Rhipsalis are strange, epiphytic cacti that look like a tangled mass of green sticks covered in white, hairy tufts that pass for spines. Over the last few years, Mrs L. has acquired a few types, which is a break with domestic tradition because I'm the cactus and succulent person. However, why complain when I get to enjoy them while she looks after them :wink And the enjoyment has been much enhanced over the last week because one of them suddenly and unexpectedly produced a mass of flowers, each at the end of one of the 'branches' and about 15mm diameter. That meant, of couse, that it was time to get macro stacking again. And here are the results. Taken with K3 + Sigma 70mm macro.

Thoughts, comments etc. welcome as usual.

1. From the front - stack of 34



2. From the side - stack of 43



Steve

Clever - and well captured. I like it .

Steve

It's easier to make you happy than me - I'm never happy until it's in my hands and working.

I was nearly ready to suggest a DIY job with a big bolt and a couple of circular manhole covers but there's no need to now. Hopefully the £30 purchase does the job for you. If not, you've got plenty of other (and more expensive :twisted options. Let us know how you get on.

Steve

Well spotted, nicely done.

All together now... "In the bleak midwinter...".

Steve

A frozen bird bath isn't much use to the birds, but it does throw up some interesting patterns and textures. And it's a lot more photographer-friendly than taking a long walk in bitter weather to see frosty vistas or staying up half of a sub-zero night to take astro shots under frosty-clear skies .

Taken with K3 + FA77mm + 20mm tube.

Thoughts, comments etc. welcome as usual.

1.



2.



Steve

Novoflex do panning heads link although the bigger ones have an integrated quick release unit which may rule them out for you. Their stuff is very, very good (from personal experience of their macro gear). I'd be surprised if the weight of your gear is a problem as the head will always be horizontal. Buy in the UK via Speedgraphic.co.uk if you don't fancy buying direct from Germany.

Steve

How about something like this link that's made for astronomy? It might also be worth contacting the business that's selling it as they are specialist astro suppliers and should have a good idea of what's on the market that will meet your astro needs.

Steve

Wrong title - it should have been 'Masochists' .

Seriously, though, this is a seriously good set and the mono treatment works well. I usually glance and pass on with people photos, they're just not my thing, but these made me stop and look.

Steve

A geared head will be rock solid, no creep or sag. It will have 3 axes of rotation but you can use pan and ignore the others. I've got a Manfrotto 410, good for 5Kg, it's what I use for macro at 1:1 and beyond. Their 405 carries 7.5Kg, 400 takes 10Kg. Other brands and models are available . How much are you willing to pay? Look and drool...

Steve

Excellent set. The cloud in the last one lifts it above the usual astro moon shot.

And good to get a sense of the moon in motion through the set. Have you tried cropping all so mars is in a fixed position and the moon moves across the frame?

Steve