Common Blue

I’ve been out taking pictures again. This is the common blue butterfly – and around these parts it is very common. This image does tend to highlight the big problem with macro photography. The depth of field is so narrow that the tips of the wings are out of focus, this despite the lens being stopped down to f18 – the maximum available.

Oh, well, overall, I’m pleased with the image so far. I’ll keep trying to get a better one, though.

7 Comments

  1. It means that the wings aren’t as sharp as I’d like them. I need to get one with the wings fully open so that they are all fully in focus.

  2. You’ve got the body and the ‘eyes’ in focus, which is the acceptable ‘norm’. Probably the only way to achieve what you’re hoping for is to be further away from the insect, which then leads to other problems.

    Reminds me of the need for an ‘infinity’ button, which seemed to vanish when the manufacturers went digital.

  3. Getting further away would work with a longer focal length lens, which would also usefully condense the perspective. As it is, my focal length is 35mm, so I’m stuck with sneaking up on my subject and trying to get as close as I can without spooking them. This can be difficult when there is a cat trying desperately to help. Or is that hinder?

    I’d almost forgotten about the infinity button…

  4. Stunning colour, and a great closeup of the ‘furry’ back!

    This season seems to have been quite a good one for butterflies here in Essex.

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