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Re: [OM] Macro Lens

Subject: Re: [OM] Macro Lens
From: "Doug Nowlin" <wa5ohb@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 10:39:49 -0600
-----Original Message-----
From: Lars Bergquist <timberwolf@xxxxxxxxxx>


>>>I am thinking about getting a macro lens.  My original thought was
>>>that I would buy the 50mm f2 and use it as my normal lens, too.  But
>>>as I read various e-mails here, the 90 mm f2 gets more press.  What
>>>are the advantages of the 90 mm over the 50 mm.  My subjects would
>>>probably be mostly flowers and and occasional butterfly or
>>>grasshopper on the plants.
>>>
>>>Tom
>>>Lafayette, IN
>>>
>>The 90 is big and heavy by comparison, but it allows you to be twice as
far
>>away from that skittish grasshopper when you photograph it.
>
>In my experience, this does not make that much difference to the 'hopper.
>Stalking technique is far more important, and large and heavy lenses are
>a distinct handicap when crawling through the grass. Just as with people--
>I have often sidled up to groups of people and shot them with a 24 without
>them even noticing it.

I have spent many hours stalking all forms of wildlife and insects. I have
found that there is a strong connection between size and wariness. The
smaller the creature, the easier it is to get close. Sometimes groups will
also be less wary. Obviously, this is not true for creatures that can easily
defend themselves. I am also convinced that animals have some form of ESP. I
nearly touched an eating cottontail rabbit with a gun barrel and said
"bang", and he paid no attention. While I was standing by him, something
broke a twig hundreds of yards away, and he went crazy. This is only one of
many such experiences I have had in the wild. Few toxic creatures will flee.
The longer focal lengths change perspective, and allow more room for
lighting. However, these days a 90-105mm macro doesn't always give a
corresponding increase in working distance over a 50mm. Many modern macro
lenses go to macro range by reducing the focal length. The new 90mm f/2.8
Tamron is a prime example.

Someone mentioned John Shaw's books. George Lepp has two excellent books
also. His Beyond the Basics books have a lot of macro tips. While he is a
Canon AF user, he covers other systems in his books.

Doug



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