Hover Fly macros

Hover Fly macros · 09:51 AM

Spiderworts are quite small - perhaps 3-4cm across. I am almost 2 feet away when I took this shot. It was under heavy overcast skies and beneath a forest canopy, so flash was mandatory! Used the K10D, ISO 100, F/16, 200mm, EV +1.5 (it was REALLY dark) with AF540 plus Sto-Fen flash diffuser. Tripod, but no cabled remote.

Hoverfly on Spiderwort:

Link to the EXIF data.

Considering the subject (the fly is not even the length of my thumbnail), the details came out quite well. I did a light sharpening to resolve the compound eye structure on the fly a bit more. These are crops, but are still over 2200+ pixels on the long side.

Crop for more details:

Regards,
Marc

chirpy · 06-28-2009, 08:52 AM

Stunning hovers Marc.

**Marc Langille** · 06-28-2009, 10:13 AM

Originally posted by Nitrok

Great photos Marc! Wonderful details.
These are really hard to shoot when they are flying btw

Hey Joni, hope you are doing well!

I agree about them being tough to photograph in flight. They are so damn small and they can flit about quite quickly! Thanks for looking and commenting.

Originally posted by Sailor

Super job, Marc . . . . and thanks for the technical description of your technique.

Again, great images.

Jer

My honor Jer - thanks for the comments!

BTW, I will probably consider a road trip within the year to Texas. Not sure yet if I am going to participate in the VLF competition again (only every 2 years), but the Coastal Bend region sure looks nice! It depends on several things...

Regards,
Marc

**Heinrich Lohmann** · 06-28-2009, 11:34 AM

Hi Marc, I have taken hoverfly pictures and some of them came out not too bad but after looking at yours here I think I need another lens. LOL :-) Thanks for posting them.

**Marc Langille** · 07-01-2009, 04:38 PM

Originally posted by chirpy

Stunning hovers Marc.

Thank you - I've added a crop to better show details!

Originally posted by Heinrich Lohmann

Hi Marc, I have taken hoverfly pictures and some of them came out not too bad but after looking at yours here I think I need another lens. LOL :-) Thanks for posting them.

If mine wasn't so rare, I'd send it to you for a test spin - you've done well with the diopter close up lens on the 50-200!

Guess you'll have to come visit instead...

Cheers,
Marc

JMR · 07-05-2009, 04:23 PM

Looks your flower gives off ultraviolet light, or is that the true colour of the flower? No matter, great images.

JMR

**rparmar** · 07-05-2009, 04:29 PM

Wow, yeah, great stuff. This guys can be hard to nab.

EDIT: "these guys" I mean. Doh!

**Marc Langille** · 07-05-2009, 05:05 PM

Originally posted by JMR

Looks your flower gives off ultraviolet light, or is that the true colour of the flower? No matter, great images.

JMR

Hi JMR, your comment about the color had me wondering, so I went back and checked the RAW file. I can confirm that it is the color (violet/blue) of that variety of spiderwort.

Note that it is a bit lighter in color in the RAW file. The WB shows to be at 5900K, which was the temp captured when the flash fired. That color was washed out a fair bit due to the warmth of the WB. I reduced it to 5500K and it was much closer to the real color of this spiderwort. I've seen purple, pink, blue and many other color varieties here.

Originally posted by rparmar

Wow, yeah, great stuff. This guys can be hard to nab.

I appreciate it Robin - thanks for looking!

Regards,
Marc

foxglove · 07-07-2009, 10:50 AM

You are going to cost me some serious money one day, Marc! I just can't do that with a 90mm macro. Of course I probably can't do it with a 200mm macro, either, but at least I can try!

Awesome how much you can get from 2 ft away. You mentioned they're crops, by how much? If I were 2 ft away with the 90mm, the fly would be a teeny speck...

I've been experimenting with fill flash for macros, and really enjoying the little boost of shutter speed/dof it gives me. I should get/make a diffuser, though. You've got lovely natural-looking light there.

As much as I love my Tokina, I'd love to get my paws on a good 200mm. Out of my league at the moment, but some day...

Lovely images as always, thanks for the inspiration (and envy...).

Julie

**Marc Langille** · 07-10-2009, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by foxglove

You are going to cost me some serious money one day, Marc! I just can't do that with a 90mm macro. Of course I probably can't do it with a 200mm macro, either, but at least I can try!

That's the point of LBA, right...???

Originally posted by foxglove

Awesome how much you can get from 2 ft away. You mentioned they're crops, by how much? If I were 2 ft away with the 90mm, the fly would be a teeny speck...

Not sure if you noticed the EXIF links and the comments? Actual dimensions were not mentioned, but I stated that they are still (just) over 2200 pixels on the long side below the images.

Or did I misundertand your comment and you wanted to see the entire image, uncropped? Forgive me if I did not understand in the sentences above.

Originally posted by foxglove

I've been experimenting with fill flash for macros, and really enjoying the little boost of shutter speed/dof it gives me. I should get/make a diffuser, though. You've got lovely natural-looking light there.

As much as I love my Tokina, I'd love to get my paws on a good 200mm. Out of my league at the moment, but some day...

Lovely images as always, thanks for the inspiration (and envy...).

Julie

I chose the Sto-Fen simply because it's tough thick plastic and packs nicely. Necessary criteria for travel, etc.

Thanks Julie - much appreciated by those very kind words!

Regards,
Marc

mickeyobe · 07-10-2009, 11:35 AM

What stunning pictures!

I am sorely tempted to consign my photo gear to the recycling bin.

Mickey

**Marc Langille** · 07-10-2009, 08:36 PM

Originally posted by mickeyobe

What stunning pictures!

I am sorely tempted to consign my photo gear to the recycling bin.

Mickey

Mickey, thank you very much for the kind words!! Please enjoy them and take photos that make you happy. This is not a comparison contest...

Regards,
Marc

gawan · 07-11-2009, 11:06 AM

Amazing quality shots! Artistic too! The last crop is stunning!
So this is the famous FA*200mm, I assume?

cupic · 07-12-2009, 04:36 AM

Epic truly a wonder of photography

cheers

daacon · 07-12-2009, 07:18 AM

Teach me obiwan !! Great captures as always Marc.

**Marc Langille** · 07-12-2009, 07:51 AM

Originally posted by gawan

Amazing quality shots! Artistic too! The last crop is stunning!
So this is the famous FA*200mm, I assume?

Thank you Georg - that's why I do not simply take photos of the hairy heads of insects. Nothing against those folks who do this - for me it's too straightforward and becomes dull for me. Besides, I can only take so many hairy heads...

The real challenge is finding an angle and getting artistic value from the shots. A combination of details AND beauty is actually a sometimes challenging task.

You are correct about your question - this is indeed the FA* 200/4 Macro. The one in the Lens Review DB is in fact a picture of mine...

I put up a comparison photo to show the size difference between the FA 100/2.8 and the FA* 200/4 macro lenses in the Wolf Spider with Spiderlings post (page 2, IIRC?). For you reference, here it is again:

Based on the threats/offers/cajoling on the FA* 200/4 Macro from the Utah Photography Workshop participants, I may have to leave it at home... what to do??

Cheers,
Marc

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07-05-2009, 04:29 PM	#21
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,823	Wow, yeah, great stuff. This guys can be hard to nab. EDIT: "these guys" I mean. Doh! Last edited by rparmar; 07-05-2009 at 06:15 PM.

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06-28-2009, 08:52 AM	#16
chirpy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: UK, Berkshire Posts: 143	Stunning hovers Marc.

06-28-2009, 10:13 AM	#17
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by Nitrok Great photos Marc! Wonderful details. These are really hard to shoot when they are flying btw Hey Joni, hope you are doing well! I agree about them being tough to photograph in flight. They are so damn small and they can flit about quite quickly! Thanks for looking and commenting. Originally posted by Sailor Super job, Marc . . . . and thanks for the technical description of your technique. Again, great images. Jer My honor Jer - thanks for the comments! BTW, I will probably consider a road trip within the year to Texas. Not sure yet if I am going to participate in the VLF competition again (only every 2 years), but the Coastal Bend region sure looks nice! It depends on several things... Regards, Marc

06-28-2009, 11:34 AM	#18
Heinrich Lohmann Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Airdrie, Alberta Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,097	Hi Marc, I have taken hoverfly pictures and some of them came out not too bad but after looking at yours here I think I need another lens. LOL :-) Thanks for posting them.

07-01-2009, 04:38 PM	#19
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by chirpy Stunning hovers Marc. Thank you - I've added a crop to better show details! Originally posted by Heinrich Lohmann Hi Marc, I have taken hoverfly pictures and some of them came out not too bad but after looking at yours here I think I need another lens. LOL :-) Thanks for posting them. If mine wasn't so rare, I'd send it to you for a test spin - you've done well with the diopter close up lens on the 50-200! Guess you'll have to come visit instead... Cheers, Marc

07-05-2009, 04:23 PM	#20
JMR Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 3,332	Looks your flower gives off ultraviolet light, or is that the true colour of the flower? No matter, great images. JMR

07-05-2009, 05:05 PM	#22
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by JMR Looks your flower gives off ultraviolet light, or is that the true colour of the flower? No matter, great images. JMR Hi JMR, your comment about the color had me wondering, so I went back and checked the RAW file. I can confirm that it is the color (violet/blue) of that variety of spiderwort. Note that it is a bit lighter in color in the RAW file. The WB shows to be at 5900K, which was the temp captured when the flash fired. That color was washed out a fair bit due to the warmth of the WB. I reduced it to 5500K and it was much closer to the real color of this spiderwort. I've seen purple, pink, blue and many other color varieties here. Originally posted by rparmar Wow, yeah, great stuff. This guys can be hard to nab. I appreciate it Robin - thanks for looking! Regards, Marc

07-07-2009, 10:50 AM	#23
foxglove Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Atlantic Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,049	You are going to cost me some serious money one day, Marc! I just can't do that with a 90mm macro. Of course I probably can't do it with a 200mm macro, either, but at least I can try! Awesome how much you can get from 2 ft away. You mentioned they're crops, by how much? If I were 2 ft away with the 90mm, the fly would be a teeny speck... I've been experimenting with fill flash for macros, and really enjoying the little boost of shutter speed/dof it gives me. I should get/make a diffuser, though. You've got lovely natural-looking light there. As much as I love my Tokina, I'd love to get my paws on a good 200mm. Out of my league at the moment, but some day... Lovely images as always, thanks for the inspiration (and envy...). Julie

07-10-2009, 10:56 AM	#24
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by foxglove You are going to cost me some serious money one day, Marc! I just can't do that with a 90mm macro. Of course I probably can't do it with a 200mm macro, either, but at least I can try! That's the point of LBA, right...??? Originally posted by foxglove Awesome how much you can get from 2 ft away. You mentioned they're crops, by how much? If I were 2 ft away with the 90mm, the fly would be a teeny speck... Not sure if you noticed the EXIF links and the comments? Actual dimensions were not mentioned, but I stated that they are still (just) over 2200 pixels on the long side below the images. Or did I misundertand your comment and you wanted to see the entire image, uncropped? Forgive me if I did not understand in the sentences above. Originally posted by foxglove I've been experimenting with fill flash for macros, and really enjoying the little boost of shutter speed/dof it gives me. I should get/make a diffuser, though. You've got lovely natural-looking light there. As much as I love my Tokina, I'd love to get my paws on a good 200mm. Out of my league at the moment, but some day... Lovely images as always, thanks for the inspiration (and envy...). Julie I chose the Sto-Fen simply because it's tough thick plastic and packs nicely. Necessary criteria for travel, etc. Thanks Julie - much appreciated by those very kind words! Regards, Marc

07-10-2009, 11:35 AM	#25
mickeyobe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,759	What stunning pictures! I am sorely tempted to consign my photo gear to the recycling bin. Mickey

07-10-2009, 08:36 PM	#26
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by mickeyobe What stunning pictures! I am sorely tempted to consign my photo gear to the recycling bin. Mickey Mickey, thank you very much for the kind words!! Please enjoy them and take photos that make you happy. This is not a comparison contest... Regards, Marc

07-11-2009, 11:06 AM	#27
gawan Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Helsinki Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,400	Amazing quality shots! Artistic too! The last crop is stunning! So this is the famous FA*200mm, I assume?

07-12-2009, 04:36 AM	#28
cupic Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Australia-NSW Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,824	Epic truly a wonder of photography cheers

07-12-2009, 07:18 AM	#29
daacon Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Alberta,Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 20,914	Teach me obiwan !! Great captures as always Marc.

07-12-2009, 07:51 AM	#30
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by gawan Amazing quality shots! Artistic too! The last crop is stunning! So this is the famous FA200mm, I assume? Thank you Georg - that's why I do not* simply take photos of the hairy heads of insects. Nothing against those folks who do this - for me it's too straightforward and becomes dull for me. Besides, I can only take so many hairy heads... The real challenge is finding an angle and getting artistic value from the shots. A combination of details AND beauty is actually a sometimes challenging task. You are correct about your question - this is indeed the FA* 200/4 Macro. The one in the Lens Review DB is in fact a picture of mine... I put up a comparison photo to show the size difference between the FA 100/2.8 and the FA* 200/4 macro lenses in the Wolf Spider with Spiderlings post (page 2, IIRC?). For you reference, here it is again: Based on the threats/offers/cajoling on the FA* 200/4 Macro from the Utah Photography Workshop participants, I may have to leave it at home... what to do?? Cheers, Marc