Very close up photos
Apr 17, 2012 11:52:26 #
ClutchDisk
Loc: Fayetteville, NC
I am attempting to take extreme photos of very tiny ant like bugs in my lawn. They are probably no bigger then the head of a pin, move very fast, and seem to be all over in a dead grass area. I am going to attempt this with a Nikon 18-55mm lens 1:3.5 -5.6G. (Only have two other lenses, both are zoom 200m and the other to 300. Nother story). Not sure if this will work. I have a rotten feeling this is going by the wayside. Need a real good close up to bring this to the lawn and garden shop for identification. Push comes to shove what type of lens would be better for this ? I have a Nikon D-3000. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Apr 17, 2012 12:53:14 #
Hi ChlutchDisk: Should someone else fail to come up with a photography solution for your situation. What about capturing one in a jar or some other type container, that way you could take the actual bug in for identification. Just a thought...
Apr 17, 2012 13:00:25 #
+1 the jar.
Or, maybe puting a few in the fridge overnight to slow them down. Things that small, and moving that fast, I'd say near impossible for good macro type photos.
Or, maybe puting a few in the fridge overnight to slow them down. Things that small, and moving that fast, I'd say near impossible for good macro type photos.
Apr 17, 2012 13:58:40 #
Apr 17, 2012 14:05:48 #
Apr 17, 2012 16:08:56 #
You could try to get an extension tube and use a prime lens like a 50mm to get you close. It does not matter what body you use but the lense it the critical component! Check at Adorama, B&H or Amazon for an extension tube they are pretty inexpensice and are adjustable for certain type of closeup work!
Apr 17, 2012 16:57:36 #
Hello Clutchdisk, Coatachrome here.
The minimum focus distance for your 18-55 mm lens is about 11 inches measured from the camera's focal plane mark. That means you don't want the front of the lens any closer than 6 inches from the subject.
Make certain your camera is set to the single point focus mode, select Aperature-priority, set an f-11 stop, and let the camera select the shutter speed. That should give you a pretty good base image that you can then put through some basic editing software to produce a full frame blow up of the little critters.
The minimum focus distance for your 18-55 mm lens is about 11 inches measured from the camera's focal plane mark. That means you don't want the front of the lens any closer than 6 inches from the subject.
Make certain your camera is set to the single point focus mode, select Aperature-priority, set an f-11 stop, and let the camera select the shutter speed. That should give you a pretty good base image that you can then put through some basic editing software to produce a full frame blow up of the little critters.
Apr 17, 2012 17:53:41 #
ClutchDisk
Loc: Fayetteville, NC
Got some good info on the speed bugs. Not good at catching those little criiters. But I did get a picture of one. Btw they seem to be camera shy ! He's about center spanning an upper dead grass blade and a green blade at the "Y" intersection. I also found some small milky white type spots on the grass where this little honey transparent ant was. Wish I could have done better, but rough on the ol' back. Fell out of to many perfectly good aircraft while in flight. Looks like the ants are doing something with those tiny white speckles. Btw lawn and garden place didn't have a clue other then that looks like an ant. Again thanks.
Transparent honey color ant
Ant appears to attend these white spots
Apr 18, 2012 08:44:23 #
I think one ant must sacrifice itself for the community. A dead ant on a white background would make an easy subject.
Apr 18, 2012 09:11:56 #
I agree. Looking at what you have posted finding these guys is akin to finding the needle in a haystack. Some white paper or any color to offer some contrast is your best route!!
Apr 18, 2012 09:23:51 #
bioteacher
Loc: Brooklyn, NY
As a person that has taken a number of entomology courses and worked with the NJ Extension service, I would recommend that you capture the critters in a jar and call up your local extension agent so they can tell you what type of animal it is (insects have only 6 legs and segmented body). They might not be able to tell just from the pictures.
Apr 18, 2012 09:47:36 #
Apr 18, 2012 09:48:43 #
Lucian
Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio
I bet those white things are where they are keeping their eggs.
Apr 18, 2012 10:39:42 #
deb2015
Loc: Washington, Utah
Some suggestions for capturing critters. First capture them in a container and put them in the fridge for 30 minutes. In the 30 minutes make sure you have your set up ....back drop and camera etc. ready to go. Then use a tongue depressor to maneuver the critter on the location or spot you have chosen.
My recommendation is a dedicated lens such as the Nikon 105mm VR Macro lens. If you can't afford then purchase the Zeikos Macro Extension Tube Set. Make sure you purchase the AF Digital set. These can be purchased on line for around $80.00.
The attached picture is one I took using my Nikon 105mm Macro lens.
Good Luck.
Deb
My recommendation is a dedicated lens such as the Nikon 105mm VR Macro lens. If you can't afford then purchase the Zeikos Macro Extension Tube Set. Make sure you purchase the AF Digital set. These can be purchased on line for around $80.00.
The attached picture is one I took using my Nikon 105mm Macro lens.
Good Luck.
Deb
Apr 18, 2012 11:58:39 #
Try killing one or some with a bug spray. Then pick it up on scotch tape. Put it on a light background and then ptotograph it in macro. I did this with an ant.
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