[lmans66]

Has anyone used a macro for hummingbirds...I know there are a few cases where hummingbirds in South America are 'right there'...in your face.

Sometimes a foot or so away but usually in some areas it is pretty closer to 2-3 feet at closest point.

I am thinking of trying to kill two birds (sorry for pun) with one stone. Can I get a macro that can be used for ants etc....(with ext tubes) as well as using that same lens when needed (not a lot) for instances such as my hummingbirds.

Thoughts... ? I have at this point narrowed down what I like in terms of a Macro....the Tamron 180 is really nice as it affords you a bit more room...but the Tamron 90mm as well as the Canon 105 (non IS is fine)....

Thoughts? jim

[Shaggy2070]

I don't know about humming birds but I have used a Tamron 90mm Macro lens for Puffins before. If the hummers' are only a couple of feet away I would have thought you could use a Macro lens for them too.

[lmans66]

Great shots... How close were u?

[gergrd]

I've obtained decent results using my 180mm macro lens for Hummingbird and Snowberry Clearwing moths and other large insects at reasonable distances, so I feel I'd have a good chance with similar sized Hummingbirds if they were willing to approach closely (I've not had that experience with local Ruby-thoated Hummers, they are very wary). I also have a 105mm macro lens and I frequently exceed the "zone of comfort" for many species with that lens. I would not be confident of getting close enough to use a 100mm for Hummingbirds.

[Shaggy2070]

Originally Posted by lmans66

Great shots... How close were u?

Luckily on Skomer where I took these the Puffins come very close they were about three feet away (the first two shots are full frame & the portrait is about 50% crop). I would imagine with Hummingbirds being a lot smaller a 180mm lens would be a better choice if you can get similar distances.