Some Bees & Bumblebees Macro with X-T3

edorf_71 wrote:

notchy wrote:

edorf_71 wrote:

Wow, those are amazing! Do you get close enough with the zooms or did you use extension rings? Very nice shots.

Thanks! I enjoyed yours too, particularly given that they feature bees

None of the dragonfly shots above were taken using an extension ring, although I have used the MCEX-11 many times with the 55-200mm and the 50mm f2. With those lenses it works well, albeit with the inevitable shallow depth of field. Like most people I suspect, I just adjust it to the minimum or other required focus distance and move backwards and forwards until I achieve focus, allowing the OIS (in the case of the zoom) to make up for my wobbling about or else resting my supporting arm or hand on a tripod.

I really like using the 55-200mm for small animals and insects at relatively close ranges. It is relatively light weight and very flexible, giving me extra reach when things are out of range of the 80mm, which they often are. It's great for shooting things on the other side of a small stream, at the top of a tall bush, in amongst long grass, etc. It's also invaluable for getting usable shots of creatures that rarely allow you to come within a few metres before taking flight or running off. Still, for all I know you have the lens and know all about its advantages!

I've often contemplated getting a copy of the 60mm, particularly given its compact size and weight. I've seen the results and read its many glowing testimonies here and elsewhere. It seems it would be just perfect as a grab and go solution for insects and flowers, particularly here at home in the garden and as a general carry-around lens for casual trips out with my X-E3 and a Fujicron or two. I know how light and compact it is. I tried it out attached to an X-Pro2 at a local photography fair just last week. The thing is, I've spent rather a lot on Fuji kit over the last year or so, and so realistically any further purchases will now have to wait

Thanks for your info reg lenses. Im seriously considering getting the 80mm but its a bit expensive here in Norway. Would like to try the MCEX-16/11 on the 50-140/60mm before I decide.

Thanks.

You're very welcome. By the way, if you want inspiration for macro photography, look no further than the flickr account of Gilles San Martin. He uses old lenses reversed, free and open source software, and has created some of the most stunning shots of insects I've ever seen. His work is so good that instead of acting as inspiration, it made me want to give up and sell my XF 80mm!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sanmartin/

Oh, and if you view only one thing from his account, it has to to be this:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sanmartin/7404132344/

(Watch at your own risk... don't blame me if you have resulting nightmares