2010-09-23

Beautiful light

Aster bee

The clouds were a giant softbox today at the Ornamental Gardens. Lots of light, lots of rich colour, lots of critters.

11 comments:

  1. Great work!!! Did your auto-focus worked properly or did you manage the focus manually?

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  2. Ah very nice! Using a tripod? Which lens? Tough little guys to get a great shot of, you nailed this little one ;-)

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  3. Hi cougar, hi Scott.

    I can't remember for this particular shot and I just looked through the exif data and don't see focus mode anywhere (should it be there?).

    For this shot I was using the old cam (D70s) and the Sigma 105mm 2.8 lens. While I love this lens for the creamy/smooth out-of-focus areas and the way it captures light, it's horrendous at focusing. It constantly searches -- and it's noisy too - a whiny noise. Because of that I usually use manual focus when using the 105mm, or a combination (try to use auto focus, too much lens searching, switch to manual, get it locked on, switch back to auto etc.)

    Definitely using a tripod. The lens doesn't have image stabilization. And it's heavy and long (compared to my other lenses). I've never had much luck hand-holding macro shots unless the shutter speed is really, REALLY, high. Even if I can't use the tripod in a traditional manner, I'll still use it as a monopod. Having the additional support makes a big difference.

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  4. Stunning image! I just love it.

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  5. oh my goodness, what beautiful focus and soft, creamy bokeh to die for!

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  6. Thanks for the extra info Candis, appreciate it. That D70 is a wonderful camera. I have the SIGMA 70-300mm. It's macro from 200-300mm so I have to be away from the "target". I also use a tripod but it doesn't search near as bad as a 105mm Nikkor that I borrow from work from time to time. Seems fairly sharp as well. But I don't find the bokeh as good as a hardcore 105mm. Love that 2.8 of your ;-) Ah maybe someday. Have a great weekend!

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  7. I just found your blog. Your photos are absolutely stunning!
    Brenda
    http://afairyinmygarden.blogspot.com

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  8. Thanks Mary -- that 105mm does wonders in the right light. :D

    Scott -- Yeah, it's a great camera. I've only started using it as a 2nd body regularly this past summer (for 2 lens options). Figured it was better than just sitting in my camera bag at home.

    Hi there Brenda -- thanks for your kind comments and visit!

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  9. Hi Candis. I haven't been around for a while again, but man, oh man, what a stunning photo for my return. The soft focus background is perfection for sure. And the color combinations are a delight. Isn't it wonderful how often that happens when we just let Nature take over and design our photos for us? Love it!

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  10. Coneflower! Was just thinking about you today. :)

    Isn't it wonderful how often that happens when we just let Nature take over and design our photos for us?

    Yep, nature does the best job doesn't it. Just have to get ourselves in the right place at the right time to capture it.

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