This New Lens is the Bee's Knees (and eyes, legs, and wings, too)

This New Lens is the Bee’s Knees (and eyes, legs, and wings, too)

Earlier in the week I told you about my new bargain basement lens. Today I stalked a bee to see how much detail I could get.

Same image, even closer:

See his big googly eyes? His translucent wings? The pollen on his legs?

I’m enjoying this lens so much, especially considering the less-than-$100 price tag. I just wish I’d realized a little sooner that it wasn’t going to take over $1000 to get a lens of this caliber for my camera.

Have you found any sweet deals lately? Want to share?

13 Comments

PJ on April 15, 2011 at 9:46 am

LOVE the photos!!!

jenn on April 15, 2011 at 9:48 am

that is AMAZING! i am trying not to covet now………..

Jennifer on April 15, 2011 at 10:11 am

Oh my goodness Dawn… that is amazing. It is like your personal traveling microscope! How fun! 🙂

Leigh F. on April 15, 2011 at 3:06 pm

I love your photos! How do you do it? I want to take pics like that!

Ann on April 15, 2011 at 3:38 pm

Beautiful photos…you can even see the pollen on the bee! Can’t wait to see what you do with this lens.

Dawn on April 15, 2011 at 11:39 pm

Jenn, the good news is that the lens is cheap if you have a camera for it. 🙂

Dawn on April 15, 2011 at 11:40 pm

Leigh, you just have to take lots of photos and be willing to stand very close to bees. 🙂

Dawn on April 15, 2011 at 11:40 pm

Jennifer, that’s what I kept squealing, that it was like I was looking at a science book. 🙂

Dawn on April 15, 2011 at 11:42 pm

Ann, yes, the pollen! I think it looks like he’s looking right at me, like we had a little conversation. 😉

melissa c on April 16, 2011 at 4:27 pm

Beautiful, Dawn! Amazing how close you can get. And I am so jealous that you have flowers blooming!!! Cleome? I am just starting my seeds in NY. 🙂

have a great weekend~

Dawn on April 16, 2011 at 11:36 pm

Melissa, thanks for identifying my pink puffy flowers. I had gone in search of dogwoods for my (in)courage post next month, and found this gorgeousness. 🙂

Deanna on April 17, 2011 at 4:57 pm

LOVE LOVE LOVE the photos
I want to do this…just likle everyone else who has seen these amazing shots!
I was waiting to buy a canon 60D….but not absolutely positive about that camera.
Do you think Nikon you have is better?
Love the great price on this lens, but it probably only fits the Nikon.
Please give me your thoughts.

Dawn on April 17, 2011 at 7:05 pm

Deanna, I only know my Nikon, not Canons, so I’m not a good source of advice here. I’ve owned 2 different Nikon DSLRs and been quite pleased with them. Yes, I would imagine this lens would only work with a Nikon, but probably Canon has something similar. 🙂