A Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) is sipping nectar with its retractable proboscis on autumn flowers Aster novi-belgii (New York Aster) - 5.10.2005 (go to image) 

 Marina Frintrop 13.11.2007 22:15 13.11.2007 22:15
Hello Volkmar, an extremely interesting depth of field on the butterfly. Which camera do you use? I now have a DSLR, but I'm still not very comfortable with it... especially in the macro area. But that's not a big deal, I'll practice over the winter and then "pursue" insects again next year. Best regards, Marina

 Volkmar Döring 16.11.2007 21:31 16.11.2007 21:31
Hello Marina, first of all, thank you (also for your comment on my other butterfly photo). So "extremely interesting depth of field" is very diplomatically put! To be honest, it just happened that way, it wasn't planned by me, probably due to the very close distance (about 3-5 cm). These pictures were taken two years ago, back then with a "point-and-shoot" Canon A610, but I wasn't that dissatisfied with it. The tilting and swiveling monitor also played its advantages in the above-mentioned shots. This point is the only reason why I can't bring myself to switch to a DSLR, but by now there are already DSLRs with tilting and swiveling monitors. Now they just need to become affordable for me on the market, then my dream regarding equipment will come true.
By the way, I find the sharpness of many of your shots fascinating, and if you are still struggling with macro, it might be more due to the lens than the EOS 400. Incidentally, when I do macro shots of insects in the wild, I only get a yield of about 1:10 to 1:5. Always "Good light" and best regards, Volkmar

 Marina Frintrop 17.11.2007 17:08 17.11.2007 17:08
Hello Volkmar,
I find the sharpness gradient of the Admiral superb (interesting)... after all, it looks like a biplane. Whether planned or not... the result is brilliant. The "isolation" (lack of depth of field) actually made me think it was a DSLR photo. I achieve similar effects with my 80 euro Praktica as well when I do macros at extreme close range.
I have had my DSLR with 2 lenses for a few weeks now... nice toy, but not the best for me. To be able to take good photos across the board with such a camera, you need a wide range of accessories... and that really costs a lot. The purchase price is peanuts compared to the follow-up expenses ;o) Besides a cash cow, you should also have a flatbed truck to transport the complete equipment... you never know what might come in front of one lens or another.
For me, buying a DSLR for everyday all-round photography was a bad purchase. I am now looking for a good bridge camera that will accompany me daily. That is much more affordable and sensible for my needs than continuing to upgrade DSLR accessories. The DSLR will then only accompany me to "special events".
Wishing you a pleasant weekend. Best regards, Marina