As requested, I use a Canon 60D (ancient and battered), and for macros I have a Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro lens, which is 1:1. That shot was on f5.6 (I think it's a little more forgiving than a wider aperture for flying insects), iso 320, shutter speed 1/2000. Faster would have been nicer to limit the wing movement, but then the blurred wings do give a feeling of how they fly.
If it helps at all, I tend to shoot insects in high speed bursts unless they really aren't moving at all, and even then I'll use it if there's any wind. No tripod so you can go with it. And the real key is to focus on the eyes.
Thanks @NormandyLiz. That's very reassuring as I use even more ancient Canon equipment and similar settings. In fact I'm poised to upgrade to the 60D from a 40D as second-hand prices are pretty good. I particularly want the angled screen with 'live-view' as I'm never really comfortable with varifocal glasses against the eyepiece.
As for focussing on the eyes - well I would if they'd stay still for long enough This shot (taken with a 20D) was the result of patience and trial & error. Like you I was rather pleased with the sense of movement from the wings.
We get odd ones most years in Cheshire (this shot taken in North Wales) but you could never set up your stall and wait for them.
Clay soil - Cheshire/Derbyshire border. I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
I had a red admiral butterfly flutter in a carefree manner through an open window in our conservatory yesterday. Immediately, my wife closed the door to the rest of the house, with her inside. How do you encourage a butterfly to return from whence it came? The splash of colour just wouldn't land long enough for me to gently catch it in a box!! My wife eventually handed me a sieve from the kitchen - the next best thing to a butterfly net. I hope I didn't hurt it in the process. I don't think my wife has laughed so much in a long time, at my antics. So, HOW does one safely catch a butterfly?
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Thanks @NormandyLiz. That's very reassuring as I use even more ancient Canon equipment and similar settings. In fact I'm poised to upgrade to the 60D from a 40D as second-hand prices are pretty good. I particularly want the angled screen with 'live-view' as I'm never really comfortable with varifocal glasses against the eyepiece.
As for focussing on the eyes - well I would if they'd stay still for long enough
We get odd ones most years in Cheshire (this shot taken in North Wales) but you could never set up your stall and wait for them.
I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
How do you encourage a butterfly to return from whence it came? The splash of colour just wouldn't land long enough for me to gently catch it in a box!!
My wife eventually handed me a sieve from the kitchen - the next best thing to a butterfly net. I hope I didn't hurt it in the process. I don't think my wife has laughed so much in a long time, at my antics.
So, HOW does one safely catch a butterfly?