Macro photography

[Phil]

As it was sunny and hot, I decided to take half a day holiday today.

I went to my favourite insect spotting haunt before taking my dogs for a walk at the local Iron age hill fort.
Here are today's efforts....
Feedback and advice welcome....

IMG_8355-1 by Philip Davies, on Flickr

IMG_8374 by Philip Davies, on Flickr



I didn't realise Damsel flies ate other insects!!
IMG_8388 by Philip Davies, on Flickr

IMG_8390 by Philip Davies, on Flickr

IMG_8438 by Philip Davies, on Flickr

IMG_8467 by Philip Davies, on Flickr

IMG_8494 by Philip Davies, on Flickr

IMG_8677 by Philip Davies, on Flickr

IMG_8692 by Philip Davies, on Flickr

[Gate Keeper]

Originally Posted by Phil

Good evening Phil.
That's good to see, thanks for sharing. What are your impressions?

Good morning Phil, sorry for missing your question. I think that the kit is the sort of thing you could leave in the boot of the car, or in a pocket, knowing the lenses are there for the 'chance unplanned' shot and you don't have your CaNikon with you. It comes in a little case with a belt clip, so all the lenses can be swapped at waist level. The one I had is quite limited with no manual focus controls. But worked ok with the phone's onboard auto focus. Some of the places I have been to in Africa are too dangerous to be seen taking a DSLR out, if you know what I mean. A phone camera is more discreet.

I don't think they could ever replace a DSLR, but these kits are becoming more popular for ease of use and convenience. Quality of glass will vary from bad to good. Set up is easy peasy

[Phil]

Originally Posted by Gate Keeper

Good morning Phil, sorry for missing your question. I think that the kit is the sort of thing you could leave in the boot of the car, or in a pocket, knowing the lenses are there for the 'chance unplanned' shot and you don't have your CaNikon with you. It comes in a little case with a belt clip, so all the lenses can be swapped at waist level. The one I had is quite limited with no manual focus controls. But worked ok with the phone's onboard auto focus. Some of the places I have been to in Africa are too dangerous to be seen taking a DSLR out, if you know what I mean. A phone camera is more discreet.

I don't think they could ever replace a DSLR, but these kits are becoming more popular for ease of use and convenience. Quality of glass will vary from bad to good. Set up is easy peasy

Thanks Phil, interesting to hear.
It can be a pain having to haul the camera around everywhere with you so would be good to have something like this.
I guess over time these kind of things will develop and become better and eventually may even integrate completely with the phone hardware.




I've ordered a new SIGMA macro lens. It's meant to be delivered tomorrow.
I hadn't planned on getting one for a while yet but I've really enjoyed capturing insects with my 300mm zoom lens and as summer won't be here for long I thought I might as well get on with it.
I just hope it turns out to be worth it.

[Rocket]

August is usually best for butterflies

[Phil]

Here's the final few insect shots taken with my 70-300 lens..

I feel sorry for this guy, he looks like he's been through a lot!
Red Admiral by Philip Davies, on Flickr

Wasp by Philip Davies, on Flickr

Bee by Philip Davies, on Flickr

Bee by Philip Davies, on Flickr

Bee by Philip Davies, on Flickr

[Phil]

Here are my efforts with my new, proper macro lens!

I love this, there is a raindrop on his eye! This wasn't even a big fly. He was tiny.
Fly by Philip Davies, on Flickr

This is a caterpillar on a Buddleia flower..
Caterpillar by Philip Davies, on Flickr

[Rocket]

Much more detail - good stuff. All the parts have come together now. Now you just need that 42mp camera.

They are sharper than mine now - I'll have to get a proper macro lens to keep up.

[Phil]

Originally Posted by Rocket

Much more detail - good stuff. All the parts have come together now. Now you just need that 42mp camera .

Thanks Paul, I'm nowhere near your standard of quality but I'll keep at it.
SWMBO is going out tomorrow morning and according to the internet it isn't going to rain so I will go and have another play!!

[Rocket]

I reckon you were closer to the subject with those 2 shots. The flash has a softer look to it with less bright areas.

[Phil]

Originally Posted by Rocket

Much more detail - good stuff. All the parts have come together now. Now you just need that 42mp camera.

They are sharper than mine now - I'll have to get a proper macro lens to keep up.

Sorry, I quoted while you were editing.
No! My pictures are nowhere near the quality yours are at!!
You already have a proper macro lens don't you?! If you don't, we are all in trouble!!