Big Butterfly Year - advice?

Howard S wrote:

My favourite lens for medium to large butterflies is the EF300 f4 IS with or without 1.4x extender on a crop body. It gives a great working distance some samples with a range of gear here I think most EXIF is intact, mouse over the large image and click on "i" if it says 300mm or 420mm it is that lens. There may be some extra ones here

You want a tele lens because the butterflies will only let you get so close  I've also done well with my 300 mm f/4 IS, which does 1:4 magnification.

eastmanrd wrote:

This year I hope to take pictures of all the butterflies in the state of Maryland. There's about 80 species in the state and it will take some planning to get to each during their flights, but it should be fun. I'm looking to get standard shots (dorsal, ventral, field guide style) as well as more unique compositions. I'll also go for habitat shots to show context. My habit has been to shoot sans flash, handheld, with macro. Not crazy about dark backgrounds from flash. For some of the smaller butterflies (3/4 inch) it may require more technique. I'm familiar with all the standard advice.

I'd appreciate two kinds of recommendations. First, for equipment, I have a 40D, 100mm macro non-L, monopod, tripod, 430/diffuser. As part of the fun I may try out by rental new items: 60mm EF-S, 180mm, 6D, 7D, 300mm, macro ring, and such. What would recommend renting first? What works for you?

And any suggestions on technique or imaginative ways to approach this? Interesting compositions, non-standard shots? One technique I use is planting butterfly bushes all around the house so taking a picture only means going out on the front walk (see the last two below).

Appreciate any comments. I've been on the Canon forums for a few years but haven't posted for a while. Searched for butterfly postings, didn't find much recent or obvious.

Here's three of my shots to give you an idea of previous experience.

Standard shot - first butterfly day out with my first DLSR.

Orange Julia Costa Rica (2006, Canon 300D)

Noisy background, but I like the texture. Is it too noisy?

Tiger Swallowtail - Maryland (40D, 100mm macro)

This photo work? Pink too distracting?

Same camera, same flower, different day

I've done pretty well with the 100-400mm and the 100mm Macro with twin lights. Don't forget to visit Brookside Gardens starting in May where they have an outstanding butterfly collection.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dngovoni/sets/72157630347234692/

Thanks for the advice! That's six votes for long lenses, so a landslide. I was thinking of the 180mm, but not longer - certainly didn't have the 300mm on my list. I will have to try a long lens weekend. I do have the 70-200 f4. Are you using those longer lenses handheld with/without flash or tripod? dgovini mentioned the twin flash, one item I do have to try.

On the other hand, I've had some success sneaking up on the little guys with a P&S, taking photos at 4 inches or so.  If they're nectaring or puddling, they often don't care - when they're in active mode cruising for a mate, they're skittish. I use this strategy when backpacking and all I have is a beaten up Sony - the fellow below is a checkerspot from Yellowstone. The Hairstreaks, Blues and Skippers don't often get the photo love, particularly the grass skippers as the little brown jobs (LBJs) of the butterfly world. Any success with closer working distances?