Originally posted by BigMackCam Incidentally, macro on the HD DA 35mm f/2.8 Limited isn't really all that useful for real macro work, in my view. Rather, it offers very close focusing, which can be extremely useful and offer excellent creative options. But it's not for live bee shots, for instance
Well, I can not let you say this without mentioning this
:
https://flic.kr/p/JDTiMA
With that said, I bought a used DFA 100 macro because yes, the 35 is quite a bit more difficult to use at or near 1:1, especially with some insects. This one was taken using a horizontally mounted flash and a home made paper diffuser. But it is a pain to get everything in the right spot. The diffuser itself is very special, with a part that goes down very close to the front element. I should take a picture of it.
I found bees surprisingly easy to work with. When they are focused on their work, they often ignore you.
But you have to know them, be careful and respectful. I usually sit there among them, let them get used to me, and only take a handful of pictures and stop, not to get on their nerves. Also, never do this if you feel they are in a bad mood, excited and aggressive.
On a more useful note for the OP, the 35mm is very good and very versatile. However, I often find myself wishing it was a bit wider for general usage.
But I cannot yet convince me to sell the 35 to buy the 21. Even now that I have the DFA 100 macro WR. Maybe with time, if I realize I don't use the 35 for macro anymore... But it is so good!
You wanted subjective advice, so here you go!