Fly...anyone?

[fWord]

Back in the days when my PowerShot A40 was heavily used, I tried out some makeshift equipment and attempted macro photography. Here's one photo from a pool of about 40 other shots at the same location:



Hope the link works.

[fWord]

Then I'll try this:

http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/17787985/

If it still doesn't work, it'd be great if someone could educate a newbie on how to get images on our posts at this site.

[melvynyeo]

Hi fWord, dun think your site allow hotlink

Anyway, your shot is wonderful... considering that you use a magnifying glass Since you like macro, maybe you want to invest in a close up filter (also a magnifying glass) or reverse lens

Keep shooting and do post more

Cheers

[fWord]

Thank you for the kind comment, and for taking the time to have a look.

I'd probably have to turn to Photobucket for hotlinking, but am already too attached to Deviant Art to make a transfer of every image I wish to share at these forums.

The Reverse Lens Technique you mentioned is something I am seriously considering, although I don't know how to do it. Would you be able to teach me how its done over the forums? Currently I use a Canon EOS 350D with the kit lens. The PowerShot A40 is 'retired', but is kept aside specially for macro shots...using that cheap mag glass.

[melvynyeo]

Since you own a DSLR, I wouldn't recommend using reverse lens I think a macro lens (with ext tube, tele convertor or close up filter is you want a bigger magnification) works better. Macro lens gives you a better working dist compare with reverse lens (4cm). Macro lens also gives variable working dist where reverse lens give you fixed working dist. Last but not least, DOF is a major issue with reverse lens (see my post).

PS, you can upload at clubsnap gallery

Cheers

[sumball]

Originally Posted by melvynyeo Since you own a DSLR, I wouldn't recommend using reverse lens I think a macro lens (with ext tube, tele convertor or close up filter is you want a bigger magnification) works better.

John Shaw had been using the reverse lens with his SLR long time ago.

It depends on what you are photographing. Not all macro need deep DOF or working distant.

[fWord]

Oh well...looks like macro shooting is going to take a bigger investment than $15 on a magnifying glass! Increased working distance is a nice thing to have, though I was working with something in the region of 3cm for these macro shots with my A40. It takes a bit of patience to sneak up to these things without scaring them.

Not to mention that I need to watch where I place my feet.

Currently, I'm still in the process of saving up for a nice walkaround lens such as the EF-S 17-85mm but will need to weigh that up against getting a macro lens. Thanks for the advice.

[fWord]

I'm very keen about the Reverse Lens Technique...is there a source I can access to find out how to do this? What extra equipment would you recommend?

I'd be shooting little insects primarily. Spiders are not so skittish, but flies and dragonflies...even butterflies, tend to be scared easily, so a good working distance would certainly help, although I wouldn't say its completely necessary.

[melvynyeo]

Here's a article about reverse lens by Sgt pepper. You might find it useful

Reverse lens

[fWord]

Sorry about the late reply, and thank you for the link to that article. It should come in handy for me when I want to get into macro work. Currently I'm in the process of researching for a new walkaround lens...would you have any advice on this?