Rhyncogonus Fordii
Macro photographs can be archived using a number of tools; macro lens, extension tubes or extension bellows. The macro lens comes in sizes from 50mm to 200mm. I recommend the 100mm macro. This is one lens where you want to get the highest quality you can afford. Extension tubes are just that, hollow tubes that move your normal lens away from the camera and create a macro type effect. This is less expensive but results in lower quality images. The last method, the bellows, is much like the extension tube but the distance from the normal lens to the camera image plane can be adjusted.
This example of macro photography shows some of the capabilities and limitations of the technique. You will notice the fine detail on the back of the weevil. But the focal distance falls off so fast that the right antenna is differently out of focus. The lighting from the left is excellent. I believe the photographer added a reflector card to the left or a leaf bounced light in order to give shape to the gloss black creature. The photographer has included just enough information about the plant without losing our attention on the primary subject.
I think the solid black background works with the bright green plant however it tells us that this shot was taken under controlled conditions. This image would make a wonderful text book illustration.
Click on Image 
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Thank you Mr. Morris, for your critique of the (Rhynchogonus fordii) weevil. This weevil is found only in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. The two remaining areas where it can be found are in the Waianae Mountain range. This specimen came from Ohikilolo at the Northern end of the range.
The photo was taken with a 28mm lens with 12mm extension tube using a single flash and reflector. The back ground (black velvet) was used to isolate the subject from the foliage around it.
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Excellent Macro shot!
Out of curiosity, I’m sure many would like to know what was used to get the shot, e.g. macro lens, dioptric filer, 12mm tube, etc.?
I don’t believe the focal distance or focal length cannot ‘fall off’ for the simple reason that it is the distance from the lens to the sensor or film, when focused on a subject at infinity. In other words, focal length equals image distance for a far subject. To focus on something closer than infinity, the lens is moved farther away from the film. This is why most lenses get longer when you turn the focusing ring.
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Whoops! Double negative. It sholud read - I do believe………
February 22nd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Hi Bill,
The lens used in this shot was 28mm Nikkor with Kenko 12mm extension tube, with the lens being focused to infinity. The aperture was set at 22 and shutter speed at 160sec. the finial focus was achieved through the use of a focus rail.
I hope this answers your question.
Aloha,
Jim Johnston