OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Another bee picture. Been frustrated trying to get a shot of a honey bee. Either it moves or it's my poor eye.

Techs:
Nikon D3100 w/ 55-200 mm set at 100mm
f/9.0
SS 1/100
ISO 400

To get this guy into depth-of-field range, should I go to higher ISO, e.g. 1600? Wouldn't I then need to back off speed to 1/25th (bad for hand held), or open two stops which would put him right back out of focus again?

Help!! Frustrated in Portland. :(

Out of Focus Bee

Bill Pinto Loc: Metairie, Louisiana

You don't have a depth of field problem, you have a focusing problem. At f/9 you have enough depth of field. You need to a faster shutter speed and better focus.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Thanks, Bill. I was afraid it might be my poor eyesight. :cry: I'll try this again in the morning with a magnifying eyepiece when the critters don't move so fast. :thumbup:

jk48 Loc: Camarillo, California

Part of the problem is the flat light...highlights and midtones missing...might be your exposure or the light that day..

Even when they seem be just sitting there they are moving while they hunt for the pollen in the flower..movement ypui can't see but it is there..
Have not tried this with a long lens..these were done with macro, fixed 105mm...and in the sunlight when they are most active..they are next to impossible to follow around..tough to do..bees are very hard subjects..

So, I finally just put the camera into sport mode..since it was bright sunlight I had no trouble due to the fast shutter speed...

Even when they seem be just sitting there they are moving while they hunt for the pollen in the flower..movement ypui can't see but it is there..

It took 383 shots, most of them out of focus to just get these 3..

I will send you another one done with just my 55...come in close with just the 55mm and try it...amp up that shutter speed..

jk48 Loc: Camarillo, California

Here are a couple with just my 55..

Busy Bee 35mm f/8 1/60 125 ISO..sunlight..not sure how I held it so steady and dead stopped him at 1/60 but it worked..I just set the aperture at f/8..the camera did the rest.

Good Stuff Inside..f/10 250 sec ISO 220

Busy Bee


Good Stuff Inside

jk48 Loc: Camarillo, California

Like Bill said..bump up that shutter speed..they are moving even when they look like they are still..

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Thanks for the guidance, guys.

I forget to mention one small tech fact: I was also shooting with a 36mm extension tube to get in closer. :oops: Maybe that's where the flatness comes from?

JK48: Thanks for sharing your great photos. Persistence pays! Now I only need to try 312 more shots to catch up with you. :shock:

Or maybe I'll just chuck it all and go back the the Olympus point and shoot. :|

jk48 Loc: Camarillo, California

Tip: Whether you use a 55 or a macro..you have to get in close with bees...unless you are afraid to get stung..generally they ignore me...they are too busy getting their work done..

Don't try 100mm..they are too small to be so far away...try your 55 and just get in there with them