Macro lens for tree frogs in Costa Rica

CarrieCH said:

Hello everyone

I hope this is not a too basic question for this Forum....

I'm heading to Costa Rica in a few months. The question of the 'normal' lenses was already answered in the Open Talk forum (17-35mm and 70-200/4). Now I'm looking for a dedicated macro lens to photograph the frogs and reptiles and the additional cool fungus.

I don't have much macro experience or a macro lens so far. Just some close-up shots of plants mostly, but I want to spend more time with macro in the future. Close up adapters and so on aren't really an option for me.

I'll be using a Nikon D800E and probably some kind of flash unit with a diffuser, since that seems to be mandatory for macro and rainforest photography. The focal length is what's troubling me. Generally I'd say something in the range of the Sigma 150mm so I can keep my distance to the critters would be useful, but the DOF gets really shallow with this lens which would mean a smaler aperture to compensate which results in a severe loss of light, which isn't optimal in the rainforest if you don't want to use a lot of flash (I'don't have much experience with flash and am not so fond of the look, if one uses more than a touch of fill flash). So....

- get the 150mm and work around the shallow DOF with the use of more flash

- get the 105mm, enjoy the larger DOF, keep my distance anyway and crop my way to glory

(Of course the 105mm would also be nicer to take with on the hiking trips than the 150mm)

What is your experience under these conditions (frogs+rainforest)? Am a getting hung up for nothung on the shallow DOF? I'd be really glad for your opinion.

Carrie

PS: Sorry for my english. I'm not a native speaker.

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rankamaterur said:

At the same magnification, (say 1:1) the DOF will be the same for either lens, so I wouldn't look at one lens as being an advantage over the other in that regard. DOF is related to f/stop and magnification, not focal length. Working distance is another thing, however, so the 150 would be an advantage in that regard. Maybe even a 300mm, with extension tubes if necessary.

In the understory of the jungle canopy, light is always at a premium. I would concentrate on my lighting setup, as a priority. Trying for a "natural" look with flash photography of wildlife is tricky.

On-camera flash?

Multiple flash?

Light modifiers?

Nikon R1C1 setup?

Assistant/friend to hold second flash?

Are you going for hang-on-the-wall art photos, or more scientific documentation-type photos? If the latter, then I'd invest in an R1C1 rig.

Are you planning to carry a tripod, or hand-hold?

In general, be prepared for wet weather. Carry plastic bags to keep your kit dry. Dry everything out after every day in the field. Make sure your photo backpack has a rain cover, or plan on throwing a plastic trash bag over it.

High rubber boots are good for muddy trails, and offer some protection from snakes. (There are some snakes in the Neotropics that you need to be extremely careful of. Don't put you hand anywhere without carefully checking first! Be particularly careful of this when you're likely to be distracted by a photo opportunity).

Are you using a professional guide, or going it alone? Are you going to hire a car?

Have a great trip, and post some photos when you get back!

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