Praying Mantis

[trident]

Hi,
Your help needed, which of these 2 photos do you guys think is better? Both were shot at f8 1/200 ISO100 100mm macro+12mm extension tube.
Your comments welcomed. Thanks.
1

2

[hwchoy]

your sensor very dirty

when changing lens do power off first.

[trident]

choy,
Thanks. How do you tell if sensor is dirty?
I sometimes raise the mirror and give it a few blow.
Didn't dare to touch it.

[hwchoy]

you can't see the dirt spots on the second pix? I can see almost twenty and I am being "chin chai"

don't blow with your mouth, it doesn't have a filter, and don't blow with a blower they aren't always clean inside the bulb. send it to CSC (Canon Svc Centre) for cleaning or DIY with CLEAN cotton bud. some people use a cleaning solution, but I personally just swab it dry.

[Merviso]

choy,
Thanks. How do you tell if sensor is dirty?
I sometimes raise the mirror and give it a few blow.
Didn't dare to touch it.

Yo! Richard... must be all your saliva...

[ranmasatome]

you blow it?????!!!!!! wah.. richard.. you must be rich....

Both pictures are over exposed... if have to choose i choose 2nd one.. less area of over exposure.

[trident]

hahaha, no lah! I use a blower
Yah looks like time to send it to CSC for cleaning.
Gopt to be ready for 10 May 08.
Justine, thanks, think the flash a bit too much.

[luenny]

Richard,
Where did you find this guy? TPTP? Anyway, lighting is harsh which is not good because the mantis exoskeleton reflects light. And DOF is too thin, especially for second picture. You can increase the ISO and increase you aperture without affecting the shutter speed much. Hand held right?

[trident]

Luenny,
This guy flew into my house last night, I placed it on a plant and start shooting, using monopod.
Wanted to keep it for you but that guy flew away after a few shots, no time to try other settings.

[ranmasatome]

Thats why you freeeze them!!!!! hahahaha... well... at least make it colder.

[trident]

hahaha if I freeze the mantis, I think the whole of AQ will freeze me!

[Merviso]

Richard, maybe you can setup a terrarium and keep it... I'm sure you got lot's of tank laying around...

[trident]

Merv,
I wanted to keep it in my spare tank for a few days, but that that guy flew away, too bad.

[luenny]

Richard,
Wah, a mantis flew into your house. So nice. Haven't had mantis flew into my house ever since I move to Singapore. The only thing that flew into my house recently is this (shot by my daughter ).

[ranmasatome]

wahaha... nice antennae...

I feeze them all the time... richard..lol... first freeze not too much... enough to keep them alive..but slow moving.. take picture... then second freeze...then take out.. put a pin through it..

[trident]

Luenny,
Potential future photographer. Yah, the antennae is very unique.

Justine,
You got to be kidding..........................ok I go try, but no pins

[luenny]

Richard,
Yeah, hopefully one day she'll be able to make it big and then I can retire.