Stunning set, John: all sharp and well exposed but, if one had to chose a winner, it would have to be numero uno due to the superb framing/cropping.

Jon

Here are my 'takes' on the same subject and location on the day our paths were fated never to cross I'll make sure I arrive punctually next time

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5686661705_5dc81bf8fd_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

Bluebells_1 by prsjnb, on Flickr[/img]

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5686662505_b1660b4740_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

Bluebells_2 by prsjnb, on Flickr[/img]

Jon

First dabble: 21, 6MP JPEG images captured using a Novoflex CASTEL-MINI Focussing Rack, Samsung GX10 and Pentax DF-A 100mm Macro at f/5.6 and then stacked using the default settings in CombineZP (version 6/6/10).

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5683994022_81294959e2_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

Focus stacked tulip flower by prsjnb, on Flickr[/img]

Jon

Ciao iltexano

Stunning capture and excellent composition

In Inghilterra we call these 'coleotteri dorso rosso'

I migliori auguri,

Giovanni

Congratulations to Pentaxophile, mecrox and Unlocker for their winning entries and a big 'Thank you!' to Fiona for the detailed and thoughful commentaries.

Fiona: the commendation for my own effort is much appreciated.

Not long after uploading my entry I decided that, very much in keeping with your subsequent critique, a tighter crop was needed and went on to produce an 'improved' version incorporating this and someother minor 'tweaks' that can be seen, should you be interested, in my portfolio.

Kind regards,

Jon

One possibility is that there are vents in the body of the lens with hydrophobic (non-wettable) membranes with pores large enough to permit the free movement of gases, but small enough to prevent the ingress of particulates.

Jon

Steve Chasey wrote: If the 'meet' is open to all-comers, including those that inhabit the roots of the photographic evolutionary tree, then I'll join you.

You must both promise, however, if it is just the three of us on the day you won't accuse me of playing gooseberry

Jon

No, I was just trying to impress you: my real name is Jon .

Sorry to disappoint .

Jon

Fabulous use of DOF to isolate the insect and some of the water droplets and wonderfully rich, contrasting colours come together to form an immensely satisfying image. The larger version on your web site is simply breathtaking

Molti complementi,

Giovanni

It seems to be customary on this forum to refer to our trans-Atlantic counterpart as 'the other place' .

Main page: link

User reviews of the Tamron 500mm, and many others, in the 'third-party' section of the 'Lens Database': link

Regards,

Jon