I was in a park earlier today, when I saw this bee on a thistle bush.

I had my Sigma 24 - 70 f2.8 on, so it does a decent job at macro photography, but I still wasn't happy with it.

So I went to a picnic table, switching to my Super Tak 35mm f2.0...... with a
(former 2x TC) extension tube.

For those people whom haven't tried this yet you can't focus on anything further away than around 2 inches. (5cm)

I was very surprised that he was still there, and even more surprised that he left me get this shot


Just so you know, neither one of the above photographs is cropped in any way.
However this is a 100% crop of the bottom pic


I don't think that I'd take my chances on that shot every day

[thomasjmpark]

Wow we must have been on the same wavelength as we both took thistle shots. I love that managed to get a bee in your shot, and i dont think i would have gotten that close! Long lens for me

[little laker]

Thanks Tom,

I used to have an allergy to the little guys. Since I somehow lost it they stopped stinging me, and now let me get up close and personal with the camera.
Although I could actually see this fellow tensing up for a moment, before he realized he wouldn't get hurt.

I was actually amazed with these photographs that you can't see their stinger.

[LaRee]

Good work Stu. I love the second shot. You had a great angle on that one!

[roentarre]

All great captures. The 2nd shot ticks the box with its head on approach to the shot. It is hard to get the head into focus not to mention the timing factor.

I don't know much about bee expressions but that one looks like she's glaring at you.
Nice shots Stu.
I was watching bees on thistles the other day and they really have to muscle their way into the flower head to get the pollen. Come to think of it, I got a picture. Here's thistle number 3.
Gary

[rmtagg]

great pics Stu!

[little laker]

Good work Stu. I love the second shot. You had a great angle on that one!

Thanks LaRee, and trust me. It took a little work to get that angle
But it was worth it

All great captures. The 2nd shot ticks the box with its head on approach to the shot. It is hard to get the head into focus not to mention the timing factor.

Thanks James,
It wasn't all that interested in moving, so after I got myself in position it wasn't that hard of a shot other than a little breeze blowing the plant around.

I don't know much about bee expressions but that one looks like she's glaring at you.
Nice shots Stu.
I was watching bees on thistles the other day and they really have to muscle their way into the flower head to get the pollen. Come to think of it, I got a picture. Here's thistle number 3.
Gary

Thanks Gary,
Your shot is nice as well.
This is the first year that I've been able to get the bee photographs I like. So I know how tough they can be.
Next comes DragonFlies

great pics Stu!

Thanks Rosemary

I'm at my mom's place for a few days, and then rushing home to photograph a wedding, and other work.
So I might not be able to post much in the next week or 2.
If anyone is trying to reach me please send a PM