JohnP

In my garden. Panasonic DMC-FZ2000.

I've never seen a Grey squirrel this close to my bungalow before, this shot was taken when I was standing in my front porch... the squirrel was about 30 feet away! Panasonic DMC-FZ2000.

I like Penstemon's and so do the bees and Hoverflies. Panasonic DMC-FZ2000.

More shots from my garden. Panasonic DMC-FZ2000.

Yes I used a tripod which was only delivered to me on Sunday, I wanted something lighter than my old tripod and the new one will just go into my small rucksack. It's very rigid considering how light it is, however I don't like the ballhead that came with it so I used a better one that I have had for years... I do like the tripod though! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Slik-3441-Sprint-Tripod-Socket/dp/B07DRDBPN5/ref=psdc_1104574_t1_B07DRCJQB9

Another shot taken in my garden. Panasonic DMC-FZ2000 and Raynox DCR-250 Macro Attachment.

Well done Paul... that's a cracking capture!

Playing in my garden again, bad feet are keeping me at home... X-Rays on Wednesday! Panasonic DMC-FZ2000 and Raynox DCR-250 Macro Attachment.

Either way worn or broken I've never replaced a pair carbon brushes that looked so different to each other.

I thought that but there was no sign of the broken end when I dismantled the cleaner.... it remains a mystery!

My Henry vacuum cleaner stopped working after 16 years (I have another one in my garage that's 33 years old and still working), I fitted new carbon brushes in the motor and all is fine now. I have never seen a pair of carbon brushes so unevenly worn as this pair. Panaonic DMC-FZ2000 & Raynox DCR-250 Macro Attachment.

A fine set of images Paul...

I agree... It's a Common Field Grasshopper. Crickets have antennae longer than the body and Grasshoppers have antennae shorter than the body.

No2 is beautiful... great sky and good DOF both help make this a cracking image.

I will let Geoff answer your question in full... he was waiting to take the key.

Very good! I must have a day on the Severn Valley Railway, it's a few years since I last did that.

Welcome Geebee... Hope to see some of your photos soon!

I was also unsure as Common Hawkers are not common where Kerry lives, according to my copy of 'Britains Dragonflies' field guide they are mainly seen in northern and western Britain and Ireland, the best places to see them in southen England is the New Forest and wet heaths to the west of London, however they can sometimes be see locally in the south east.

Good capture Kerry... it's strange how the same species of dragonflies vary in colour in different locations. After looking at many photos of Migrant Hawkers I'm am leaning towards it being a female Common Hawker mainly because of the eye colour... I'm not 100% sure though!

I've managed to find a 67mm to 43mm filter reduction ring on Amazon so I've ordered it, it should reduce vignetting as the Raynox will be closer to the camera lens. I couldn't find such a ring when I purchased the Raynox many years ago.

Thank you all for the great feedback... macro on a budget...

Amazing images Paul.

I tried to edit a typo but I can't since your reply... Silly me I mean't to say... without having to haul a bag full of lenses around with me!

I am having fresh X-Rays on the 8th September, when I talked to the Podiatrist on the phone last week he was looking at X-Rays that were taken two years ago, he needs to know how much deterioration there has been since then before he can decide which type of surgery if any can be carried out. They can replace the big toe joint in some patients but he won't know if he can do that until he has seen the X-Rays. Yes... I love the Panasonic... I can take photos of Jupiter and close up's of flowers/insects without having to haul a bag full of lenses around with me... What more does a man want...

Polly... I didn't like the plastic filter mount that came with the Raynox so I got over the problem using two metal filter reducer rings. I needed to reduce down from 67mm to 43mm but I couldn't find a reducer that size, I bought a 67mm to 62mm and a 62mm to 43mm and stacked them. The Raynox then screws into the 43mm ring. I hope this makes sense to you.