I spent an hour last night cleaning and re-seating the lenses in the EF-FD adaptor. I like the old lenses.
This morning was fine if a bit chilly in the wind.
I enjoy this lens being a bit soft. I think it is a change from the MP-E being so sharp.
This fly is posed on what I hope is a bit of Changing Forget-me-not. It is only just alive as I found it in the dogs water bowl. I have tried and can’t identify it but suspect it is a very small male hoverfly. I have had another look round and will say this is Xylota segnis.
I have spent ages this morning trying to find out what this is. It is no longer with us as a hungry blackbird ate it just after I took this picture. I had about three goes trying to get it to face the camera but it kept flying away and coming back. It looks to have similar antennae to a soldier beetle but I’m pretty sure it isn’t. TREVOR has identified this for me as a Click Beetle; Ctenicera cuprea.
Green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata). I hope.
In between the showers I will see if I can get a picture of the Goldcrest which is always around but never in view for long.
I agree Adrian ~ I like the softness too. But I wouldn't have a clue what the difference is between your lenses. Glad you are well too.
ReplyDeleteCarol, if it's fine tomorrow Ill take out an ultra sharp lens and try and take similar views. It's something to do. I'm fine but have the usual aches and pains.
DeleteI screeched, 'Chilly?' Then I reminded myself everyone doesn't live in Florida. Hugs to the pups
ReplyDeleteR. Mac, I worked in Miami and Fort Lauderdale it was too hot.
DeleteI can see where you are coming from with the soft however I prefer the sharper photographs you take. I do like the Green Bottle fly.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, If I want to keep using the FD lenses I'm going to have to fork out for a serious adapter.
DeleteWhat a wonderful picture of the green bottle fly! One of your best. I can even see the stubble under his chin - more likely purposeful sensors developed through millions of years of evolution.
ReplyDeleteYP, they are quite big so easier to focus on and the lens isn't so close that the strobes get obstructed.
DeleteSeems unusual, to me anyway, the way your soft focus lens is soft in the centre but sharper towards the edges. That shows very clearly with the fallen tree. Is it what used to be called a portrait lens? It's weird. Almost an inverse depth of field where near and far object are in focus but mid range is out of focus.
ReplyDeleteJohn, it is the infinite correction lenses in the adapter. It could be the lens isn't stopping down but it is the same on the 28mm and the 50mm. I'll see how much a posh adapter is.
DeleteNice countryside, nicer macros, and maybe you'll catch a Goldcrest, yes, you can do it.
ReplyDeleteBob, I have seen it three times but it hides in a conifer.
DeleteThat looks like the perfect habitat to keep a keen bug hunter busy for some while Adrian?
ReplyDeleteA male Hoverfly it is...but which one??
Your mystery beetle looks like a Click Beetle...check out Ctenicera cuprea
Looking forward to seeing some nice (macro?) shots of that Goldcrest...[;o)
Trevor, I would guess at a male Xylota segnis but I thought they had yellow feet not striped legs as this appears to have. It was very small and wet but flew away.
DeleteIt is a click Beetle and your ID is spot on Ctenicera cuprea.
The Goldcrest is a little devil. I could have almost touched it this morning as it was doing a Humming Bird impression not a metre away.
Postcards from Ireland! I forget why you are on this bug kick. A project or just to test your reflexes. If ever your are my way, I need a picture of the chipmunk that won't be still.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, I find them beautiful , a challenge to photograph and the very devil to identify.
DeleteYou've managed to get some great images despite it being chilly, down here so far I've had hail, rain, sun, wind and thunder...only a British summer lol
ReplyDeleteDouglas, it is better than that here but squally showers and gusty cold winds are keeping everything quiet.
DeleteI really love so much the landscapes pics, it look likes summer
ReplyDeleteLaura. it is summer or as good as summer gets in Scotland. I could have used a pair of mittens this morning.
DeleteThank you for this visual feast. I could walk in those woods right this minute.
ReplyDeleteKate, I am very lucky they start not fifty metres away and I go twice a day with the dogs. It's like heaven.
DeleteI like your forest photos. Some of this looks like planted forest. I like the way you find your specimens like in the dog's water dish.
ReplyDeleteRed, it was all planted conifers originally now they just leave this bit as a sort of reserve.
DeleteNice photos Adrian.
ReplyDelete\\\thank you Ian.
ReplyDeleteI am delighted to see those landscapes - I want to walk up that hill.
ReplyDeleteJean, my hill walking days are about over. I like the view though.
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