Camera body All macro-photographs presented in this site were taken by a Nikon F70 (in USA N70). This camera is a typical middle-class 35 mm SLR instrument equipped with a very exact exposure metering system. Especially the possibility of using both matrix and the centre-weighted and spot exposure metering with dedicated TTL flash units is essential for macrophotography. The production of this body stopped several months ago. Unfortunately, the Nikon's corresponding new body F80 cannot be attached to manual-focus lenses, extensions tubes or converters (e.g. Nikon AI-S system). [the depicted F-70 has an attached AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D lens]

Lenses and their accesories Most of the presented pictures were taken by a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX Macro lens (A) or AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D (B). Both lenses deliver excellent sharp and contrast pictures and work up to 1:1 magnification (life-size). Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro (C) with attached dedicated Sigma achromatic close-up lens (E, works at 1:1) was used to take pictures of insects under difficult natural conditions. The use of this lens (macro at 300 mm) is limited by the need of tripod, but the advantage is a great focusing distance (over 90 cm at 1:1). Lately the photographs have primarily been taken using a Sigma 105 mm Macro lens. This lens gives an exceptional optical quality and works with better focusing distance (36 cm at 1:1) when compared to Micro-Nikkor 60mm (ca 20 cm at 1:1). Sigma 105mm Macro in combination with Soligor MF 2×C/D7 macro-teleconverter (D) and/or Sigma achromatic close-up lens were used for higher magnifications (1:1 - 3:1). The higher magnifications were especially used for macro-photography of small objects (pinned specimens or tiny live insects). The life-size (1:1) magnification is mostly sufficient for taking pictures of average body-size live Cerambycids.

A: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX Macro B: AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D C: Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro D: Soligor MF 2×C/D7 macro-teleconverter E: Sigma achromatic close-up lens

Lighting Artificial flash lighting was used for taking of all presented pictures. Nikon SB-29 TTL Macro Speedlight (F), attached to a macro lens, was the usual source of light. The combination of Nikon SB-28 AF TTL Speedlight (G) and Nikon SC-17 TTL synch extension cord (H) was used in the specific situations. SB-28 was the preffered light-source when Sigma 70-300mm lens was used. SB-29 macro flash proved to be the best solution for close-up photographing of live insect in natural environment. When attached directly to the lens the flash offers a soft lighting without disturbing shadows. The Nikon's TTL flash light metering system is very precise, and consequently you can concentrate your attention on the photographed object only.

Tripod Tripod Manfrotto 190A equipped with 3-way head Manfrotto RC141 was applied as a stabiliser for photographing of live insects in their natural habitats when a Sigma 70-300mm lens (macro at 300 mm) was used. When this lens and the SB-28 flash were combined the resulting instrument was relatively heavy and work with tripod was necessary to avoid hand shaking effects. When taking pictures of pinned beetles the use of a tripod was absolutely essential. Manfrotto products (tripods, heads, quick release plates etc.) are of a really high quality. They are made of a rigid and light-weight aluminium alloy, steel and a rugged plastic and consequently are more stable than any cheap plastic tripods.

Important notes to achieve optimal depth of field the highest aperture of lens was used (22 - 32) a Fuji Superia 400 negative slide film, Fuji Sensia 100 or Provia 400F slide film were used negatives or slides were scanned using a great film scanner Nikon Coolscan IV ED (also signed as LS-40) Here you can find some hi-res examples of my non-cerambycidae macrophotographies.