Head shots of an odonate exuvia from an Appalachian Snaketail dragonfly (Ophiogomphus incurvatus) were taken using two macro lenses: Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro lens (smallest aperture = f/32); Canon MP-E 65mm Macro lens (smallest aperture = f/16).
No. 1 | Canon EF 100mm Macro lens | f/22
Although there is more depth of field at f/22 than f/16, the more dramatic shot appears to be the one taken at higher magnification (2x) using the Canon MP-E 65mm Macro lens (shown below). Which photo do you prefer?
No. 2 | Canon MP-E 65mm Macro lens | f/16
The Backstory
An Appalachian Snaketail dragonfly (Ophiogomphus incurvatus) nymph was collected by Bob Perkins. The nymph was reared in captivity until it emerged on 20 March 2017 and metamorphosed into an adult male. This specimen is the exuvia from the nymph. Appalachian Snaketail is a member of the Family Gomphidae (Clubtails).
Tech Tips
The following equipment was used to shoot Photo No. 1: Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital camera, in manual mode; Kenko 20mm macro automatic extension tube; Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro lens (set for manual focus); Canon MT-26EX-RT Macro Twin Lite set for “Master” mode, and Canon 580 EX- and Canon 580EX II Speedlites set for “Slave” mode. Photo No. 2: Canon MP-E 65mm Macro lens (manual focus only, set for 2x magnification) plus the multiple-flash setup.
Apple Aperture and Adobe Photoshop CC 2017 were used to edit both images.
Copyright © 2018 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Appalachian Snaketail dragonfly, exuvia, Family Gomphidae (Clubtails), gear talk, high-speed sync, male, nymph, Ophiogomphus incurvatus
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