Dragonflies (1 Viewer)

[Cordulegaster]

Thinking about moving to Nikon from Sony. Plan to get the D800. Main interests are wildlife related. The forum has been very helpful on lenses for birds, and at the other extreme, flowers. I am also interested in dragonflies and catching emerging creatures is more like flowers in they they can be seen close up with a macro lens, what do people use for adults on the wing or perched when they will fly off if you try to get too close?

 

[gvca1]

I'm not much of a dragonfly photographer, but I believe the Nikkor 300 f/4 is hard to beat for this purpose-- hand-holdable size, close focus, excellent optics.

The standard disclaimer for this lens is that it is due for a refresh, but the new version, which many hope will come this year, will undoubtedly have VR added, and will probably be much more expensive.

The late Ronnie Gaubert did some extraordinary insect photography with the 300mm f/4. Check out some of his work at:

http://www.imageopolis.com/photographer.asp?P=9&ID=15564&PF=0#.UwvHJ4UbRgc

 

[pe'rigin]

Plan to get the D800.

I could say snap, though I've never used a Sony, but I have the D800 and I discovered Dragonflies very late last summer, and am amazed at the detail I've recorded. I like flight-shots and used the 70-200 mm F2.8 lens. I never 'hunt' with this lens but just waited until the Dragonflies came within a pre-designated focus area, shot single frame at high speed with the light over my shoulder, and a bounce flash. A warning it can take hours, and you'll bin lots, but those keepers are stunners.

I don't have a macro lens as such, but portrait lenses, but I can cheat on close-up by shooting in a studio environment and then using software. So you need someone who's using the 105mm to give you the full sp.

As for birds, no lens is long enough, but you have the D800 (hopefully), it's going to give you shots you can only dream of with all lenses.

 

[Frogfish]

D800 with a Sigma 150/2.8 or 180/2.8. Superb lenses and great value for money. I also did well with a Tamron 90 but the extra reach of the Sigmas is invaluable. With dragonflies it's often how you approach them as well as the reach

 

[Duke Leto]

I've found in the UK with dragon/damselflies my D800e and the Nikon 105vr excel, its all about fieldcraft, loads of examples on my website

 

[Frogfish]

Just came across this free pdf, maybe it will help :

http://photonaturalist.net/downloads/dragonfly_photography.pdf

 

[Cordulegaster]

Thanks, that is all very helpful.