Additional or new lens?

[PhilM]

Hi everyone,

I am new relatively new to butterfly photography and have an aging but fully working Sony A350 DSLR with a 3.5-5.6/18-70mm zoom lens.

The problem is that I find I often need to move too close to my subject and end up scaring them off before I've got a picture. I don't know whether an add-on close up lens will be sufficient to solve my problem or whether I need to save up for a more powerful zoom lens.

I'd be grateful for any advice and if anyone could recommend suitable lenses that would do the job. The camera can take Sony A mount or Minolta A/Maxxum/Dynax lenses. Ideally I would also like to take photos of small larvae, ova, pupae and other small insects too.

Thanks for any help in advance,
Phil.

[Catteraxe]

Hi Phil and welcome to UKB.

Those who love photographing butterflies, including myself, tend to fall into 2 camps when it comes to lenses used. Broadly it is either the prime macro lens (often a 100 or 105mm lens) or the telephoto (often a 100-400mm lens). Using the telephoto means you don't need to get too close. It could be argued the prime macro delivers better quality images. I use both but prefer my Sigma 105mm macro lens. With a careful approach you'll be surprised how close you can get to a butterfly, especially one that is nectaring. If you're intending to photograph larvae, ova, pupae etc then you'll need to go the macro route. But, as I say, it's good to have both options.

Attached is a Cleopatra butterfly taken with the macro and a Burnet Companion moth taken with the telephoto.

Cleopatra

Burnet Companion

Good luck with your photos.

Kevin.

[PhilM]

Hi Kevin,

Thanks very much for replying.

I can see from your beautiful photographs and explanation why the two types of lenses might be needed, neither of which I have in my old Sony A350 kit bag. I'm not keen on buying new things when the old is still working, so I think what I can do is invest in appropriate second hand A mount lenses for my A350. As there isn't too much of this season left I think I'll use what equipment I already have over the autumn and winter, mostly to improve my ability to get close to subjects without frightening them and to improve my photographic techniques ready for next year. That's a plan! Thank-you, you have made things a little clearer for me.

Best wishes,
Phil.

[Bertl]

Phil

I personally prefer a macro lens. I use the nikon z mc 105mm and as Kevin says its amazing how close you can get to your subject in reality. Wearing some dark clothing i find helps you to sneak up on them.

All photos attached are macro.

Cheers

Bert

[PhilM]

Hi Bert,

Wow, you have managed to get close! The technique of approaching butterflies is obviously something that is important and I don't need to buy expensive lenses to practice that. Good tip about wearing dark clothes as well, much obliged,

Phil.