This morning dawned dull and damp. I found a Froghopper and as usual it hopped but I noticed where it landed and managed to entice it into a pot. It came on the walk with us and it obviously enjoyed the wander as it was good as gold when I popped it on a leaf to have it’s picture taken back in the van.
This is taken at 4:1 on the sensor and uncropped. This is not the limit of the lens but is the limit with the ring flash. When I get closer I lose the light. I have tried using foil reflectors but they get in the way and this was a very lively little insect. Amazingly it only hopped once, it landed on the monitor so was easy to recapture. It was intent on running about and exploring.
It’s port side.
Head on. This is cropped but would still print at over a foot square
DOF is the problem but it is what it is and there is little chance of focus stacking living insects that are this lively. It’s hard enough finding them in the view finder.
This is better but it ran off the leaf onto the back cloth. I suspect it doesn’t like walking on a microfibre lens rag. This was shot at 3:1 and gives about a millimetre depth of field.
As always there is room for improvement but I suspect these are as good as I can get. Lighting could be better but even if I upgraded to the MT-24EX I suspect with the diffusers I’d still struggle. This set up is cumbersome but the twin light flash must be a nightmare. It is also horrendously expensive. I think in future I’ll use 2:1 and 3:1 and crop if necessary. Focussing is not very satisfactory at higher magnifications unless the camera is tethered to the laptop.
I am happy with today and can now sit and watch the rain.
One thing's for sure. If there's an insect beauty contest at this weekend's Trelawnyd Flower Show, Mr Froghopper doesn't stand a chance unless of course the judges are all lady froghoppers. They might take a shine to you too Adrian!
ReplyDeleteYP, your comment reminds me of something my grandmother used to say if we saw an ugly girl. "She does have lovely eyes dear." She was right but I used to think that having three was one too many.
DeleteOh Daer Adrian I am laughing at both the above comments. Both are so true. These insects look like monsters. Sorry i cannot write more as I am still laughing!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's okay Margaret.
DeleteBrilliant Adrian. As you say I think you are at the limit as far as increasing depth of field goes. I would be over the Moon with that series of shots.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I feel comfortable with this lens now. It has taken long enough to get this good. I am very pleased but would like to think lighting could be improved. That Chinese strobe set up like the MT 24 EX is maybe worth a look but is still expensive if it's rubbish. The only way with live stuff is to hand hold I now use 1/60s to 1/100s, both well under sync speed but it does allow the background to expose.
DeleteWell done Adrian...you managed to 'tame' this one!
ReplyDeleteSuper closeups, it's interesting to be able to study the minute details that are normally 'invisible' to the naked eye.
All you need to do now is to find one with its full complement of legs!...I wonder if its right front leg is regrowing or if it's just 'how it is' after losing the rest of it? ...[;o)
Trevor, they are difficult to find but this one being paraplegic was easier to control.
DeleteI was going to title the post "Stumpy" but thought twice as it may have caused offence to other disabled Leaf Hoppers.
I never noticed it had a short leg until I had edited about six images. It takes ages to hunt down dust and that bloody grease Canon use on their shutter curtains. It shows badly at this magnification.
I took fourteen shots this morning had had four flash misfires. I really think that Canon should plate the hotshoe contacts. It's fine now I've given them a good rub with a cotton bud. I know that not everyone drags their camera out in all weathers but even so they charge enough for a camera with no QC certificate.
These are great. I don't think I have seen anything this up-close :)
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Mersad, I have seen better but not by me. It was a good morning.
DeleteIt's easy to be critical of our own work since we see the imperfections more than anyone else, but your photos are fab and well beyond what anybody else that I know can do.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I wish I knew someone who knew what they are doing. The internet has lots of tips but at least 50% are useless.
DeleteOutstanding close ups ! It looks like an alien.
ReplyDeleteChris, they are alien to us. They will be here when we are gone as they were here before we arrived.
DeleteI'm amazed how close up you get with your insect photos! They always turn out great.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I would like to be further away the 1" working distance means they are hard to light creatively.
DeleteGeniales tus macros. Hasta te saluda el bicho ;))
ReplyDeleteYa de vuelta Adrian y la mano bien. Gracias .
Un abrazo.
Me alegro de tu mano es mejor. Las macros son divertidos.
DeleteNow the frog hopper looks like what we call grass hoppers. We have a problem with grasshoppers this year as it's been terribly dry. Anyway excellent shots of the guy.
ReplyDeleteThey do have similarities Red.
DeleteI always approve of bugs that do as they are told!
ReplyDeleteTina, these are usually impossible to photograph except from directly above. This one was very good.
DeleteThe 'head on' shots are fantastic, the level of detail is amazing Adrian. Weirdly I think it's quite a handsome mini-beast
ReplyDeleteDouglas, it was an very good Hopper. I find them attractive.
Delete