown, but if you can get stuff close up in the background it stops this happening.
dunno if i made that clear but i tried lol!!!

this pic of a midge shows what i mean

Bushcraft · #5 (**permalink**) 22-06-2006, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tr33lo

yeah I use the flash on most Insect shots because it allows for a greater depth of field and it will stop the action on those little critters that move around alot

the flash bracket helps to get the flash nearer to the subject as you can see. generally i use the ETTL mode on the flash which is canons new and improved metering and do pretty much everything for you setting

the biggest trouble with flash is the drop off you get sometimes if the subject has no background, basically this means that the back of the photo loses colour and usually ends up black or dark brown, but if you can get stuff close up in the background it stops this happening.
dunno if i made that clear but i tried lol!!!

this pic of a midge shows what i mean

Thats great, cheers Jon. I will have a go with my built in flash and if I feel the need I will get myself an extra bit of kit to fit on top, that will annoy the girlfriend lol. I Often seem to blur one part of the insect, either the head is in focus or the tail end is, but rarely both so this may help me with that problem too. Cheers

Alan · #6 (**permalink**) 22-06-2006, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tr33lo

yeah I use the flash on most Insect shots because it allows for a greater depth of field and it will stop the action on those little critters that move around alot

the flash bracket helps to get the flash nearer to the subject as you can see. generally i use the ETTL mode on the flash which is canons new and improved metering and do pretty much everything for you setting

the biggest trouble with flash is the drop off you get sometimes if the subject has no background, basically this means that the back of the photo loses colour and usually ends up black or dark brown, but if you can get stuff close up in the background it stops this happening.
dunno if i made that clear but i tried lol!!!

this pic of a midge shows what i mean

Have you tried using slow curtain sync flash mode to lighten up the backgrounds?

tr33lo · #7 (**permalink**) 22-06-2006, 04:12 PM

urm nope, what would that be then

never heard of it *me goes and gets his flash manual* lol

Alan · #8 (**permalink**) 22-06-2006, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tr33lo

urm nope, what would that be then

never heard of it *me goes and gets his flash manual* lol

It's just a flash mode that slows the shutter speed down a bit, so the light has more chance of hitting the background. It's worth a try!

tr33lo · #9 (**permalink**) 22-06-2006, 04:32 PM

hmm thanks for that Alan, I will certainly give it a go

Captain Kev · #10 (**permalink**) 22-06-2006, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushcraft

Hi,

Thanks for the info. Do you use the flash when taking pics of insects? I ask this as you seem to have fine details of the compound eyes and I don't always get this. Im quite new to DSLR's. Im using a D200 and Tamron 90mm Macro for now although im going to upgrade to the 150mm Macro from Sigma at some point.

Best wishes
Kris

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