Macro Lens for Reptile Photography (very low light)

[smoke665]

I have both a 35mm f/2.8 and 100mm f/2.8, like both, but the 100mm tends to search a lot on focus in low light, requiring me to switch to manual focus. Pretty much anything in a fast 100mm with a minimum focus distance of a least 14" and good quick focus in low light should work. I'd stay away from longer focal lengths because of the weight when you get into faster lenses. Since you'll be in a wet environment, good weather sealing of camera and lens is important.

No one has commented on the flash setup. Organic shots, leaves, insects and especially reptiles, because of their reflective surfaces will benefit greatly from Cross Polarization Taming those Annoying Highlights: Cross-Polarization Flash Macro Photography

 

[Don Fischer]

@Thiophilos thank you for this. I am actually considering a slightly longer focal length now with and off camera flash.

Main query is still trying to choose a suitable lens for dark conditions.

I got a photo of a racoon in a sage brush years ago after dark. Found it with a flashlight. Then I got to where i wanted to be and had her turn on the flashlight long enough to focus on the racoon. Worked great. Made it inside Varmint Hunter magazine way back then!