Window Gnats

LordV · Post by **LordV** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 12:59 pm

Window gnats are getting more common here as the temperature drops.

Brian V.

Click on Pics for larger size

Planapo · Post by **Planapo** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 1:43 am

Very nice shots, Brian! Especially if one is aware of the size of your subjects, presumably anisopodid flies.

As I am thinking about purchasing a MPE-65 and currently try to figure out if I need the MT-24 flash too or if there are alternatives, I`d be interested to know how you lit these photos so well.

Btw, I like your avatar.

Best wishes,
Betty

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 4:21 am

Don't believe I have ever seen a gnat this close, great photos there Brian. They have just quieted down here for the winter. Usually you cannot eat anything at certain times of the year, for them becoming a pest and wanting to partake of your meal.

LordV · Post by **LordV** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 5:08 am

Planapo wrote:Very nice shots, Brian! Especially if one is aware of the size of your subjects, presumably anisopodid flies.

As I am thinking about purchasing a MPE-65 and currently try to figure out if I need the MT-24 flash too or if there are alternatives, I`d be interested to know how you lit these photos so well.

Btw, I like your avatar.

Best wishes,
Betty

Thanks Betty

yes they are fairly small- about 5mm body length.
I actually just use a standard 430Ex flash with my MPE-65 it is mounted on an external bracket which allows me to keep the diffuser head near the end of the lens no matter what the magnification (extension) of the lens.

Pic of the MPE-65 rig below on the RHS. The bracket is a generic vidcam light bracket with a cheapo ballhead fitted on it. I haven't yet felt the need for an MT-24 and indeed many of the macroflashes would interfere with my shooting at high magnifications as they increase the diameter of the lens at the end- you often have to rest the lens on the end and tilt ut up to achieve focus at high mags.

Brian V

LordV · Post by **LordV** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 5:10 am

Ken Ramos wrote:Don't believe I have ever seen a gnat this close, great photos there Brian. They have just quieted down here for the winter. Usually you cannot eat anything at certain times of the year, for them becoming a pest and wanting to partake of your meal.

Thanks Ken

Actually don't have too much of a problem with gnats or midges even though I have two fish ponds. These gnats only appear in the Autumn/Winter time so obviously like it fairly cool.

brian V.

MacroLuv · Post by **MacroLuv** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 5:20 am

Hi Brian and welcome. I can't see your pics in opera browser. Only the photograph of your cameras.
I'll stay with my 100 mm macro for a while. I think that MPE-65 could be painful and distressing for the beginner like me.

Bruce Williams · Post by **Bruce Williams** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:46 pm

A great job with a really challenging subject. Be interested to know the aperture setting(s).

Interesting flash set-up too.

Bruce

LordV · Post by **LordV** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 11:04 pm

Bruce Williams wrote:A great job with a really challenging subject. Be interested to know the aperture setting(s).

Interesting flash set-up too.

Bruce

Thanks Bruce

#1 F9. #2&3 F8 but #2 was czm focus stacked from 4 shots and #3 was hand focus stacked from 3 shots.

I tend to shoot with the MPE-65 with the following apertures to minimise diffraction softening but still get some DOF.

The flash setups are a bit DIY but allow me to keep the flash diffuser at the end of the lens no matter what the magnification by rotating the ball head and straightening out the flash.

1:1 2:1 3:1 4:1 5:1
F11 F9 F7.1 F6.3 F5.6

Brian V.