Dragonflies and Damselflies

[AlanF]

Yes, the close up shots were indeed at MFD. I had put the M6II there last week in case something interesting showed up, so I wouldn't need to run down three flights of stairs to get a camera

This worked out better than expected, MFD on a crop sensor beats most other things for macro "reach". The other options would've been R5+RF100L, but the size of that lens and the larger working distance would make getting a low angle very difficult. Using the MP-E wouldn't have worked with the built-in focus stacking, since it's fixed focus.

An R7 might've made it a bit easier, the higher FPS and presumably better AF would've made the focus stacks slightly better. It certainly would've made the video better with IBIS and oversampling. A short clip from the same session:

The R7 and the RF 100-400mm is another very good solution. The cheap lens has better magnification at its MFD than than the 100-500, is easier to manipulate, and gives very good IQ. Brilliant video!

 

[AlanF]

The R7 and the RF 100-400mm is another very good solution. The cheap lens has better magnification at its MFD than than the 100-500, is easier to manipulate, and gives very good IQ. Brilliant video!

R7 + RF 100-400mm this afternoon, Common Darter Dragonfly. I used mechanical shutter at 15 fps to avoid any rolling shutter.

 

[AlanF]

And an Emerald Damselfly.

 

[Click]

I really like the second and third shot. The subject is very sharp. Lots of details. Well done, Alan.

 

[Del Paso]

 

[Maximilian]

@Del Paso: for some reason, I like the second pic more

 

[Del Paso]

@Del Paso: for some reason, I like the second pic more

I even know the reason...
The dragonfly number 1 was dead, floating on the water. Well seen!

 

[Maximilian]

I even know the reason...
The dragonfly number 1 was dead, floating on the water. Well seen!

 

[AlanF]

Migrant Hawker today, R5 + RF 100-500mm, - very much alive. The crop is where I got the face in flight spot on in focus.

 

[Maximilian]

Migrant Hawker today, R5 + RF 100-500mm, - very much alive.

And very much detail - kudos!

 

[AlanF]

And the eye of a Common Darter - first time I have got the lenses somewhat resolved.

 

[Click]

Great shots, Alan.

 

[AlanF]

And very much detail - kudos!

Zero depth of field that close and only one or two perfectly sharp on the face, though most acceptable. They got binned!

 

[Maximilian]

Some blue-tailed damselflies.

 

[koenkooi]

R5 + RF100L. The second picture was shot at 1/50s with EFCS, I'm very happy with how the IS+IBIS work together on the R5.

This is the same damselfly, I'm amazed how the colour shifts between green and brown depending on the angle.

 

[AlanF]

R5 + RF100L. The second picture was shot at 1/50s with EFCS, I'm very happy with how the IS+IBIS work together on the R5.

This is the same damselfly, I'm amazed how the colour shifts between green and brown depending on the angle.
View attachment 205456
View attachment 205457

Definite thumbs up for the first! The different colours are characteristic of iridescence.

 

[Click]

I really like your shots. Well done, koenkooi.

 

[Maximilian]

Here at my place, the willow emeralds (chalcolestes viridis) have shown up, too.
Definitely a sign that Autumn is coming.

 

[Maximilian]

And the migrant hawkers even have Autumn in their German name (Herbst-Mosaikjungfer).
@AlanF:
The second pic, the DIF one, is far from the details that yours show, but it's the best out of three with
5D4, 100-400L2+TC @560mm, 1/320, f/10, ISO3200
No sun and in the shadows made it quite tricky, and the hawker was gone soon. So I am pleased.

 

[AlanF]

And the migrant hawkers even have Autumn in their German name (Herbst-Mosaikjungfer).
@AlanF:
The second pic, the DIF one, is far from the details that yours show, but it's the best out of three with
5D4, 100-400L2+TC @560mm, 1/320, f/10, ISO3200
No sun and in the shadows made it quite tricky, and the hawker was gone soon. So I am pleased.

View attachment 205472View attachment 205473

Great shots, and I love the head on one!