If you plan to photograph insects, I recommend a longer focal length (Sigma 150 is one of the best I have owned, and I have owned Nikon and Canon (200mm and 180mm respectively). With a short focal length, I found that I frequently scared the insect into flying before I was able to get close enough to it to get a decent sized image.
I recommend longer focal lengths for macro. Especially if you want to photograph insects. With the longer focal lengths you are able to focus from farther away. That way you don't frighten the insects away before you get the image. I have 2 that I think are excellent: Sigma 150mm and Canon 180mm f/3.5.
My daughter and family live in Hancock, and we are out there every spring (late May, early June). Would like to take you up on the offer to contact you when we are there. What is the best way to contact you?
I live in Maryland, but we go to my daughter's every spring. She has 5 kids and her husband is out of town for a week grading Advanced Placement Tests that prospective students take to get advanced placement in mathematics.
If you are ever out this way, contact me and maybe we can find some interesting places to photograph. My contact information is:
Bob Boner
816 Gist Road
Westminster, MD, 21157
410-848-0512
I've eaten there too. Several times. Good food. My daughter lives across the bridge in Hancock,and we visit every spring.
Especially like the geese. Thanks for sharing.
Nice! Did you do one as a vertical?
I agree with amphoto 1. I definitely do not recommend a UV filter to protect your lens. I think even the best ones interfere with the quality of the image. Since I always use a lens hood with all my lenses, that protects them far better than a filter, and doesn't cause the problems that the UV filter does.
Why don't you just get a bean bag for the window? I use a bean bag for my 600mm and 100-400. Works really well. You need a decent bean bag (probably $70-80 or so.
I usually have 2 cameras with me, a 5DSR and a 7D II. I use the SR when I think I might a want good sized enlargement, and the 7D when I might want to shoot several frames of the same shot, usually wildlife that is moving fairly quickly. Seems to work for me.
If you want to photograph insects that fly away when you get close, I recommend a 150mm Sigma or the 180mm Canon (if you shoot Canon). You won't scare as many of your subjects if you are a little farther away from them.
Nikon has a 200mm macro that is very good, if you shoot Nikon.
The 70--200 I used is the f/4. I have the f/2.8 but never use it now that I have the f/4.
If you expose an image, if it is not correct, you can usually tell from it how to get the proper exposure. Experiment! Take a few images of each site, one at what the meter in the camera suggests and one a stop or two over that exposure. Look at the histogram. Practice. Exposing more digital images doesn't cost you a thing and it can teach you a lot.