pjalper Loc: San Pedro Ca.

Butterfly exhibit Monday. With a D750 and 20mm,50mm,,24-70mm28-105mm and 70-300mm
what is recommened for these little "floaters"? I have a steady hand (at83), and will not be rushed. T.I.A.....Peter

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Unless they let you close you will need some reach so the 70-300 with the 24-70 in the bag or a pocket in case.

If they let you get real close a macro of 100mm up to 200mm would be great.

I shoot Canon and often in the yard I use a 100-400L or a 70-300L for butterfly shots on the flowers.

pjalper Loc: San Pedro Ca.

. Easy to load the 70-300....Thanks for the reply and "heads up". I get something worthwhile tp post.

Bison Bud

I went to a local butterfly show awhile back and found it to be a frustrating experience trying to get some decent photos. They would not allow a tripod inside and as it turns out it would not have been very useful anyway. Frankly, the problem for me was the crowd, as the place was packed. The kids were actually given white cards and encouraged to use them to try to get the butterflies to step onto them so they could carry them around the room without actually touching them. This activity was particularly frustrating in that any butterfly that landed within reach was immediately molested and trying to get their picture was not even a consideration. Anyway, this pretty much made close up photography impossible and I ended up using a fairly long zoom lens with some reach to photography the specimens that the kids couldn't get to. I ended up with some decent shoots, but would have much preferred using my macro lens up close and on the tripod. Live and learn I guess, at least I was smart enough to bring the longer lens, but I doubt that I'll go back anytime soon unless they have a strictly photography day or something like that. Good luck and good shooting to all.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Kids are likely still in school, so a weekday is better than the weekend. Go when it opens for fewer people. Try a rainy day if possible, since there won't be many people at the gardens then.
I've had good luck with a monopod.