I headed to a little pond today in the hopes of finding a reflection shot for this week's technique challenge. No luck with that but I did notice these delicate water droplets on iris leaves along the pond bank. I would have loved to have had a macro lens to capture them even better, but I was happy with what I could accomplish with my telephoto, using manual focus for the first time.
Best viewed large if you have a moment.
Thank you all for taking the time to view and comment on my photos. Have a wonderful weekend!
Beautiful, and unless I'm seeing things, each droplet has a reflection in it. :) Perhaps reconsider the theme because the reflection need not be obvious. :)
Gorgeous droplets, Lisa. Great job on the maual focus! I found it really hard when I first started awhile back. I am slowly getting it, love the control.
@dolphin Thank you, Molly. I am indeed dithering. I tend to do that with large purchases. Sometimes I just dither myself right out of the purchase! Lately, I've been reading about the Tokina 100mm and the NIkon 105mm. Basically, I'm in a state of "analysis paralysis"!
Looks great small, but when enlarged - WOW! No matter how many droplets shots I've seen during the last several weeks, I am still amazed with this one! Spot on focus and beautiful background. A fav!
@pflaume I'm absolutely the same - Ive also been looking at the Nikon 105 mm, which gets very good reviews but is supposed to be quite heavy. I don't know if it's better to get a Nikon lens with a Nikon camera. You're right about cost, and I do seem to be spending rather a lot on things photographic these days!
@dolphin The weight of the Nikon is a consideration for me, too. I wonder how it would feel on my little D5000 body. I may rent it and give it a test drive. If I could evaluate that one more closely then perhaps a decision will come a bit easier.
I've been dying for a macro too but have found my telephoto to be best for these as well...AND started using manual focus for the most recent challenge for the first time. Soul sisters.
@edie Thank you so much for the comment & fav, Edie! It was interesting how much the manual focus improved the clarity of this shot. I can definitely see that it's important to apply in certain situations. Glad we are stepping into new territory together!
Delicately beautiful. BTW, I just ordered the Tamron 90 after agonizing over it since last September. I really wanted a Pentax macro, but could not justify the extra $400.
@rvwalker I am excited for you! I will be curious how you like it. I keep laboring, too. Tamron has also released a new 90mm with VC. I can't find many reviews about it yet. it's $250 more expensive. I don't know if the VC is worth the extra cost. I will be interested in how the lens handles without a tripod for you.
@pflaume One reason I like Pentax is IS (image stabilization) is built into the body, so any lens has VC. However, they are cutting their own throats with their high lens prices. So I end up getting the non-VC version of the Tamron macro. I will let you know how it works out.
Great sharp capture!