Hello There!

Okay, here’s the "more later" I promised.

This photograph was made in what might be considered an unusual manner. But, I’ve stumbled on to something that really seems to work well — using a telephoto zoom in conjunction with an extension tube to allow it to focus super-close. In this case, the lens is my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, and the extension tube is a Promaster 36mm tube.

Working with this combination is a little touchy. Unlike a normal macro lens, which is usually a fixed focal length (prime) lens, a multi-step focusing technique is required. First, you sorta frame and really-rough-focus by moving the camera in relation to the subject. Then, you rough-focus with the zoom ring. Finally, you fine focus with the focus ring (or autofocus). If your subject hasn’t moved on you, then you’re ready for setting the exposure and tripping the shutter.

This procedure wouldn’t be to hateful on a tripod with focusing rails. However, when shooting at the Flights of Fancy butterfly live exhibit at Brookside Gardens, tripods aren’t allowed. So, this was done hand-held. I made 307 exposures this way over a two-and-one-half hour period, of which I "finished" 34. You can see those images at the new Orchard Studios gallery pages. You’ll find them in the featured galleries section for a limited time, along with pictures from our recent trip to western Montana.