Posted on July 9, 2021
A couple of images of Blue Dasher Dragonflies. The Featured Image of the male Blue Dasher was taken with a 400mm DO lens with a 1.4X Teleconverter @ f/8 on a Canon 1D mkIV. To get the smoother background I wanted I only stopped down 1 more f/stop to f/8 since I already lost 1 stop with the 1.4X Teleconverter attached. My usual workflow when (on bright days) using teleconverters for a little more sharpness is to stop down at least 1 additional stop when using a 1.4X and at least 2 stops when using a 2X teleconverter. If I am using a 3X Teleconverter I would stop down 1 or 2 more stops than when using a 2X Teleconverter if I could. But then again a 3X Teleconverter usually is so bad I would just stack a 1.4X & 2X teleconverter. If using an extension tube on Telephoto lenses to get closer focusing I would also stop down at least 1 or 2 more stops for more depth of field.


Category: Blog, Closeup Photography, Dragonflies, Equipment, Tips & Techniques Tagged: Blue Dasher Dragonfly, Canon 2X teleconverter, canon 300mm f/4 IS lens, Canon 400mm DO lens, Canon extension tubes, Canon Series III 1.4X Teleconverter, Canon Teleconverters Canon Extension Tubes, Closer up images with filters & extension tubes, extension tubes, Female Blue Dasher Dragonfly, Male Blue Dasher Dragonfly
Posted on June 10, 2020
I thought it was interesting to see the details of where the wings attach to the thorax on this Blue Dasher dragonfly’s body. I was using a 300mm f/4 lens with a 2x teleconverter and an extension tube to get a closer view. I usually carry extension tubes or closeup filters with me in case I come upon an interesting closeup photo opportunity. But I usually use extension tubes more than closeup filters because you are adding another glass element that might degrade the image. You can also experiment with the placement of the extension tube. Placing the extension tube before or after the teleconverter gives you different “focus zones.” Also the width of the extension tube gives you different focus zones. So it is best to see what combination works best for you and the lenses you are using. But it is fun to try different ways to get the image you want. Plus you never know when it will come in handy. Images below are a series of images using extension tubes & teleconverters with 300mm & 400mm lenses.



Blue Dasher Dragonfly- 400mm f/4 DO Lens, extension tube, 1.4x teleconverter
Category: Blog, Brigantine NWR, Oceanville NJ, Closeup Photography, Davidsons Mill Pond Park, Dragonflies, Favorite Locations, Insects, Nature Still Lifes, Photo Tips, Tips & Techniques, yard & pond Tagged: 1.4x teleconverter, 2X teleconverter, Canon 300mm, canon 300mm f/4 lens IS, Closer up images with filters & extension tubes, Closeup filters, Dragonflys, extension tubes, teleconverters, using extension tubes for close-up images
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