First K20D Macro

This is my first macro with K20D, Sigma 180mm, AF360FGZ, LumiQuest Softbox

I think that this is Scolopostethus affinis, a tiny 4mm bug:


http://flickr.com/photos/chirpy_uk/2463348835/
F/16, 1/90, ISO200 with Dynamic Range Enhancement enabled.

My technique is a bit rusty. The LumiQuest Softbox (many thanks to Dan for previously posting about this!) gives much better lighting for me - softer, less harsh and less glare.

I'm not sure about the D-Range setting. It helps prevent blown highlights, but adds significant noise in shadows which can be a pain. I'll probably switch it off in future.

Looks great to me.

How do you keep these 'critters' still long enough to photograph them :

I have been experimenting with macro for the first time this morning and manual focussing on something that is static is difficult enough

It's certainly tricky. I only use MF and manual metering all set up in advance. I then use a monopod with a ball head and the macro at the minimum (shirtest) focus and wander around looking for likely candidates, lowering and raising the monopod as I go.

Once spotted, I get the thing in the viewfinder and move the ensemble back and forth until it looks in focus and then hit the button. Success rate is probably around 0-20% for the tiniest insects, up to 50-80% for the "larger" flies and bugs.

I've tried in the past with a tripod, but as you say, they're gone long before I can get setup and usually end up knocking everything about getting the legs right.

Interestingly I found a use for the Liveview preview of the K20D and it was interesting using the technique above while watching the LCD. The main problem with it, though, was the appreciable delay between hitting the shutter release and it actually happening. It seems like the camera has to lower the mirror again (from liveview), raise it again (take the picture), then lower it again (finish). I'd understand why if I didn't have everything in Manual. The time it takes is too long to hold the camera steady.

It would work great on a tripod with a remote release, but then I'm back to lugging that lot around

Looks right, according to this site: http://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Lygaeidae/scolopostethus_affinis.html

You're welcome. With my flash, it reduces the exposure to f/11 or f/9.5 at ISO200, so it's easier to balance the flash with daylight too, which can help reduce the number of black backgrounds.

Nice shot though, very tricky getting those tiny bugs right.

Dan

They have a few of my macro photos of bugs on that very useful site

So they do! Neil Phillips, another contributer, is a friend of mine, didn't know some of his were on there either.

Dan