Ladybirds

[Grahamk]

Just starting to get to grips with my recently acquired RF100mm f2.8L macro lens. The attached images (no post processing) are hand-held with a slight breeze making life difficult. Time to dust off the tripod and design a wind break! Found it quite difficult to keep the subject centered in the frame - as can be seen.

 

[Hali]

Well done! Macro is always a fun challenge because of that shallow depth of field. Add some wind in, and it's (too me) sometimes an exercise in frustration. But the results are always worth it when you nail it. I'd be interesting to see the windbreak you create.

 

[Grahamk]

Well done! Macro is always a fun challenge because of that shallow depth of field. Add some wind in, and it's (too me) sometimes an exercise in frustration. But the results are always worth it when you nail it. I'd be interesting to see the windbreak you create.

The windbreak idea was more tongue-in-cheek than a real intention, but you never know. You’re right about the frustration level. I tried holding the leaf to steady it at one point but that only left one hand for the camera - hence the need to dust off the tripod.

 

[Archibald]

Nice colors, a nice start with your new macro lens. Try cropping to show the subject better. I would never use a tripod in the field except for stationary subjects. Many of us use diffused flash for macro. Its short duration freezes motion. You will be able to shoot at a low ISO. On-camera diffused flash allows you to move around quickly and at odd angles as necessary, before the bug flies away.

There are many schemes for cheap (and effective) home-made flash diffusers online. The diffuser can be any colorless translucent material. It needs to be at least 6 inches/15 cm wide, and a good distance away from the flash head to give the light a chance to spread.

The RF 100 macro is an amazing lens. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

 

[Grahamk]

Nice colors, a nice start with your new macro lens. Try cropping to show the subject better. I would never use a tripod in the field except for stationary subjects. Many of us use diffused flash for macro. Its short duration freezes motion. You will be able to shoot at a low ISO. On-camera diffused flash allows you to move around quickly and at odd angles as necessary, before the bug flies away.

There are many schemes for cheap (and effective) home-made flash diffusers online. The diffuser can be any colorless translucent material. It needs to be at least 6 inches/15 cm wide, and a good distance away from the flash head to give the light a chance to spread.

The RF 100 macro is an amazing lens. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

Thanks for the tips/advice. I've cropped one image & enlarged using Topaz Gigapixel and then sharpened with Topaz Sharpen AI - result attached.

 

[Archibald]

Thanks for the tips/advice. I've cropped one image & enlarged using Topaz Gigapixel and then sharpened with Topaz Sharpen AI - result attached.

View attachment 29583

That looks great.

 

[Paul Iddon]

That's a good crop Graham, well done.

Paul.