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

I did end up getting sharp Hairstreak images with both lenses but it reminded me that for small things the 180mm macro is still a good choice.

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

Coprinus Fungus

Mushrooms on Log

Waxcap Mushrooms

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

Red Squirrel

Grey Squirrel

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

Yellow Warbler

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.