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Shot this little guy at the Botanical Gardens on Friday. Pity he was more interested in looking towards the pond and, as I didn't have my scuba gear with me, I couldn't get a front-on shot. I'll be back...!

Your opinions and/or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Simon.

wow !

What optics did you point at it ?

Chers
CD

Wow, this is wicked Simon. Thanks for posting.

If this photo made the wings and all of the detailed lines sharp, I would explode and implode simultaneously from pleasure.


I don't even know if that is possible though.

Thanks for the great rap guys.

This was shot with the Nikkor 70-300G. Crop and levels adjustment were the only PP - I didn't think it needed any sharpening and I probably would have come unstuck if I tried because different parts of the body are in focus.

fantastic,

I didn't expect the 70-300mm.
I thought you had some super duper macro lens.

Very cool.
CD

christiand wrote:fantastic,

I didn't expect the 70-300mm.
I thought you had some super duper macro lens.

Very cool.
CD

Me too. I have the 70-300 ED and I've never been able to get anything even glose to this. That's careful focusing!

Excellent result considering that it was not a prime macro - well done

Hi Manta,

please spill the beans:

what focal length ?
what distance ?
how did you focus ?
how much cropping ?

please ?

Cheers
CD

Manta wrote:This was shot with the Nikkor 70-300G

What closeup filter did you use?

Manta,

Great shot .

Where are you Manta, we are sitting on the edge of our seats waiting for the information.

ta ta for now,

Sorry fellas - a guy's gotta eat!

Here's the info (now promise me you won't get bored and fall asleep - there's not much here that's very exciting):

Focal Length: 300mm
1/640sec @ f5.6
Shooting Mode P
Spot Metering
ISO 200
WB Direct Sunlight

I was sitting on the ground about 1.5 metres away, in fact probably more like 1.4m as I think that's the minimum focussing distance for the 70-300. No close-up filter used (don't own one). Image only cropped about 20% on all sides. Plain old auto focus, tried manual but couldn't decide which portion to focus on.

Hope this answers a few questions.

Thanks again for all the positive responses - it's very encouraging for a rookie like me.

Simon.

Wow... great shot!

Nice colour, too.

Great pics , time to dust off the 70-300


MATT

Simon. This is impressive. Not only is it a great capture, but you did it with the 70-300G. I've just retired mine now I have a 70-200 VR, but having seen this shot and the ones killa took of the white water rafting I've a new found appreciation of the lens (OTOH it might be the photographer )

At this rate, I think it's going to be a while before I shoot something worthwhile to post here again! I love this shot but methinks I've set my standard too high...

Oh, and I'm pleased I may have given some new hope to all those frustrated 70-300G owners out there! If this mug can do it...well, you know the rest.

(PS - Birdy, don't worry; I still lust after other lenses!)

I really think you hit the jack pot here.
Again, very nice.

Cheers
CD

Manta, that is amazing for any lens let alone one without macro.
great colours, well done.

Just plain 'Sensational.'

I think the angle of view really adds to the dragonfly. I like the way it's got it's tail stuck up in the air.

Well done.

Beautiful shot Manta! Well done. I would like to see how this would look in black and white, I could do it myself but if you're keen turn it to convert it to B&W and re post i'd would like to see it. In one of the orignal challenges the topic was 'nature in black and white' (a heck of a lot easier than the current challenge!)....

I own the 70-300G and use it quite frequently. I took an image whilst out and about today, but I'm deciding whether or not to submit it for the current challenge..hehe. Anyway, nice work...keep on posting!


Geoff.

Manta,

Looks like you've found the sweet spot of your 70-300G @ 300mm.

But that's not to detract from the excellent work you've done in capturing that image; the lens is but a tool. Well done.

I can but agree with all the other comments. Great capture. BTW when I saw the topic title, I was thinking of another Red Dragon Leek would understand.

Regards
Meic

The 70-300G is vastly under-rated in my opinion. It seems to be a lens which can be made to 'sing' very nicely on the D70.

It does have it's limitations, but I'm pretty happy with it overall - found it a good carry around lens for yesterday's meet at Newcaslte.

Well done on this one, they don't usually sit long enough for me! Make sure it gets printed and put in the brag book!

Killakoala wrote:Just plain 'Sensational.'

I think the angle of view really adds to the dragonfly. I like the way it's got it's tail stuck up in the air.

Well done.

Weeks of training and lots of mini-Schmackos! Thanks Killa.

gstark wrote:Looks like you've found the sweet spot of your 70-300G @ 300mm.

But that's not to detract from the excellent work you've done in capturing that image; the lens is but a tool. Well done.

Thanks Gary - I'm still learning and hope this isn't a fluke.

meicw wrote:BTW when I saw the topic title, I was thinking of another Red Dragon Leek would understand!

Knowing Leek as I do, I guess that other Red Dragon is more at home encased in glass sitting on a coaster!

Manta - it is a 'Diplacodes haematodes' - common name the 'scarlet percher'. It is a male - the female is a dull yellow, and are often found a long way from water.
Cool shot - they have cute bums
Rel

blacknstormy wrote:Manta - it is a 'Diplacodes haematodes' - common name the 'scarlet percher'. It is a male - the female is a dull yellow, and are often found a long way from water.
Cool shot -

Thanks for that Rel - I've leaned something.

blacknstormy wrote:they have cute bums

Okay...now you're freaking me out

(Tell 'D' I think he's been working too hard!)

Manta wrote:Knowing Leek as I do, I guess that other Red Dragon is more at home encased in glass sitting on a coaster!

Whilst there are a few beers called Red Dragon (brewed in China, Belgium and of course Wales),
I think that this was probably the Red Dragon that Meic was thinking of...


That's dedication to the cause!!!
I can't imagine what my wife would say if I came home with one of those on my leg...
I don't think she'd care who we'd beaten in the Rugby...

Go on John...give it a go and see what she says...!

Manta wrote:Go on John...give it a go and see what she says...!

If Wales win the Six Nations this year, I might very seriously consider it...

It's got to be a better way of celebrating than THIS!!!???!!!

Leek, I read the story about the Welsh rugby fan and can honestly say I have never been drunk enough to consider that a good idea. You did say you were Welsh, didn't you?

Glen wrote:You did say you were Welsh, didn't you?

I am Welsh, but I'm not that crazy...

Just read the story Leek.

What would he have done if they'd lost?

A win in the Six Nations? - I think a tattoo will be quite sufficient...

I'd love to see Wales win the Six Nations this year.

In addition to being a cricketfan, I'm also very much a rugbynut (proudly wore #3 jersey for 15+ years), and I know that when Welsh rugby is strong, world rugby benefits.

Looking forward to the Lions v All Blacks matches later this year, too!

Cricketfan, read Leek's story under the word "here" 5 messages back. If you personally can top that I will send up a 1gb card.

Manta, I am with you, lucky they won

Born in the UK, Welsh surname. But would never consider getting a tat of a red dragon.

What about cutting your balls off?

Glen wrote:Cricketfan, read Leek's story under the word "here" 5 messages back. If you personally can top that I will send up a 1gb card.

Mate, just because I've stuck my head in a scrum or 5,000, it doesn't mean that I've lost all grey matter. I've had the "jewels" twisted playing footy and I cannot imagine how much it would hurt to cut 'em off..... yourself!

My eyes are watering just thinking about it.

Your 1gb card is really, really safe!

leek wrote:

Manta wrote:Go on John...give it a go and see what she says...!

If Wales win the Six Nations this year, I might very seriously consider it...

Uh-oh... Did I really say that??? Not only did Wales win the Six Nations Championship... We got the Grand Slam (i.e. Beat ENGLAND, France, Italy, Scotland and Ireland)...

Well maybe just a small tattoo...