Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 7:59 am
Martin - interesting to read your comments and approach. Just goes to show that, even for something as specialised as butterfly photography with a DSLR, there's a variety of possible methods, all of which can yield good results.
One of the reasons I like 100mm lens for macro is because you don't need such fast shutter speeds to eliminate hand shake. I also find that sometimes, a longer focal length can make framing more difficult (I used to own the Sigma 180mm but sold it) - when you're looking down on an insect on a flower for example, you can actually be too close with a longer lens! With good field technique and especially in these days of crop sensor SLRs, 100mm or thereabouts is a very viable focal length.
However, one thing I would concede is that I occasionally wish the Nikon were better at ISO 400 - the VR lens may help to eliminate hand shake, but it does nothing to stop subject movement!
My approach demands a lot of walking - I like to shoot active insects so that I can capture images of real behaviour - impossible with a tripod. I hand hold the camera, lens and a heavily defused flash to provide fill-in when required. Even the D2x is easy to carry with such a set up, but the D200 is much lighter for a serious hike. I find mirror lock up invaluable on static subjects.
On the subject of camera noise (sound), one advantage of digital is that there's no longer any need to wind film on - so either less movement or less sound, depending on whether your camera has a winder or not.
Off to try to find Wall brown's today (weather permitting) - a species that seems to have practically vanished here in East Suffolk recently.
Good luck with whatever equipment you choose Wayne.
Best wishes to all.
Malc
One of the reasons I like 100mm lens for macro is because you don't need such fast shutter speeds to eliminate hand shake. I also find that sometimes, a longer focal length can make framing more difficult (I used to own the Sigma 180mm but sold it) - when you're looking down on an insect on a flower for example, you can actually be too close with a longer lens! With good field technique and especially in these days of crop sensor SLRs, 100mm or thereabouts is a very viable focal length.
However, one thing I would concede is that I occasionally wish the Nikon were better at ISO 400 - the VR lens may help to eliminate hand shake, but it does nothing to stop subject movement!
My approach demands a lot of walking - I like to shoot active insects so that I can capture images of real behaviour - impossible with a tripod. I hand hold the camera, lens and a heavily defused flash to provide fill-in when required. Even the D2x is easy to carry with such a set up, but the D200 is much lighter for a serious hike. I find mirror lock up invaluable on static subjects.
On the subject of camera noise (sound), one advantage of digital is that there's no longer any need to wind film on - so either less movement or less sound, depending on whether your camera has a winder or not.
Off to try to find Wall brown's today (weather permitting) - a species that seems to have practically vanished here in East Suffolk recently.
Good luck with whatever equipment you choose Wayne.
Best wishes to all.
Malc