In my RV park in Sidney, BC, right outside the window where I sit doing my writing is a large California Lilac.
It’s in full bloom right now and the bumble bees are loving it.
At certain times of the day the whole bush is alive with the buzzing of happy bees gathering their pollen.
I took the opportunity to get in close with my Canon 500D close-up filter which I put on the end of my 70-300mm lens. That lens has a minimum focussing distance of about 5 feet. With the close-up filter on it, I can focus on subjects that are about 1 foot away from the end of my lens.
This is the method I use for macro photography since I only have to carry the filter and not an additional lens in order to make macro images.
Please click the images to view larger versions.
This is another way that I keep my camera gear down to only what I am capable of carrying: my tripod, my camera, three lenses, and an assortment of filters.
Sometimes I will rent a lens for a special occasion, but otherwise I make do with what I have.
I never knew about macro filters. I think I might need to pick one up.
Hi. I love your pics of the bumble bee! I have noticed they are here again and am going to try photograph them.
Thanks Chrystal!
Wow – super sharp details in the bee!
Thanks Matt, I love that Canon 500D close-up filter!
Genius! I can’t imagine carrying so much equipment, even though I love photography. I have to come up with creative ways like you. Great shots, by the way.
Many thanks Sherry, I appreciate it.
Lilac is such an amazing smell…it’s no wonder all those bees love it!
And no…bumbles don’t sting that often, they are fairly passive and slow and bumbling and just sort of mosey on about their business.
Thanks for your visit and comments TW!
Amazing. These shots just blew me away – and I’m an epi-pen carrying bee-sting allergist! -Veronica
Thank you so much Gypsy! I’m don’t think the bumble bees sting very often or I would have been a lot more leery of being so close. I appreciate your visit and comments.
I also have a set of 3 wired extension tubes, but I think your solution is more elegant. I have to try it out, and compare the results.
It’s worth a try Laura. Thanks for your visit and comments (and for sharing my posts on social media, really appreciate that!).
Gorgeous! Our lacecap hydrangea is alive with them too.
I use closeup filters too – I have a set of 3 that I’ve had for years. Much less expensive than a macro lens!
Hi Laurie, Yes, much less expensive!! Thanks for your comments.
Lovely pictures, Anne. I use a set of 3 wired extension tubes (i.e. the aperture control and AF still work) which are likewise easy to carry about and provide a lot of flexibility. I haven’t used them a great deal yet but particularly liked the way this dandelion clock caught the light.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/94504015@N02/8741484567/
Hi James, Thanks for sharing your dandelion! You are right, there is beautiful light and I love the shallow depth of field. Looks like those extension tubes are working well for you!