I used a Pentax K2000, a Takumar (baoynet) f:2.5, 135mm lens, the smallest extension tube (#1) and the adapter. I caught a praying mantis in my yard, brought it in and placed it on some straw flowers in a vase and put it on my homemade backdrop-holding gizmo. I used one of the small, high intensity flashlights for illumination.... that and the overhead incandescent lights. I had the WB set for outside shade. That seemed to give me the best color rendition. I tried several different settings, but that was the one I liked the best.
1/60th of a second, f:22, ISO 400. The little flashlight gives off one heck of a lot of light and I can see where this will be among the items I will always have handy when trying any of this type of photography. I also use it for most of my still life stuff due to failing eyesight. It helps me tremendously when trying to fine focus.... it's almost indespensable.
I tried a couple of different lenses, but settled on the 135mm. It allowed me to get back away a good distance from the mantis, which was, by the way, very cooperative. I've since released him back on my tomato plants so he can resume his watch!
Anyway, I was quite pleased with my first real attempt at this demanding area of photography. It's amazing at all the different combinations. I've yet to try the close-up lenses, but.... that's for another time.
Dewman
SW Idaho
Last edited by Dewman; 12-16-2014 at 01:02 AM.
Post #1 by Dewman
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