Mediocre macros

[meaganelise9]

With such small kiddos, I'm realizing the macro option on my camera isn't as good as I thought, but I was able to get a few halfway decent photos at least, finally. Here is Zorak and Zoidberg. ^_^ I love them.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0l3vmtuPl58/Tpg-e540AqI/AAAAAAAABf8/QvjfaHIc2XE/s912/zorak2.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mKFhSNSQbn4/Tpg-e6fSDuI/AAAAAAAABgA/j552nz6rd_c/s1008/popa1.jpg

 

[rs4guy]

Popa and Idolo? They arn't half bad, but a macro lens would really help.

 

[meaganelise9]

Blepharopsis Mendica and Popa Spurca.

Yeah, it would be nice to have a fancy camera with fancy lenses. Perhaps I'll invite over one of my photographer friends as they grow.

 

[patrickfraser]

I'm going to have to go to a camera shop with different sized mantids (especially the tiny ones) and see what they have to offer, considering my subject matter. I bought a newer camera for this hobby, but as you stated previously, "not as good as I thought".

All you photographers out there...What is a good starting camera for macros? Is it cheaper to start off with an expensive model rather than needing to upgrade to better as my photo skills improve? Also...What kind of prices are these things? :blink:

 

[rs4guy]

Grab a canon EOS or Nikon D60, and grab a 50/60/100mm macro lens. Play around with it, maybe watch a youtube vid or two on macro shots, and you will be very happy with the shots you can manage afterwards. I just grabbed a 60mm 2.8 Canon macro lens for my upcoming Amazon trip, but that is 4 months away, and my mantis hobby certainly made me speed up the purchase

 

[meaganelise9]

Heheh prices go infinitely upward.. Some macro lenses can be a couple grand easily. Cheaper for me to just have the right friends

 

[Mr.Mantid]

*double post*

 

[Mr.Mantid]

I'm going to have to go to a camera shop with different sized mantids (especially the tiny ones) and see what they have to offer, considering my subject matter. I bought a newer camera for this hobby, but as you stated previously, "not as good as I thought".

All you photographers out there...What is a good starting camera for macros? Is it cheaper to start off with an expensive model rather than needing to upgrade to better as my photo skills improve? Also...What kind of prices are these things? :blink:

I just recently purchases a Canon10d camera with a 50 mm lens, Sigma 28-200 mm lens, extension tubes, and a reverse prime lens for roughly $450 all together. I still would like to purchase a tripod, a focusing rail, and some focus stacking software which is another $100-$200 so thats about $550-$650 all together. Camera equipment is expensive but, this is much more cheaper than buying a $1,000 camera and a $1,000 macro lens.

Equipment doesn't matter too much- you don't need the latest camera or lens; have you seen

Youtube videos? He doesn't even use a macro lens and he gets really good shots.

 

[warpdrive]

Heheh prices go infinitely upward.. Some macro lenses can be a couple grand easily. Cheaper for me to just have the right friends

you can take some great shots with just a simple point and shoot camera. well, not just any P&S, but most of the high end ones can do quite well. (say, $300-$500)

I'm using a 3 1/2 yo P&S and I'll tell you it's not hard at all. with a few tweaks and setting changes, I do a great job.

I'll post a few pics shortly to show just what a P&S can do. (just don't expect the shots to be like a $5000 setup.)

 

[meaganelise9]

Yeah, mine's a 10mp point and shoot and usually does better. I'm going to try different lighting.

Anyway, aren't my bugs cute? Do you guys think they're females? Having a hard time telling.

 

[gripen]

The popa is a female.

 

[meaganelise9]

That's what I was thinking. B mendica I'm having a harder time- maybe male?

 

[ShieldMantid1997]

T nikon d40x is pretty cheap and nice, i have a 45mm macro and i like it, but i have to get pretty close to take the pic

 

[agent A]

Your popa is really cute

Mine is a photo diva! All the time, I go to photograph her, she assumes the same position on the twig! What instar is your popa? Mine are L6/L7

 

[meaganelise9]

L4/L5 They're so funny when they do their little "make like a stick" routine.

They both molted the other day. They grow up so fast!