The Hummingbird Forum: Dumb newbie camera question

Gayla - I'm not too familiar with the Canon lineup of lenses, but there is a difference between a telephoto zoom that has a macro feature/switch and a a "dedicated" or prime macro lens. The macro lens will allow you to get a 1:1 magnification of your subject. So, at the closest focusing distance for your lens, the subject will be actual size in the frame. Most zoom lenses with a macro feature only allow you to get a 1:2 magnification of your subject. Another variable is the focal length of the lens. If your primary target will be bugs, a minimum focal length of 90mm is usually desirable because it allows you to achieve 1:1 magnification and maintain a comfortable distance (for you and the bug) from the bugs you're chasing [linked image]

. If you'll be shooting still subjects and using a tripod, a 50mm macro might suit you better.

Some folks prefer an even longer macro lens for insects because of the longer minimum focusing distance. I have both a 105mm and a 180mm. I get the most use out of the 105 because it's lighter and it's also a manual lens, which I prefer when shooting insects.

As far as quality goes, if you stick with the big names... Canon, Sigma, Tamron, you'll be fine. Most macro lens today are very similar in terms of build quality and the quality of the images they produce. The manual lens that I use, a Vivitar 105 f/2.8 for Pentax K mount, is one that I picked up as "new old stock" on Ebay for around $180... best "bang for the buck" equipment purchase I ever made. It was made in 1980... works like a champ.

Another good piece of equipment to have is a dedicated flash with a diffuser. If you're trying to get the entire subject in focus, you'll need to stop down your lens to increase the depth of field for your subject. Unless you have a really sunny day or are able to use a high ISO, you'll need a flash to pick up the details of your subject and get a good, sharp image. A ring flash is another option, but I've never used one or felt the need. Some folks swear by the ring flashes. A tripod is not a bad call either, although I rarely use mine... too cumbersome for me when I'm chasing tiny critters.

You can often find good deals on used lenses through some of the internet camera forums or though KEH, which deals exclusively in used camera equipment.

I seem to have rambled on a bit, but I hope this helps. If you have any more questions, I'll be happy to try to answer them.

Bud

Bud
Southwest Ohio
USDA Plant Zone 6a
[linked image]

Camera: Pentax K20D
Lens: Pentax DA*300 f/4, Sigma 180 f/3.5 Macro
There's 1 or 2 more hummingbird / butterfly pics located here... [linked image]

http://www.pbase.com/budohio

Dumb newbie camera question

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