Shooting Bugs

Can't claim to have show stoppers, but I do really like shooting insects. Previously was using a Nikkor 105 /2.8 Micro with 2X extender on the DF or D 750, now the recently acquired used Nikkor AF 70-300 4.5 5.6 Micro on the D 7200. Have only had the lens for 5 days, but have been out with it several times, and once you get used to the longer focusing distance, it sure makes things easier. Light is very good out here, particularly in the late afternoon, so I don't use flash or reflectors. Goes without saying the bugs are plentiful and varied. One interesting observation - with this lens and usage, I believe it is the first time I can see the difference between having a protective filter on the lens and not. Better / sharper without. I will say, the filter was a No Name UV bought as part of a lot of 62mm filters - all my other filters are good ones, so I'll reserve judgment till I get and try a quality one. For now, no filter. A few samples.

This grasshopper shot with a Nikon D750 and 80-400mm lens in Austin, Texas.

A spider should do if we're going to be flexible with the term bug

 

Eastern lubber grasshopper by Tom Yin, on Flickr

Sandy, I like shooting in the morning at or before daybreak when the light is diffuse and or indirect and there is no wind, the bugs are cold and not moving and are dew or frost covered. I have a Nikkor 200mm f4 with a tripod collar with my D7200 and like the way the longer focal length controls the background even when stopped way down. Going back to North Dakota this week. Hope to get some damp bugs next to the Souris River next week.

I like shooting in the morning at or before daybreak

I started shooting bugs doing things properly - tripod, working with flash, etc. Not only didn't enjoy it, I was not getting the quality of shots I wanted. Now I do it all wrong - I shoot when the light is angled and excellent - morning or afternoon. I find the bugs because they are moving around - I stalk them with either FX format and 105 2.8 and 2x extender or lately D7200 with 75-300 Macro. I shoot hand held, generally at high end of the zoom range. Probably because the light is so good here in Montana, I get a high percentage of successful shots, and it is more fun, IMO. That fun aspect, along with satisfactory images is what is most important however you get the job done! Would love to see some of the shots from your trip!

For me, I've ample bugs around naturally. Just prefocus handheldly on flower and being patient for any of them flying in and there you go.

Sandy, North Dakota is definitely a place of extremes. I flew in to Minot the middle of last month on a Sunday and the temperature was 104. Someone told me it was 107 that same day. It was too warm and windy for bugs most mornings and the fires from Canada had completely hoked up the sky so no night photography. Now the temperatures are not exceeding 70 degrees so we will see. I only get the weekends to shoot bugs in the morning. Are you seeing haze from the fires Canada in Montana? We have generous light pollution here in the Florida panhandle so I am hoping for a few clear September nights to shoot the beautiful skies in North Dakota as well as macro. Outside of Yellow Stone I never thought I would see moose , white tail dear and mule deer all within 30 minutes of each other without any effort. Needless to say I enjoy coming to Minot though the locals smirk when I say this because they know what is to come in the winter.

As you might guess, I am familiar with NoDak. We had some serious smoke, but fairly clear here in Montana the last week. Temps are dropping (mid 60's) and we're moving into Fall. Winter is another story - we had a doozie last year, hoping for an easier one this time around. Vast amounts of wildlife particularly in Montana & Wyoming. Won't guess your age, but you might look into the National Parks Pass if you fit the criteria. Would also recommend Chico Hot Springs for dinner or a stay near Yellowstone.

I have the pass but unfortunately I am on a leash.

A gentleman I have met in Minot and photographed with mentioned some nice places North, West and South to shoot that are a few hours away.

For the time being I will be happy with the Souris River Valley and returning to the same locations multiple times to look for some magic.

At some point I will take time off. I have been to Yellow Stone 3 times in the last 30 years and watched it change after the fires and with the introduction of the wolf back into the park but can never seam to get enough. I hope North Dakota has clear skies this time around and as well will bring my wet gear and hope for a couple of cool/cold windless mornings with bugs on the grass along the river. Hope you have a milder winter this go round. Good hunting.