Nikon or Tokina macro lens?

[tclune]

Originally Posted by fldspringer

A side note, I find flash is a huge necessity for macro, and trumps VR in that application. Natural light macros at something approaching 1 to 1 can be fun to try, but requires huge amounts of light (harsh) to give any depth of field, and even then the failed frames will be many.

Have you tried focus stacking with flash? I would imagine that it would create problems to use flash for that, but I have yet to try it. Any words of wisdom?

[TCav]

If you'll be using flash, you can stop down to get a deeper depth of field.

Why would you need focus stacking?

[fldspringer]

Originally Posted by tclune

Have you tried focus stacking with flash? I would imagine that it would create problems to use flash for that, but I have yet to try it. Any words of wisdom?

I've seen stunning results from stacking and I admire those that put the efforts into that level of post processing. I must say I have no desire to follow suit. I enjoy live, healthy insect photography, primarily handheld. Freezing bugs, focus rails, and indoor lighting setups aren't my cup of tea.

A great place to go to inquire is:

http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/

The folks there are varied in their methods, equipment and magnifications. My stuff in like playing with tinker toys in comparison to what they do.

[fldspringer]

Originally Posted by TCav

If you'll be using flash, you can stop down to get a deeper depth of field.

Why would you need focus stacking?

There are certainly reasons. It enables a choice of aperture that maximizes resolution (eliminates diffraction), and when at magnifications of 1:1 and above, even tiny apertures only go so far to gain DOF. Like I said before in the prior post, I appreciate the efforts they make because the results are stunning.

[Wizzard0003]

Focus stacking is not possible with live bugs in the wild... With live bugs and hand
held shots you need a small apperture (for large DOF) and lots of light or flash...

[fldspringer]

These are at f20 on a D3s body with a 1.4 teleconcerter.





This one died shortly after this shot.

[Hawgwild]

This one died shortly after this shot.



Nice macros Greg..I really like this one. I take it this was a one-handed shot? Very steady,

[fldspringer]

Originally Posted by Hawgwild

Nice macros Greg..I really like this one. I take it this was a one-handed shot? Very steady,

Thank You.

That one was drawing from my left arm near the elbow. I had difficulty stretching to get it to the minimum focus of the lens. She got smushed by the base of the camera after the shot.

This morning's macros. I really need to clean the sensor. F20 shows lots of specs.

[banksy]

Wow, thanks everyone for sharing your expert knowledge. More to think about

[Wizzard0003]

Beautiful work, Greg...!