Excellent pic, background nicely out of focus to highlight the main subject. I like it. I have the same Sigma lens too, I just haven't had the chance to put it through its paces yet.

SharpenOmatic can be downloaded from Matt's web pages as a PhotoShop Action. It saves a lot of time running through each phase of the sequence if you have done it manually, step by step. Of course, it doesn't hurt to run through each step a few times anyway to familiarise yourself with what's going on in the action.

I'm sure Matt'll be along soon to point you to it if you haven't downloaded it already.

Credit for the snowdrop pic should go to Ammonyte, my efforts can be viewed here :- http://www.mannesty.com/album/Sigma%2070-300%20APO%20Macro%20Zoom%20shots/index.html

All of these pics were taken hand held using a *istD and Sigma 70-300 APO Macro Super Zoom lens. I used RAW format and these pics have simply been converted to .JPG using RawShooterPremium 2006. I didn't actually measure the lens to subject distance but it was about 12 inches give or take an inch or three.

Mine is the APO version. I'll shoot some macro pics with it over the next few days and try and post the results. There are others much more knowledgeable than I am about macrophotography on here but you might try starting with the 70-300 then adding extensions which well get you closer but increase magnification. You can always try 'stacking' lenses, mount 2 lenses. Put your 70-300 zoom on the camera then a stacking ring, then fix say a 50mm reversed. If you have say a 200mm lens with a 50mm lens reversed you'll get something like 4X magnification.

I think the only way to get further away from the subject is to use a longer macro lens to start with. EG: 200 or 300mm. I have Sigma 70-300mm Zoom which has a macro setting at the 300mm end of its range.

Try the batteries in some other equipment to check they are OK (difficult I know, perhaps take them back to the shop and have them check them) and/or try another new set from a different source/shop.

Try http://www.harrowtechnical.co.uk/ for a quote.

I used an AF-280T for many years with my Super-A. It benefits from swivel 'n tilt head (including 15 degrees below horizontal, useful for close work) and its a bit more powerful than the 220T. It has full TTL compatibility with the Super-A and it can be used as a manual gun with 2 levels of output, H & L. It doesn't do trailing curtain or contrast control. It's an excellent gun and available at reasonable prices on eBay. DO ASK about the condition of the battery compartment and contacts and battery compartment door latch (prone to cracking but available from Pentax and easy to change).

Hold out for a good Tamron SP 500 "Buy on-line in haste, repent at leisure" (or something similar) springs to mind.

Of the 2, the Makinon description would indicate that it is near pefect. Also, the Centon is being sold by a "Photographic Studio", yet he calls a lens, a "lense", and can't seem to find a camera to take its picture ? ? ? ?

I agree, the Tamron SP 500 is an excellent performer.

Mirror lenses are smaller and lighter than their 'all glass' equivelant. Mirror lenses do tend to produce slightly softer images 'though. If you can find a clean example of the Tamron, go fot it. I don't think you will be disappointed. If buying online, ensure the seller has a returns policy. Mirrors of any kind can be affected by de-silvering (degradation of the silvered surface); tolerable if you are shaving or combing your hair, but not for capturing quality images.

Look for a Tamron SP 500, complete with original case & Lens hood.

Typical, kettle never far away

I like it Brian. The light certainly has a blue hue to it. Does that balance out OK and still render the colours properly?.

It is possible to get near white LED's having about 1 watt output. I have a torch with one in and it really is very bright.

Is there enough room for a small to medium sized light tent in the middle ?

I'm experimenting making a flash macro system at the moment. I've got most of the bits, I just need to fabricate a couple of arms to mount the guns on. I know I could buy a flash rig but they are astronomically expensive. I've spent about £50.00 so far, the rest is labour.

Keep at it.