Metallic Sweat Bee
Sep 24, 2018 07:29:41 #
Still trying out the macro rig inspired by Nikonian72. In our case: a ring light and a Lumopro 180 outboard with a diffuser. Nikon D7100 + Nikkor 105 mm Micro. This shot was AF, but I missed some good specimens due to "confusion" of the focusing system. We need practice, practice, practice. PS: Plant is a Camphor Weed. Pluchea spp.
Sep 24, 2018 08:49:36 #
JessM wrote:
thats why i always use manual focus,its easy,just set the lens to 1x1 or where you want it and move the camera to focus This shot was AF, but I missed some good specimens due to "confusion" of the focusing system.
Sep 24, 2018 10:19:45 #
I think you're right, tinusbum. I've tried that, of course, but it doesn't always help when I can't find the subject. For example, if the "bee" lights halfway down the bush, I have the (manual) focus at 1:1, and I'm standing. I look through the view finder and everything is blurred. Then, buck fever sets in, I start leaning down into the bug's approximate location, and the derned thing flies away. I do think practice will help, as well as bringing home a few "bucks"... :-)
Much obliged for the advice. I agree... 73... ~jessM
Much obliged for the advice. I agree... 73... ~jessM
Sep 24, 2018 14:36:51 #
Starting at 1:1 is hard for everyone else, but tinusbum uses a lens that starts at 1:1 😉. For your lens (and mine) start at lower power (so focusing from farther away). Frame the critter (it can be blurry) then move in toward where it looks like the size you want, manually turning the focus ring to get it into focus as you go closer. Continue to fine focus with both the focus ring and by rocking forward and backward. That would be required in this case since the bee will not sit still.
Sounds complicated to read since it involves some simultaneous actions, but you will quickly get the hang of it. For me the lightbulb went off when I realized that for my lens you turn the focusing ring CW for closer, and CCW for farther.
Sounds complicated to read since it involves some simultaneous actions, but you will quickly get the hang of it. For me the lightbulb went off when I realized that for my lens you turn the focusing ring CW for closer, and CCW for farther.
Sep 24, 2018 18:05:34 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
….. Continue to fine focus with both the focus ring and by rocking forward and backward. That would be required in this case since the bee will not sit still.
Ah, tweak AND rock...
I'll try it, Mark. Thanks! I'm on my way to Carnegie Hall... :-)
... practice, practice, practice...~jessM
Sep 24, 2018 18:20:09 #
Sep 24, 2018 19:34:10 #
Sep 24, 2018 21:40:39 #
Sep 25, 2018 10:09:54 #
Thanks to everyone for the comments. BTW, that's a male Agepostemon spp. Females are metallic green all over, but males wear striped britches. I'm really not that smart, but I know smart people... 
73... ~jessM
73... ~jessMSep 25, 2018 20:14:12 #
JessM wrote:
Thanks to everyone for the comments. BTW, that's a male Agepostemon spp. Females are metallic green all over, but males wear striped britches. I'm really not that smart, but I know smart people... 73... ~jessM
73... ~jessMgood to know, and grateful for the ladies/lads on here and bug guide for ID help
Sep 30, 2018 14:13:14 #
My astigmatism prevents consistent sharp focus. Therefore, I use AF, via smallest central spot focus setting on camera. I can use Mark's technique (moving towards subject), allowing camera to maintain focus, while I maintain field-of-view composure.
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