All shots taken at my usual 1/200th @F11, ISO100 (although the real close up hover is ISO 200).
Sigma 105 with 12 - 48mm of ext. tubes. Flash softbox diffused at +2ev.

Is anyone seeing some nasty JPEG compression artifcats in the darker areas?







And a nice crop of the above shot

WOW , great detail that pulls you eye away from any artifacts,
i really need to try some macro shots, have been eyeballing that MP-E65 for a long time....

Lovely series- not seen a Syritta pipiens hover here yet !

Seeing some colour banding in the first 3 shots - not the normal looking compression artifacts. Tend to get this if you have pushed the lighting a bit in RAW conversion or PP.
Brian V.

Thanks Rusty. I'd also like the MPE too. But for now, my Sigma 105 +ext. tubes has worked nicely :).

Thanks Brian, it was just sat there quite happily on the privett leaf. I was hand held to start off with but even had the chance to go in and get my tripod. Didn't flinch and was happily basking when I let it be :).

Thanks for the advice. I think I know why I'm seeing more serious artifacts. I think someone at home has changed the screen setting on my monitor without my being told. Wondered why I felt a little eye strain last night.. I shall investigate that when I get home.

Nice shots :)

Originally Posted by IPClark I shall investigate that when I get home.

- Have mercy!

Originally Posted by DeVil Nice shots :) - Have mercy!

Hahaha, I will ... and cheers also