That's a very pretty weevil. I think I would prefer just a little more dof on that one though. The colour is Shahan-esque!

The hoverfly is spot on. Maybe I'd crop out some of the green on the right hand side to 'de-centralise' the hoverfly and restore a normal aspect ratio.

Our insects are just smaller, Don, you'll get used to it! It's a good shot.

Mike, I hope you don't mind me adding the shot of my Damselfly *most definitely* in distress, which I took a few weeks ago in Snowdonia. I was walking by the edge of Llyn Cwmorthin, and spotted the damselfly, then noticed I was walking all over a huge bed of sundew plants. I helped the damselfly to escape after I took this (heavily cropped) shot. The nearest thing I had to a macro was the F35-70

These all look a little bit soft Mark. I think the lens can produce sharp images so suspect there's either a focussing or PP issue (did you USM the shots after resizing?)

- Edit: the full size versions look a lot better... the tree shot is focussed about halfway up the trunk..

The extreme distortion at 8mm is perhaps better suited to some subjects than others - here it's ok with the tree shot, but I personally do not love it with the merry-go-round.

Shot 3 illustrates why I find this lens interesting. 11mm and no distortion or stretched out corners, and even sharpness across the frame. If I had this lens, I think I would park it at 10-12mm, and use the 8mm for special effects, when distortion will not show up (skyscapes?), or when you just need that extra 2mm. I already do a similar thing with my 10-20mm, but that means using it at 12mm which isn't always wide enough.

What a shame. Makes me feel guilty about sitting indoors on a sunny day like today. I've been into town this morning- massive Hare Krishna parade. Got my forehead marked! Unfortunately didn't have any long lenses. Maybe i'll go back later on the same return train ticket, which didn't get stamped

Very good Don! I like that camp B-movie horror look with the lighting and dry ice.

I do intend to give this film a whirl, but I'll probably try the 160 version a try first. As soon as I've tried the Ektar I've just ordered! From what I've read online, this is about as good as 400ISO neg film gets!

I know what Gwyn means. But the death of a celebrity will always get more of a response just like we react more strongly to the death of a family member or friend. It's not right, but it's the way it is.

The biggest tragedy unfolding right now is in Somalia... How much coverage has that got in this thread?

I think what the OP wants is just the middle bit of the image magnified so focus and composition are checked at the same time. That would be very handy if it can be done.

Love these. The up close perspective works so well with these subjects.