My macro evolution

I thought it would be interesting to see my macro evolution ever since I got the Tamron 90mm.

Back in the day I never used flash and disliked using flash very much, boy how things have changed.

Here is a shot taken in my backyard back in 2012, I used golden syrup to attract the green tree ants. No flash and natural lighting.



Green Tree Ants by Scott H Murray, on Flickr

In 2013 I got a LED ring light, this was ok but not something that I would buy again.


Baby Green Tree Frog by Scott H Murray, on Flickr

And here is one that I think was no flash and the EXIF would support this, also 2013. I also started using the Raynox DCCR-250 close up filter.


SHM_2049 by Scott H Murray, on Flickr

Still in 2013 and experimenting more and more with onboard flash.


Green Tree Ant by Scott H Murray, on Flickr

In this shot I was using the LED ring light to light up my subject and my dodgy onboard flash diffuser.


Small jumping spider by Scott H Murray, on Flickr

I eventually done away with the LED ring light and went dedicated dodgy diffuser.


Portrait of a dragon fly by Scott H Murray, on Flickr

And 2014 I was still using the same diffuser set up.


Leichhardt's Grasshopper by Scott H Murray, on Flickr

In 2015 I have upped the anti by now going to my SB910 and luminox softbox.


Untitled by Scott H Murray, on Flickr

by
Scott H Murray, on Flickr

by
Scott H Murray, on Flickr

I am liking my current set up and can see it lasting me awhile

Frogs are okay, but those close-up bug pics freak me out.

Thanks for these shots. I always like knowing the tech behind the shots. FWIW the frog is my favorite shot. The weird orange grasshopper is pretty cool, too.

Awesome work. Were you using the dcr250 with the lense as well?

paul14086 said:

Awesome work. Were you using the dcr250 with the lense as well?

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Cheers mate, In the post it says when I started using the DCR-250.

I too use that softbox and it's spectacular for so many things.

I have been thinking of ideas to improve my current set up. So stay tuned this 6 days off I am going to be testing a trialing something new that may or may not help me.

Very informative.

Scott Murray said:

I have been thinking of ideas to improve my current set up. So stay tuned this 6 days off I am going to be testing a trialing something new that may or may not help me.

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Come on Scott, have you finished those trials yet ? We are all waiting

Great work Scott. With your Raynox and 90mm Tamron, what would you say is your focusing distance for the last two shots? I'm trying to get an idea of your working distance, esp. when using flash.

PapaST said:

Great work Scott. With your Raynox and 90mm Tamron, what would you say is your focusing distance for the last two shots? I'm trying to get an idea of your working distance, esp. when using flash.

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I did a trial once before let me see if I can find it.

Just did another trial

Here is just the 90mm

DSC_0034 by Scott H Murray, on Flickr

And the resulting photo




This is 90mm and Raynox

DSC_0032 by Scott H Murray, on Flickr



And this is my Microscopic lens with 90mm

DSC_0033 by Scott H Murray, on Flickr

Untitled by Scott H Murray, on Flickr

[MENTION=9753]Scott Murray[/MENTION]

I am getting ready to buy the Raynox 250 to pair with my Tamron 90mm - your same setup. I have a couple questions.

1. Does auto focus still work? Or do you NEED to be in manual focus?

2. What do you find is your normal aperture when using the Raynox?

Moab Man said:

@Scott Murray

I am getting ready to buy the Raynox 250 to pair with my Tamron 90mm - your same setup. I have a couple questions.

1. Does auto focus still work? Or do you NEED to be in manual focus?

2. What do you find is your normal aperture when using the Raynox?

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1. Autofocus will work but it is easier to use manual due to the narrow focus range.

2. I would say that my normal aperture if there is such a thing would be around f/16 - f/22 I have even gone to f/64 on occasions for testing.

Hope this helps.

it does help me a lot. The reason I asked about the autofocus is because with some of the quickly moving insects there just isn't the time to focus manually. It does turn out to be a hit and miss but sometimes that's the only shot I get. Thank you.

amazing shots!

Hi guys.... Im new with the macro concept, but I have some experience in Architecture, and Digital Photogrametry; anyway afew years ago, an old friend giftme a objetive:
Nikon 200mm Micro 1:4D, F4. in the past I used with my old (and stolen) Nikon D90. was a very heavy lens and no practical for architecture (moving pictures almost always).

And I dont Knew his propouse. I investigate and find that its 1:1 MICRO, Ideal for Macro photography, this its my first Job using that lens with extension tubes, with my new D7100; I like the detiles,and discover new forms. My objetive are the amazing macro extreme photos, I will combine more and inverted lens tecniques to experiment at maximum. I hope publish the results in this forum to recive yours comments.

Nikon 200mm Micro F 4 + extension tubes

JArchitect said:

View attachment 148101View attachment 148102Nikon 200mm Micro F 4 + extension tubes

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I take it these last two are focus stacked a bit, just be mindful of missed bits of the bee.

Tnks I will buy a 54 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lb to correct it ¡¡¡¡ tanks for the advice

Very dificult subject..............impossible take more than one picture (all time was On moving)