I use black velvet. You can buy it at any fabric shop. It will give a pure black background with no reflections. Just remember to meter off of your subject and not let the meter be influenced by the background velvet.
My marco lens is a Sigma 105 f2.8 and it works great. Stacking the close-up fliters is not an option in my opinion. The quality of the photo will not be very good (it does not matter how much money you saved if you are not happy with the result) and if you are taking photos of insects, your working distance will be so close that few of them will still be there when you click the shutter.... As for the birds, I use a 500mm lens. I think any lens less than 400mm for wildlife photography is a waste of money. I shot with a 300mm for years and was just about always disappointed with the results. I saved for a long time to get my 5oomm and it cost alot of money, but I am happy with it and it produces great wildlife photos so I think it was worth the wait and money.
For macro shots, I always use a tripod and manual focus on the most important part of the subject. Also always try to keep the focal plane of the camera parallel with the subject. I always try to shoot at about f16 - f22....
This is a great discussion. You have some great ideas and also some great photos that has been posted here.. Thanks for sharing all of them.........
Beautiful shots....... I hope to get there someday....
After taking a photo, look at the Histogram. If it touches the left side, then you will have some parts of the photo that will be under exposed and to dark. If it touches the right side then some parts of the photo will be over exposed and to light........
I use Photoshop Elements. When I download my photos into a catalog, I put the appropriate Keyword Tags on them and then it is easy to find the ones I am looking for later on. You can put as many Keyword Tags on photos as needed.
I have used B&H for years. Never a problem and great service....
Beautiful shot of my favorite type duck..... Great reflection also....