Photo Opportunity

I've got the chance to photograph some exotic pets in a room in someones house, snakes, spiders and lizards but not sure which would be a "good" lens to use. I have Sigma 105mm macro and the Pentax kit lenses. Have a tripod and remote release but no flash except the built in on the K7 any advice on getting some good snaps appreciated. Assuming the creatures will be on a table of some description.

Regards
Stan

The Sigma would be a much better choice than the kit lenses but guess the main issue will be Lens shadows cast by the onboard flash, maybe a couple of desklamps, or position the table as close to a window as possible, or if you have the time get a manual flash off ebay, can be had for £10.

Davex.

Some tips on photographing Tarantula spiders. ( I have 13 of these).
If they are on a table and out of their cage or tank, make sure that the room is cool or at least cooler than their tanks. They are cold blooded and are therefore less active when cooler. I have found that it is better not to have lighting that is too bright, as Tarantulas, like all spiders are not too keen on bright light and will attempt to run away and hide. Depending on species, Chile Rose and Mexican Red Knees will more often than not sit quite still. Others like the Rusty Red Baboon or Goliath will rear up as if ready to attack if you get too close, but rarely carry out the actual attack in my experience.
Hope this helps.

We have an exotic pet shop just down the road from where I live, and the owner has said that I can photograph anything so long as the flash is not used.

The flash upsets some of these reptiles and can cause them to go into a panic type of mode.