Defintley HDR

No.s 1,2 & 4 are my favourites.

I like HDR but they look slightly overcooked, although I do like the effect.

Do you know who took them?

Paul

I was writing my comment when I read John's first comment, then I had a call and got distracted. So apologies if my comment looks like I haven't read the others first.....does that make sense...
I blame Mondays


Paul

I personally use the Sigma EX 105mm and have never had any problems with it
Yes dedicated macros are relatively expensive, but you a paying for the quality, this one is from SRS link
Like John states above, these lenses come up in the forums and ebay quite often. I bought mine from ebay for just under £200

Having never used extension tubes I can't comment.
All I know is that the dedicated lenses are very well built and produce fantastic shots.

I am glad to hear that you use manual focus as I find macro very difficult trying to use auto focus.

Please have a look at my portfolio for some examples of my macro work using the Sigma 105 link


Paul

Personally I would like to see the original shots before cropping, mainly the 2 shots of the White Throat as (like Tel states) you have lost the detail from cropping.


Paul

I would recommend that everyone should learn to manual focus and not rely on auto.
You say that your eyesight isn't great, but mine isn't, but I use the viewfinder correction slider at the top of the viewfinder.
This isn't meant as nasty, but don't let poor eyesight be an excuse. Try taking pictures with your glasses on.
I find that when I do macro shots, auto focus hunts for a lock on and when it finally does, well you miss that great shot.

Maybe if you use a touch of flash and bounce it off the ceiling. This will give a much more even light.
The bottom shot looks like there's flash added as you have lost the shadows on it's legs. Plus there's a glint of light on it's head.

What's causing the light band in the first shot? Is it the reflection from the bathroom lights?

I agree with what Amin has said, he is spot on.


Paul

Edited: On reading back it didn't make sense

Just read the review on Amazon for this book.
Please ignore it as the guy that wrote it is an eejit. He's moaning about the book not going into detail on HDR.
HDR is a technique that can be grasped through experience and learning from others. It does not have to be given a chapter dedicated to it in an excellent manual.

Paul

By far the best book is the Magic Lantern Guide link
Much more use than the Pentax manual.
I bought one for my K10D and I learnt so much from it.

Paul

Sorry, forgot to mention, excellent shot. I particulary like the one in the fron with it's beak open.

I'm glad you got the shots


Paul

I did a pre-wedding shoot at Painshill Park in Surrey last week and there were so many swans and cygnets. It was quite hard not to take pictures of them when I should have been concentrating on the happy couple


Paul

It's most definetly not through choice...having approx 20 hours sleep in the last 120 hours, that's so not good. Then having to do a full days work on the computer...it's a killer!
My love of my job keeps me going.

Just had a big flashback....weren't we talking about IR triggers and cameras.....nah must be a daydream mare!

Paul