Will it Finally Happen? A New Macro Lens Longer Than 100mm With Variable Magnification

[Distinctly Average]

I would agree in cases like studio work for product photography. There are always advantages in having a wide range of lenses to choose from. I would also add that a longer lens is better in the wild for shooting with natural light. For many insects that it not always the best choice though. I find the longer lenses too bulky to get into a lot of tight places. They are all to easy to disturb foliage. For me their limiting factor is weight. Getting a steady shot, handheld can be a bit of a chore hence my preference for shorter and lighter lenses.

 

[Steve Balcombe]

Interesting thought. With the EF-S 60 I often use BBF to get rough focus the the good old rocking to nail the critical spot. The MP-E is as you say a bit of a different case. Magnification does come with experience but still challenging to get a good composition. When I get it right the results can be superb. But success rate is certainly lower than the 60.

I always found the MP-E difficult to use, so when I was having a clear out a while ago it went to MPB.

I’ve recently added the Laowa probe lens to my kit. I’ve only shot amphibians with it so far but looking forward to using it on butterflies and dragons later this year.

Yeah, that's a lens I've had a hankering for, but it's not pocket money price and I haven't managed to 'justify' the outlay so far.

 

[Steve Balcombe]

People get quite nervous around hornets too but they are another species here that I find are approachable if you take care and heed their warnings.

I agree - and another tip is to shoot the males in the autumn, as they are completely docile.

 

[Distinctly Average]

You can justify it because you deserve it Steve.

Seriously though, it (the Laowa Probe) also a challenge of a lens. The length makes keeping the end steady hard. I’ve not had enough sessions with it yet to say whether it is good for me or not.

 

[Distinctly Average]

I agree - and another tip is to shoot the males in the autumn, as they are completely docile.

View attachment 228337

A fine shot sir. Great details.

 

[koenkooi]

[...] Yeah, that's a lens I've had a hankering for, but it's not pocket money price and I haven't managed to 'justify' the outlay so far.

I have the Astrhori clone and it has been great for its intended use. Everything is diffraction limited, but it beats using my phone for underwater shoots in my pond

See https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=86669029@N00&sort=date-taken-desc&text=astrhori&view_all=1 for some example stills from my garden.

But it works best for video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uztXc4fTJWY

 

[Steve Balcombe]

I have the Astrhori clone [snip]

But it works best for video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uztXc4fTJWY

Very cool!