These were shot with an *ist DS2. Amazing just how much I learned on that camera!

First, a couple of twelve-spotted skimmers from the local park. Both were done with the FA* 400mm f/5.6, wide open. Tripod was used with both, IIRC




Last shot is of an ebony jewelwing, shot with the 400mm again but with a full set of extension tubes so I could get close enough. This was Hand-held and also shot wide open.


All c&c's welcome!

[roentarre]

Wow!! Andrew. These photos are just amazing!! I am really really longing for this lens as well. Pity Australian CR Kennedy does not import any pentax lenses (what a pity that we all have to buy pentax lenses from US)

So sharp and crips. Great contrast. The eyes are sharp sharp that is so stunning. (maybe you over sharpened a little? hehe) But I love these insect photos.

Great post

[Scott Rylance]

Awesome Andrew! love the second shot.

[joele]

fantastic Andrew, you must be very patient..

[Photo Tramp]

Awesome, really nice macro work.

Good Shooting.
Cheers: David

[Tom Lusk]

With your 400!!

Perfect backgrounds to highlight the beautiful colours. Well done.

What distance were you from these critters?

A semi-technical question that David's comment brings up - are these actually macro shots when taken with a long lens? I have no clue...

[Andrew Faires]

Thank you very much for all the comments .

Tom, I don't think this is technically macro work as the ratio is far less than 1:1 but would fall under 'close-up'.

One thing I found with the Skimmers, Joele, is the would come back to the same perch so long as you didn't get too close. It made it handy for being able to try different poses and angles.

Thanks again for all the great comments

[clarenceclose]

Very excellent and the bokeh in the background makes them even more so. Have been wanting to try this long lense technique and will have a chance to do so this summer, though it won't be with that long of a lense. Very inspiring.

[Andrew Faires]

Thank you, Clarence.