Choosing the Best Tool for the Job
Over the past few years I haven’t used my macro lens much. Somehow it got sidelined. I didn’t think it was as sharp as my new shiny 100-400 zoom. And maybe it isn’t, but I've started using it again this year. For some reason I was struggling to get a sharp image of a Juniper Hairstreak butterfly. So I pulled out my old 180 macro lens to try and get something I liked. To my surprise it worked.
![Juniper Hairstreak Juniper Hairstreak](http://www.ronerwin.com/big/210617G2692.jpg)
The park across the road from us has lots of mushrooms and lichen to explore. It has been nice and damp lately. Perfect conditions for this kind of thing
![Trumpet or Pixie Cup Lichen Trumpet or Pixie Cup Lichen](http://www.ronerwin.com/big/211005J4838.jpg)
![Coprinus Fungus Coprinus Fungus](http://www.ronerwin.com/big/211014G3963.jpg)
![Mushrooms on Log Mushrooms on Log](http://www.ronerwin.com/big/211006G3870.jpg)
![Waxcap Mushrooms Waxcap Mushrooms](http://www.ronerwin.com/big/211017G4096.jpg)
The 180 works well when nothing is moving and I have time to set up with a tripod. Often I focus stack several images to increase the depth of field. Working very carefully, I can still get excellent results from this lens.
The 100-400 is the best choice if the subject is moving and I need fast autofocus. I can hand hold it and move very quickly with this setup.![Smooth Greensnake Smooth Greensnake](http://www.ronerwin.com/big/210907J2921.jpg)
![Red Squirrel Red Squirrel](http://www.ronerwin.com/big/211007J5276.jpg)
![Grey Squirrel Grey Squirrel](http://www.ronerwin.com/big/211007J5094.jpg)
The 100-400 has become my most used lens for everything other than landscapes.
My 500 f4 lens is a big cumbersome thing however it gives that extra reach when needed.
![Great Egret in Flight Great Egret in Flight](http://www.ronerwin.com/big/210609K3843.jpg)
![Yellow Warbler Yellow Warbler](http://www.ronerwin.com/big/210525K8115.jpg)
It is wonderful to have all of these tools at my disposal. Picking the right one for the job at hand comes with experience and anticipation.
Labels: butterflies, camera lenses, fungus, Great Egret, Juniper Hairstreak, lichen, macro lens, mushrooms, Ontario, zoom lens