Fly of some sort

This looks like a Cluster fly,(Pollenia rudis), part of the Calliphordiae
family. Nice shot with good detail.





Jacko. Optio 555.

Nice macro of a fly Paul but a bit curious of the set up, the fly don't seem to have its legs resting on anywhere and the rear leg, instead of the sticky pad resting on the leaf, looks as though it is broken upward. has it been injured? looks like "Harold" has a wound under the wing.

Very nice Paul - I'll name mine Ian, although he's probably a gonner by now. Your shot is much sharper, although we used the same lens. My problem was that the bugger was up at the top of the mirror in the bathroom, so no chance of tripod/monopod and I had to lean over. Did you use tripod? And how do you find the Sigma? I've been very pleased!

Ah I knew someone would be able to tell me, thanks Jacko


What you see here is how the shot was taken, his legs were hanging off the leaf. I assure you that he is as natural as natural can be. I didn't superglue him to the leaf, no need to, he was a little poser. I see what you mean about the wound, didn't really notice that until now. All I did to the shot was get rid of some noise in CS3 and crop it to 12"x12"

Yes I used a tripod, Manfrotto 055ProB, this is an outstanding tripod as the positions that it can get into are amazing.
I love the lens, it is one of my favourites, all the shots in my portfolio apart from the Puffin and squiggle are taken with the Sigma. I had a nightmare with it when I first bought it a couple of years ago, images were to dark and the slightest movement made the images blurred and orrible. The Hoverfly in my portfolio was taken handheld.
Yes a great macro lens indeed.


Paul

wow paul truely stunning shot and detail,

Stunning shot Paul, excellent

Top shot Paul, superb detail well taken

Excellent Paul, unusual colours on this one.

Sorry if i gave you the wrong impression Paul...was just wondering if it had hit a window or something...i have no doubt that the shot is natural.
just that it looks a bit bedraggled thats all.

Hand held! you must have been having lessons off scottthehat - what about McFly for a name?
Jokes aside, this is a superb capture, the definition is spot on and the framing/composition speaks for itself - still hard to believe its hand held, its so just in focus - well taken.

No offense meant to your comment, Harold does indeed look like he has been through the wars!

Harold was not taken handheld, believe me I do not have the hands of Scott. The handheld shot was the Hoverfly im my portfolio, I had no time to muck around with a tripod, it was a case of fingers crossed and hope for the best.

Paul

WOW, Paul
you are starting to amaze me now immensely with these lovely insec shots.
This is one heck of a shot