Nice shots Don, I like the first one also.

I wish i new my bugs as well as you know your birds.

What lens did you use :

Have you allowed for the use of the aperture ring : You need to change this in the custom settings in your camera. Change it from prohibited to permitted.

Thanks for that Gordon, some interesting stuff in there

I try and get as close as i can, 6 to 12 inches. And try and only crop to frame up the images, but sometimes i would crop it up to 50%. Very rarely 100% it varies from shot to shot.

Just keep practising it will all fall into place when you get your technique more consistent.

Thanks guys, I am very happy with the results so far. I would have prefered the new lens though

Gwyn, I believe you would be crazy not to take advantage of your US trip, You will save some good money by purchasing over there Good luck and i hope you come with a big bag full of lenses for yourself and a bunch of fridge magnets for the friends and relo;s

Got a chance today to give the new K20 a run.
I still haven't recieved the Sigma EX 180mm macro yet Not happy either, the guy told me they had one in stock when i agreed to the deal. But now he is telling me its on back order.

Taken with the bigma at 500mm. f8.0, 1/20, iso100



D-FA 100mm Macro, f6.7, 1/125, iso100.
The lighting is a little harsh on this shot. I used the dual head flash i made.



D-FA 100mm Macro, f9.5, 1/90, iso100.



D-FA 100mm Macro, f6.7, 1/45, iso100.

I have the Tamron 90mm f2.5 as well as the pentax D-FA 100mm and i wouldn't say either has a discernable difference.
I believe you won't go wrong with any of the 3 you have mentioned.
The Tamron is the cheapest of the 3, so if you are on a tight budget thats what i would go for.

I have never used a teleconverter on either of my macros I have always put tubes on them if i wanted to get higher magnifications. But as you have the TC it won't hurt to try it and see what it does. I would expect to see a drop off in pic quality though.

I am still waiting for delivery of my Sigma 180mm macro, should be any day i suspect and that will give me one of each brand.

Fantastic shots Chirpy, the colours are outstanding. I like the gosling.

Great I can't wait to see some pics with the *300mm and compare them with Chirpy's DA*300mm.
What did you get it for if you don't mind me asking :

Great shots Martin, I like the coloured version best.
I have the SMC F version of this lens but haven't fired it in anger as yet.
Does the A version have the ED element like the F version :

I picked mine up as part of a job lot, it included an F 28-80 with an absolutley mint SFX, Tripod and Bag for 70quid.