Mike,
For a nice portable reflector, take a look at the Photoflex reflectors.
They have some that are 12" diameter, they have a nice rim that makes them
open totally flat. They twist up and fold into a 5" bag. They can be
obtained in white, gold, gold/white combo and translucent. I got mine at
Midwest Photo for $12 each.
Back when you could still get it, I used to buy DustOff (freon). This will
REALLY DATE ME- but I used aluminum film cans in conjunction with the
DustOff. I would pick up the insect, place it in the aluminum film can
(for good heat transfer), tun the DustOff can upside down and blast the can
with cold air. The insect would slow down enough due to the cold that
photography was quite easy with my 50 3.5 macro.
Can't easily find freon versions of DustOff any more and aluminum film cans
have been gone for 15 years!
The tele extension tube would only alleviate the closeness issue, motion
would still be a problem.
The issue you have with light loss through the tubes you have will
essentially hold true across the board. Even if they are Cambron. 30.5
opening is pretty small, but the extension is the issue. Yes, I know, the
opening should be larger, but ...
Brian P. Huber
Troy, OH
bphuber@xxxxxxxxxx
Robert my ext. tubes are generic Cambron branded gizmos in sizes 13mm,20mm
and 27mm. They're dark. Very dark. The interior opening is 30.5mm and on
the 27mm ext tube that translates to a 2 stop loss. Stacking them for more
extention pretty much stops me right out of many lighting situations.
To augment the natural lighting I've taken to using a reflective screen
meant to keep sunlight out of a car's windshield. I've also experimented
with a mylar space blanket (highly compact, but too flimsy) and a section
of poster board with a cutout to stick the lens through. (a po'boys ring
reflector,.. sorta)
The other thing I don't like about the rings is that focal distance becomes
so critical that merely setting up the shot becomes tedious. Trying to get
moving bugs or flowers in even the slightest of barely perceptable breezes
becomes really frustrating. I suspect that's the case with many macro
setups. I'm unclear on whether the tele. ext. tube would alleviate some of
that. (Seems like it might.)
Thanks to all who responded!!
Mike Swaim
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