Hi Vic, all of these are hand-held, there was no camera support used. It's tricky because they don't stay still!! Worse still the wind blows and plants move about all over the place, but basically you need to learn how to overcome these issues. A lot of it is about being in the right place at the right time - i.e. learn which insects go where and wait for them to come!

It all takes a lot of practice and the keeper rate can be very low, but it's very rewarding when you get a good shot.

Regards
David

Hi Stuart, I think they were all with a full set - 68mm, but it's possible that the hoverfly ones might have been with 56mm; I can't quite remember which length I had on when taking these.

Also, apologies for some lack of info on some of these, I forgot to add the aperture values:

#1 Pentax K55 F1.8 set at F8
#2 Pentax-A 50mm F1.7 set at F8
#3 Sigma 105mm DG EX Macro F2.8 set at F8
#4 Pentax-M 50mm F1.4 set at F8

Regards
David

Yes Stephen, that last one is much, much better; more natural-looking colours. There is still some light colour cast but it is minimal and doesn't detract from the overall appearance which is very attractive. The highlights could do with toning down a little, but I don't think this is filter related.

I think it would be worth you investing in a more neutral filter as you clearly have a measure of skill for taking this type of shot.

Regards
David

Macro has always been a fascination for me and I love nothing better than to get out on a bright day and take a few shots. Recent posts of macro images shot with non-macro lenses inspired me to get outside today and shoot a few images, with and without a dedicated macro lens. Hope you find these interesting, all are with the K-5iis.

Little Hoverfly on Water Forget-Me-Not - SMC Pentax K55 F.8 & Extension Tubes, F8, ISO 400





Late Summer Feeding - Pentax-A 50mm F1.7 & Extension Tubes





Hello Smiler! - Sigma 105mm DG EX Macro





Ghostly Fly - Pentax-M 50mm F1.4 & Extension Tubes




All are in natural light, hand-held with no camera support. CC invited as always.

Regards
David

Well done Adrian, it is an excellent site. I need to take a leaf from your book and go through my own website, deleting images that simply don't cut the mustard. The problem is that style, technique and skill all evolve and what I thought was decent 2 years ago is now rubbish to my eyes and I have not been ruthless enough to sort the wheat from the chaff.

I think your approach is right and you've inspired me to get on and sort out my website too.

I think the overall look and feel is good - looks like Foliopic to me which is a little restrictive but works pretty well and loads quickly.

A good job all round I think.

Regards
David

Sadly, I don't think any of them look quite right; there's no substitute for a decent ND filter that doesn't require such drastic PP work. Despite the magenta tinge I think Stephen's originals are the best looking, but if they had been shot with a more neutral filter they would be outstanding.

Regards
David

Which lens Daz?

Regards
David

Some more spider food, shot today in the garden. I've included this one because it was taken with Extension Tubes and a Pentax-A 50mm F1.7, so it's an indication of what can be achieved without any specialist macro lenses and also in natural light. F8, 1/100th, ISO 800.




Regards
David

Hi Chris, it was 'The Adventure of The Seas', Royal Caribbean. Highly recommended.

Regards
David

What about this one? It has some prey, but no focus stacking I'm afraid!




Regards
David