Andre wrote:
This angle is not enough. Maybe if you also have the face in view?

blowave wrote:
On jizz, I think it's Platycheirus scutatus, female. The shapes match those of the ones I have, and I know I have the male.

Just practising...

Janet

blowave wrote:
Good evening Peter.

How are you at holding your camera with one hand? I do it often, it is a heavy weight but well balanced so I get better results when they won't co-operate, that is if they hang around!

I find they don't fly off so easily when it's windy which is what we get a lot of, so if possible try holding the flower stem below the flower with one hand. Have your focus preset, I do it at 0.4m on the 105mm macro lens which is close enough to get a good focus and you don't have to stretch your arms too far. I do have a 2x TC though!

BTW, there is a Syrphidae forum which would be best for these.

blowave wrote:
Swivel screen? Not on my DSLR there isn't, I use the viewfinder and shoot in manual. It's a nearly clapped out Nikon D40X after 3 years of hammering! The flash takes around 4 seconds now to recharge, but that just makes me more careful of when I hit that button. Timing, like learning to ride a bike. I wouldn't be getting the magnification if I used auto settings, it's a must and I only take hand held, insects wouldn't hang around for a tripod would they!

Which camera are you using Peter, your pics are usually quite good. Of course my lens has VR which helps, but the total weight of lens and camera is around 3.75 lb!