[normhead]

I see your missing the Sigma 70mm f2.8 macro. I think you'll like that lens, since it's a stellar performer.

I like my Sigma 70 but it's heavy, but it is a great performer. If you want a macro you can also use for portraits, this might be the best. A great lens for studio work, but too big and heavy to add to 4 other lenses in a camera bag if you're hiking.

[Canada_Rockies]

I like my Sigma 70 but it's heavy, but it is a great performer. If you want a macro you can also use for portraits, this might be the best. A great lens for studio work, but too big and heavy to add to 4 other lenses in a camera bag if you're hiking.

I use a Lowe-Pro 100 sling when hiking. For serious walks it contains: K-3 with grip, 12-24 or *16-50, DA 55-300, FA 100/2.8 macro, AFA 1.7x. I also carry 2 L water in a canvas holder that can be dunked to keep the water cool, and lots of C******te for energy in my pockets. Light duty is 12-24 and 55-300. Same water bottle. If SWMBO is along the chocolate is replaced with something more "healthy".

[onlineflyer]

I like my Sigma 70 but it's heavy, but it is a great performer. If you want a macro you can also use for portraits, this might be the best. A great lens for studio work, but too big and heavy to add to 4 other lenses in a camera bag if you're hiking.

If you think the Sigma 70mm is heavy at 525g you should check out the Vivitar Series 1 90-180mm macro at 1100g.

Here are a couple from today, shot at 180mm f8

[Canada_Rockies]

If you think the Sigma 70mm is heavy at 525g you should check out the Vivitar Series 1 90-180mm macro at 1100g.

Here are a couple from today, shot at 180mm f8

For a nest like that, I would want 1800 mm.

[ivanvernon]

For a nest like that, I would want 1800 mm.

To get in close, the Pentax-D FA 50mm f 2.8 macro has MFD of only 20cm!

[Canada_Rockies]

To get in close, the Pentax-D FA 50mm f 2.8 macro has MFD of only 20cm!

One fears awakening the occupants. When they awaken, man is wise to vacate promptly and rapidly the near locations thereto. Thus sayeth the man who, 70 years ago, stepped on a nest of their ground dwelling cousins and couldn't put anything on his feet for three days.

[ivanvernon]

One fears awakening the occupants. When they awaken, man is wise to vacate promptly and rapidly the near locations thereto. Thus sayeth the man who, 70 years ago, stepped on a nest of their ground dwelling cousins and couldn't put anything on his feet for three days.

I feel your pain, as one of our presidents once famously said, when I ran over a nest of the ground dwellers on my riding lawnmower!

[normhead]

If you think the Sigma 70mm is heavy at 525g you should check out the Vivitar Series 1 90-180mm macro at 1100g.

Here are a couple from today, shot at 180mm f8

I think the Sigma is heavy because my D FA is WR and less than 398gm. My Sigma weighs in at 577 both in the same configuration (including lens cap, lens hood and back cap). 178 gms difference. Close enough to a half pound to be nothing to sneeze at.

And it works fine on wasps nests.

[Canada_Rockies]

I feel your pain, as one of our presidents once famously said, when I ran over a nest of the ground dwellers on my riding lawnmower!

Even after 70 years I have panicky feelings when I see the darn yellow jackets too close to me. I had one sting me in the armpit [!] while camping, and there was virtually no reaction, except debilitating panic. Still freak out at the darn things when they get close.

[ivanvernon]

Even after 70 years I have panicky feelings when I see the darn yellow jackets too close to me. I had one sting me in the armpit [!] while camping, and there was virtually no reaction, except debilitating panic. Still freak out at the darn things when they get close.

Fortunately I am not too allergic to them, but still don't like being stung!

[Thagomizer]

I see your missing the Sigma 70mm f2.8 macro. I think you'll like that lens, since it's a stellar performer.

Another vote for the Sigma 70mm. The Sigma 50 EX DG f2.8 Macro is also excellent. I've been happy with both.

[WhatsMyNameAD67]

If you think the Sigma 70mm is heavy at 525g you should check out the Vivitar Series 1 90-180mm macro at 1100g.

Here are a couple from today, shot at 180mm f8

NIce detail. The patterns are mesmerizing.

[onlineflyer]

NIce detail. The patterns are mesmerizing.

Thanks. I agree, the patterns and colors are interesting. It's amazing how nature works.

[Thagomizer]

Thanks. I agree, the patterns and colors are interesting. It's amazing how nature works.

Here's what happens when you help the wasps by providing coloured paper: Wasps build rainbow nests with colored construction paper

[barondla]

Here's what happens when you help the wasps by providing coloured paper: Wasps build rainbow nests with colored construction paper

This is truly amazing. Now I want to "help" make one of these nests. Very psychedelic!

I've been stung before and it never was much of a bother. Last year something flew down my T Shirt and rapidly stung me 4 times. That hurt for hours. My muscles ached and there was a headache. Can't imagine being attacked by a nest. Didn't know they could sting multiple times either.

Thanks,

barondla