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- Camera: Nikon D7200<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lens 1: Lester A Dine 105mm f\/2.8 (Manual Focus) for 1:1 magnification<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lens 2: Nikkor 28mm ais + Reversing ring for 2 to 3 times magnification<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lens 3: Panagor PMC Auto 90mm f\/2.8 (Manual Focus) for 1:1 magnification <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lens 4: Micro-Nikkor 105mm f\/4 (Manual Focus) with extension for 1:1 magnification<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flash: Meike MK-320<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Diffuser 1: Homemade from materials inside LCD monitor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Diffuser 2: Angler PSFD-100 (currently experimenting)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Battery for flash: Panasonic Eneloop Pro (rechargeable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Memory Card: Sandisk 32GB or 64GB<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Camera<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
I started with a Nikon D5200 that I purchased in 2014. It was a great dlsr camera, small, light and I liked it a lot. With this camera, I learned how to use manual mode, setup the hot shoe flash and started using manual focus lens. I think I have produced some nice photos with it. Unfortunately it stopped working so after doing a bit more research, I decided to purchase a used Nikon D7200 which is touted as more \u2018advanced\u2019. It is slightly heavier (210g more) but with some practice I was able to shoot with one hand. The two features that I liked were: the camera was weather sealed & longer battery life (compared to the D5200).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In my opinion, most modern camera (dlsr or mirrorless) are suitable for close-up photography. In fact, I have also seen folks using their camera phones with specialised lens attachment and stunning bee photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lens<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.beelover.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/D70_6197_3_lenses-1024x768.webp\")
Left-Right: Nikkor 28mm ais (reversed with extension tube), Micro-Nikkor 105mm f\/4 qith PN-11 extension tube, Lester Dine 105mm Macro f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n I started with the Tamron SP AF 90mm F\/2.8 until I broke it by accident. At some point I realised that when photographing the bees I never really need to use auto focus. In fact, it is harder to use auto-focus except when the bee is static. So I started to look for an \u2018older\u2019 and somewhat cheaper manual focus macro lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not too long after that the Micro-Nikkor 105mm ai f\/4 was my official macro lens. It is a great lens in my opinion and I was really impressed with the quality of the image it produced especially for such an old lens. The downside is that in order to get 1:1 magnification (or actual size of the bee on the sensor) I need to use a 52.5mm extension tube (PN-11). So my setup becomes a bit bulkier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2022, I read about the Lester A Dine 105mm f\/2.8 macro lens in a close-up photography forum<\/a> and managed to find one on Ebay. It is also a manual focus lens like the Micro-Nikkor 105mm f\/4 but able to do 1:1 magnification without adding any extension. Since then the Micro-Nikkor 105mm f\/4 has become my backup lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2023, I came across the Panagor PMC Auto 90mm 2\/8 macro lens. Another manual focus lens that can do 1:1 maginification without the need of extensions. It is also somewhat lighter than the Lester Dine. So this particular lens stays on the D7200 most of the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the bees like the Lasioglossum (Homalictus) sp. are really small (i.e 3mm \u2013 5mm). To get the extra magnification, I like to use my Nikkor 28mm ais manual focus lens in \u2018reverse\u2019 <\/em>with an extension tube. So with the a reversing ring, you can attach the lens backwards \u2013 i.e. the front of the lens to the camera body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.beelover.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/D70_6198_reverse_lens.webp\")
From Right to Left \u2013 PK-13 extension tube, 52mm reverse ring, Nikkor 28mm ais lens, additional adapter + UV filter to protect the exposed part of the lens<\/mark><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The main thing to realise about using lens that has short focal length is that the front of the lens will be very close to the subject (3-4cm). This may or may not be practical depending on the bees (i.e what they are doing) and the scene you\u2019re trying to capture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flash & Diffuser<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.beelover.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/D70_6203_diffuser-1024x768.webp\")
My el-cheapo diffuser (top) and the Angler PFSD-100 portable diffuser<\/mark><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n In the beginning, I only shoot with natural or available sunlight. This can work, but there are some limitations. After a while, I learned that flash is not only useful as a reliable source of light, but also can be used freeze movement. I have a few standard hot shoe flashes but I personally prefer the Meike MK-320. It is small flash which translates into a lighter setup. Furthermore, it takes only two AA batteries. Speaking of batteries, if you do a lot of flash photography then it is practical to use the rechargeable ones like Eneloop Pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A flash diffuser is needed to spread and soften light on the subject. You can find macro photographers selling their DIY flash diffusers online. I have purchased one 2 years ago but it made my setup a bit bulky so I don\u2019t use it as much. I ended up making my own DIY diffuser from the white plastic document holder that I purchased from OfficeWorks. It is not perfect but you I think the results are quite acceptable (see my 2022 collection<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.beelover.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_5593_post_1.webp\")
Left-Right: Top side of the diffuser, Camera & Flash, diffuser set<\/mark><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n