06 February 2014

Ancistrocerus gazella — the European tube wasp

Most summers I have lots of these beautiful little wasps frequenting the verandah, but this year they've been noticeably scarce. This is only the second one I can recall seeing this summer.


[6 February 2014, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 60 mm f2.8 Macro , ISO 200, 1/100 at f8]

All content © 2014 Pete McGregor

4 comments:

  1. Gazella is a lovely name for this elegant little creature.

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  2. RR, yes — they're elegant, graceful little wasps.

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  3. Wonderful photo, Pete. The depth of field and sharpness brings out the whole wasp. And I love the contrast of the black and yellow body against the creamy white background.

    So you got the OM-D Em-1? Is it the old version or the 2013 new version? I've had mine since 2012, and it is perhaps one of my favorite cameras since I started photography. A little fiddly in parts (which the new version has fixed I think), but does everything I need it to. And the 60 mm lens is a dream, no?

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  4. Thanks Miguel. I'd been thinking about the EM-5 for a while because, as much as the Panasonic GH1 mostly did what I wanted, it felt like a toy and I loathed the electronic viewfinder. I held off because I knew the EM-5 had been around for a while, so Olympus must have been close to releasing a new camera.

    After the EM-1 came out I kept an eye on the reviews and after hearing such good reports about the viewfinder, finally took the plunge. I can say unequivocally that I love it, and I don't remember enjoying any camera as much as this.

    You're right about the macro lens, too. The EM-1 with the 60 mm is a superb macro set-up.

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Constructive criticism is welcomed (I particularly appreciate thoughts on what you like and don't like), but please keep it courteous.