Big Honkn Spider

[ifly223]

Another shot on a cloudy day here in South Korea. Found it just outside of our barracks next to the stairs. Shot it with my lil D5100 and 18-55 kit lens, cant remember the exif info off the top of my head.
Working on getting a D700 and Nikon 105mm 2.8 lens at the base exchange in Yonsang during a sale coming up at the end of the month. The Nikon rep is going to try to get a great sale price for me along with a couple of other Nikon 2.8 glass i'm looking into getting. Cant wait to go full frame and macro. : )
PS: I probably shouldn't have listed this in Macro; the spider will fit in the palm of your hand.ha ha Daniel Bates, if you read this post watch out down in Deagu; I dont know if you have these down in your part of South Korea but, we have them up here near the DMZ.LOL

[auddii]

Ok, I normally find spiders cute, but not a fan of this one (spider not your photos of it). I was trying to figure out why, but this guy has no eyes! I guess that's why I like the jumping and wolf spiders, their eyes are very large.

Anyways, I like both, but I think I prefer the first one because it's more isolated on its web than on the plant. Also, I think #2 could use a tad more light.

[ifly223]

Originally Posted by auddii

Ok, I normally find spiders cute, but not a fan of this one (spider not your photos of it). I was trying to figure out why, but this guy has no eyes! I guess that's why I like the jumping and wolf spiders, their eyes are very large.

Anyways, I like both, but I think I prefer the first one because it's more isolated on its web than on the plant. Also, I think #2 could use a tad more light.

Thanks, I wish I had my 55-300 DX VR lens to keep my distance at the time but, I only had my shorty kit lens with me and had to man up.LOL I couldn't agree with you more on the light; working with a US Nikon rep that works through the Armed Forces Exchange on getting some gear that they do not carry on special order at a discount to service members to include some macro lighting. Our PX (walmart) carries a very limited supply of camera gear. We can buy brand name gear on the economy but it actually costs more and does not have a US warranty. I have some more shots of two other spiders just as creepy but, thought it would be too much at once.LOL : )

[DigitalScape]

That's a big spider, James. I agree with Audrey - second image needs some fill light/flash. The first image is also a little dark on my monitor, but with the darker background the spider still stands out a bit.

[ifly223]

Originally Posted by DigitalScape

That's a big spider, James. I agree with Audrey - second image needs some fill light/flash. The first image is also a little dark on my monitor, but with the darker background the spider still stands out a bit.

Have been battling the light issue since Monsoon season was supposed to end, still cloudy around here with only a couple of days of good light (with no critters to shoot). See, if someone would hook up an ole 48 year old soldier still serving in the hardest part of South Korea with some macro lighting I wouldn't have to worry about that.LOL Just kiddn. Nikon rep told me to give her a list of what I wanted and she would work on getting it at a discount. Macro lighting is on the list. : ) Plus I need to watch my monitor when i'm editing; had it leaned a bit too much the wrong way thinking it was brighter. OOPSSS!!!

[Kenj8246]

Nice job on this argiope, James. They are big uns, huh? Actually quite timid though.

[Night Owl]

I ran into an argiope metropolis during a manhunt on the south side of Houston. We were poking around a dilapidated stable in an overgrown lot and must have encountered a hundred of them. I'm OK with little spiders, but these instigated a full-blown case of the heebie-jeebies.

[iCe]

Argiopes eat grasshoppers (and whatever else gets in their web). Gotta love em...

Do they come from Korea or did we get them from Korea or none of the above?

[Marhowie]

The first image works best because of its uniform contrasting BG..
TFS!

[Daniel Bates]

That is indeed a large spider. I haven't seen any specimens down here, but I'm sure they're around.

#1 is the better portrait, but #2 is better for creeping out arachnophobes.