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E-M1 Dragonflies in Flight, dare to argue C-AF is bad

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vass

vass

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One of my favourite Insects is the Australian Emerald Dragonfly. This is a dragonfly that does not stop flying all day and I have yet to see one perched in the day.
They have some cool eyes and I have nailed them before but this time I got really close and was over the moon with my results.
I also didn't raise the shutter speed too high as I like to show the slightest hint of movement in their wings, makes the photo more life like to myself.
Most of them show eye detail at full size so I included a 100% crop on the last photo within the photo. All taken in jpeg + raw but these are straight out of camera jpegs with some minor processing and cropping then reduced to 1600x1200.
I also have captured many other Dragonfly species in flight really well but wanted to show my favourite species by a whisker the Australian Emerald this time.

Stay tuned for other species to come soon

Enjoy!























regards,
Vas

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[URL]http://www.flickr.com/photos/14869355@N07/ [/url]
 

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Last edited:
Vass,

Wonderful shots as usual!

Were you using the EE-1 for these?

Sequential High + C-AF?

Centre, centre 9 or all focus points enabled?

--
Chris R
 
Last edited:
Awesome captures, Vass! You DESERVE the OLY300!!

(I couldn't think of a better compliment to praise/prize your astonishing skills :D)

Cheers,
 
Excellent work as usual vass. You sure know how to use the E-M1 and show what the camera/lens are capable of in skilled hands.

Look forward to your shots with the 300mm f4 as you surely will be able to shut up the naysayers! :-D

Cheers

Dennis
 
vass said:
One of my favourite Insects is the Australian Emerald Dragonfly. This is a dragonfly that does not stop flying all day and I have yet to see one perched in the day.
They have some cool eyes and I have nailed them before but this time I got really close and was over the moon with my results.
I also didn't raise the shutter speed too high as I like to show the slightest hint of movement in their wings, makes the photo more life like to myself.
Most of them show eye detail at full size so I included a 100% crop on the last photo within the photo. All taken in jpeg + raw but these are straight out of camera jpegs with some minor processing and cropping then reduced to 1600x1200.
I also have captured many other Dragonfly species in flight really well but wanted to show my favourite species by a whisker the Australian Emerald this time.

Stay tuned for other species to come soon

Enjoy!























regards,
Vas

--
[URL]http://www.flickr.com/photos/14869355@N07/ [/url]
Click to expand...
I'd really like to see what you could do with an EM5ii and CAF..
 
Jim Vincent said:
Amazing, wonderful shots.

Helps that all are against a flat beige or blue/grey background.

Where are you shooting the dragonfly in flight that you get such a quiet backdrop?

Can't wait to see examples of your work with your new 300 f/4
Click to expand...
Cheers

These are shot off the bank on a small lake. The Emerald loves water and is flying over it 95% of the time. The water does love to trick the focus a lot too. The next dragonflies coming grass and trees. Makes no real difference to me, you got to put up with the habitat the dragonfly lives.
The reason the background is quiet is the distance from lens to dragonfly and water/sky. The dragonfly only flies a foot to three above the water but because the angle I shoot them bokeh becomes smooth as you want it.
 
randallktodd said:
Did I miss it or did you not say what focusing points you were using? I'm always gathering information on what settings work for other people.

Those are some fantastic shots!! I applaud your skill in shooting these creatures.
Click to expand...
 
Brian Wadie said:
Good technique and a knowledge of the patrol pattern of these wonderful creatures is the key to this sort of photography. Only then will the right gear come into play

Excellent work
Click to expand...
 
banosser said:
I'd really like to see what you could do with an EM5ii and CAF
Click to expand...

I have managed some good BIFS and a few insects using CAF only on my e-m1. I think it is ok but the hybrid system is better overall.
 
Last edited:
Great work, Vas.
 
I have not argued that C-AF is bad. These photographs give me no reason to change that stance. :)
 
Thanks to all who commented

regards,

Vas
 
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