I think that the 55mm 1:1.4 lens is more suited to copy work. I believe it has a flatter plane of focus than the various 50mm 1:2.8 K mount versions.

Also, insects are not very keen on having cameras thrust into their faces so the longer focal length establishes some distance between lens and subject. 50mm is a tad too short I think. I've recently bought JohnMcD's 50mm Macro but as yet I haven't used it (it's in UK, I'm in Spain).

I prefer longer Macro lenses to maximise the distance between lens & subject but still retain 1:1 magnification capability. I use the FA 100mm 1:2.8 Macro and the Sigma 180mm EX DG Macro lenses.

Here's one.

A credible first attempt. Well done. Focus is a little off, the web being more in focus than the spider. Closeup filters have limited use in Macro photography because the IQ is affected so much. The Raynox range being the only possible exception.

What lighting did you use? With more light, you can use a smaller aperture and increase the DOF to get more of the subject in focus.

If you really get the macro bug (no pun intended) a dedicated macro lens is a must. I can personally recommend either the SMCP-F 100mm Macro, or the SMCP-FA variant. The D-FA version is lighter but I've no personal experience of it.

I had two duffers. My third example seems to be good so far.

EDIT: Corrected spelling, thanks Don.

Have a look at the Vivitar 6000AF if you can find one. Still a good flash.

Thanks for the explanation and the links.

Stunning shot. Could be even better with a blue sky. Where is it? I feel I know the location but can't quite put my finger on it.

P-TTL, yes. But will it be an advantage? I doubt it as most users of ringflash can easily handle manual flash control.

Sorry but this image does nothing for me. Why so much B&W work from you (and others)? Can you not see in colour? Would you go back to B&W TV?