SteB

The Sigma 150mm is a great lens and I've had mine for about 5 years now. I've even used it for birds and other wildlife. btw. It works great with the Sigma 1.4x converter. For macro I can't see any...

Really nice. I personally like the tight compositions as I think it makes the most of web images.

I was using a Canon 40D, Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x macro lens, an MT24EX macro flash, and my own end of lens concave diffuser. The bees were in fact very active and never stopped moving. We had a cold...

Thanks. I can't be exactly sure of the scale as I was changing it and unfortunately the 40D doesn't record it. I'd say around 2:1. The problem is that these were tiny flowers low down in the grass...

Not quite true as I snapped one with my compact several weeks back. However the first with the MP-E 65mm. In fact the first time I've really used it this year. Things are still quite barren in my...

I do think you are better off with a macro lens around 100mm as a first macro lens as they're the most versatile. If you mainly shoot natural light macros with a tripod then long macro lenses can...

I couldn't make specific recommendations as my Sigma 105mm and 150mm are the older none OS versions. However, I will clarify a few things. In use a 150mm macro lens is quite different than a 105mm...

I've never actually owned one, but I have looked for one before. To my knowledge the only +1 achromat you can get is the Minolta No. 0 close-up lens. As far as I'm aware it has been discontinued...

I've used an old Sigma 50mm and 90mm macro on an Olympus E-510. When using it handheld it is not as easy to judge the plane of focus with the lens stopped down to the taking aperture, but it is...

I believe the late Ronnie Gaubert (a great macro photographer) mainly used to use a Nikon 300mm f4 with extension...

Yes this is normal. Typically due to the so called bellows factor most macro lenses lose about 2 stops at 1:1, which would reduce f2.8 to f5.6, as that is now the effective aperture. Nikon DSLRs...

" will be available from May 2013 at a retail price of £39.99"

If someone can tell me where I can get them at £39.99 I'll put in a bulk order?

I'd suggest looking in your area for entomological societies or groups. You may also be able to find forums. They too are usually enthusiasts, and would be only too willing to help.

A focusing rail is only useful in a situation where you would normally use a tripod. I use a focusing rail in 3 particular instances. So I don't have to move the tripod to reposition the camera...

I have one I've used for quite a few years, although I have other focusing rails. The strengths are it is very low profile, and can be locked down very solidly. In fact I often leave it permanently...

Sorry Mark I looked for the image to link to but couldn't find one. I Just had another search around and I found an article with the photo. I think people will agree that is one incredibly photo...

There's fascinating film about the work of pioneering macro and natural history filmmake Percy Smith on the BBC. Unfortunately I'm not sure whether whether those outside the UK can see it so I've...

Not real moss salad of course and just a natural small cushion moss This was taken with the Raynox MSN-202 on the Panasonic LX7 at around maximum magnification. Therefore the frame width will be a...

It's still a bit cold in my part of the world.Just a few mosses I shot with the sun going down using my new compact, a Panasonic LX7. I think this has some potential for wide-angle close-ups....