A few thoughts to consider 1) It would be great to see some of your photos (good and bad) along with the details of the settings you used, any lighting, setup and how you went about the shot. It would also help to hear your views on the photo. This shows us what you're doing, how you're approaching ...

A few thoughts to add to the above: 1) Shutter speed. The 1/focal length of lens = shutter speed to avoid handshake is a rough rule of thumb that tends to work in the sort of 50-200mm range of focal lengths. Outside of those focal lengths* things get a bit more complicated. I tend to find that longe...

Thanks Leonard, I'm still messing around with a lighting setup and base to work with; at present its still the top off the moth trap, but I might well get some more in a smaller size to work with so that I can move around it more easily and have it held up higher (at present its right on top of the ...

A couple of photos from the trap, not a good night and only caught three moths in the trap so a quieter night; but then again its not the best nor warmest of weather and it is getting into mid September. I'd greatly appreciate any help in moth ID/photography critique/any tips/pointers I believe this...

Robert - I've actually seen a lot of tests online showing different background blurring; or at least of the general kind youve posted showing the variation that focal length brings. What is less common are the more unique optics/microscope elements/older gear that tends to be more popular here. Basi...

Quick question, which Sigma 150 are you using, the original or the version with OS? (as I understand it the OS edition is optically very similar, though has some adjustment/differences in its background blur rendering) Whilst I know this is a sharpness test it would be interesting to compare the ren...

I've not used that brand of legs before, but the appear well priced and appear solid so should be a decent choice. Also note that you will want to add a set of rails like the ones I linked in my post earlier. The back-forward motion is very important for macro and gaining focus as you will find it v...

The thing is whilst a ballhead is all well and good, you can't control it as easily for fine adjustments. They are much faster to initially position, but you can typically only control them in a more limited fashion compared to the fine control of a geared head. Conversely a geared head is mostly us...

I forgot about tripod head recommendations! I fully second the manfrotto junior geared head. A geared head lets you control each of the 3 axis of movement with fine control on adjustment knobs. You turn the knob and the plane moves very slowly. It's perfect for macro work. You can even twist each kn...

Welcome to the world of macro! Nice oil and water shot! Ringflash actually gives a neat reflection in them! You don't state what your budget is, for anything (esp macro) there are low and high cost options that can get you what you want. As a result an idea of what kind of ballpark budget you've got...

I agree and have had the benefit of a number of valuable interventions from Members both on and off board. Perhaps there could be a facility here where the distilled/summarised technical contents of PM's could be made available to all with the permission of both Members? BR John I think all that ne...

My thanks Mark; always good to get confirmation from other moth enthusiasts/experts

Yep used the same book, must say that whilst I'm no expert its proving to be a very useful and clear resource to use!

Out of interest what other publications have you found of help when doing identifications? Or for general ecological information.

All single shots. I've not done stacking for a long while and was shooting handheld for these so single shots at f13. I did muck around with one or two stacks, but was keeping things simple so even they were done at f13. I'll have to dig my tripod out and set it up again for focus stacking (then aga...

I believe this is a Yellow-line Quaker (Agrochola macilenta) The dark spot near the shoulder/body appears more apparent in the side photo than the above. If anyone can confirm or provide alternative ID it would be most helpful. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4430/36083480044_787d4730a3_o.jpg https://...