Vanda tricolor
 

From the Northwest Orchid Society Show, 2010.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/...243c856e_t.jpg

Another very nice pic. :)

One question, what lens do you use for these kind of shots? I'm slowly saving up some money to get a DSLR and a good lens for close ups is a must for me.

I'm using a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro lens (I sometimes use it with a ringflash, but I don't think that was the case with this shot). I also looked at the Canon 100mm macro but this was about half the price and had excellent reviews. I am very happy with it and do not regret at all not getting the Canon lens. In fact, I have never had so much fun with a lens as with this. It does not have image stabilization, but no macro lens does, so I use it quite a bit with a tripod (not very steady hands anymore).

Thanks, I'll write that down. Of course the day I start shopping around for the body and lens I'll be picking your brain (and others) for help in choosing what to buy.... I'm really getting into photography, and my advanced point and shoot has gotten me familiar with manual settings. I'm starting to feel a bit limited by it, so it's getting time to upgrade, even though I know nothing about DSLRs, and even less about lens!

Another wonderful shot Ron!

I can't wait until I am able to get a DSLR.

Hope you're able to get something soon, Ted, and, Camille, with a DSLR it seems as though you are forever learning.

Yes , excellent photo and the color of this very V. tricolor is my favourite.

Thanks for looking and commenting, Philippe.

Great shot Ron.

I'm actually starting to consider a DSLR as well and was planning to pick the brains of some of the OB folks as to what to get in the way of Macro lens (if I ever do get as far as getting a DSLR that is, still just mulling the idea at the momment).

Maybe as it's been brought up you can clarify something for me, not meaning to de-rail this thread. My little compact can focus in 'macro mode' a lot closer than the DSLR macro lenses say they can... am I right in thinking that the whole point is that a proper macro lens doesn't need to go as close because it can magnify at a more 'normal' distance from the subject, rather than having to go very close to the subject... or am I wrong and minimum distance it can focus at is still very important. :scratchhead: hope I've made sence there.

I think you are correct, Rosie. There are several problems with getting too close in macro mode on any camera (1) focusing is more difficult and autofocus may not even work, and (2) the closer you get the more the depth of field decreases, so that you get very little of the subject in focus.