brucew29 Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

I took this photo of a small fly that was sitting on our garbage can lid that was laying on the ground... Oh my aching back! I did two first during this shoot.... I was using my Sigma 105mm macro with a 1.4x tele-extender, and it was my first fly photo. The fly was really small with its thorax being approximately the size of a BB gun BB...

P.S. I might try a tripod support the next time to improve clarity...

Canon 40D DSLR
Sigma 105mm OS Macro + 1.4x Teleplus Pro 300
ISO 500 - 1/45th sec @ f/9.5 - OS set to #1
Handheld - Cloudy dull available light
Approximately 6" between fly & front lens

P.S. I was in the yard trying to get bird photos but none were nearby... I went to pick up the garbage can lid and then saw the tiny fly on it... I said what the heck and snapped a few shots... it wasn't my intentions to photograph the fly but when the fish/birds aren't biting you amuse yourself to past the time... I do have extension tubes. :mrgreen:

Tiny Fly

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I believe that I can detect camera movement, but difficult to confirm with just a thumbnail image. 1/45-sec is too long for hand-held 105-mm lens with a TC. To increase mag beyond 1:1, you should invest in a set of auto-extension tubes.

If you re-post, and check the "(store original)" box, we can enlarge to appreciate detail. Much better for C&C.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Without the original & given the data, I would say that with that lens+tele-extender, your longest shutter duration should be 1/250-sec. Diffused flash will help. For this size fly, I would recommend extension tubes over tele-extenders. At these reduced MWDs, you'll miss more shots, but those you get will be more satisfying. Just my 2 pennies.....

brucew29 Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

Thanks Nikonian72...

I was in the yard trying to get bird photos but none were nearby... I went to pick up the garbage can lid and then saw the tiny fly on it... I said what the heck and snapped a few shots... it wasn't my intentions to photograph the fly but when the fish/birds aren't biting you amuse yourself to past the time... I do have extension tubes. Also trying the OS system out and practicing my handheld techniques... Oh my aching back!

Thanks again... :mrgreen:

brucew29 Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

Thanks LoneRangeFinder...
See my explanation above under my response to Nikonian72.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

You need to use your flash if you want to freeze movement, even the pop up will work if that's all you have. Most of us here use manual settings to take macros. ISO320 1/200 shutter speed, Aperture F/16 to F/22. Then adjust you flash compensation to get the proper lighting. These settings and your flash are as important as you lens. It takes both to work. It also takes practice. Macro is a hands on kind of photography. The more you do the easier it gets

brucew29 Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

Thanks fstop22... I wasn't setup for a macro shoot... I was birding but no luck on birds coming in close... I guess I'll have to lock my cat up before trying to catch birds... :)

P.S. I was in the yard trying to get bird photos but none were nearby... I went to pick up the garbage can lid and then saw the tiny fly on it... I said what the heck and snapped a few shots... it wasn't my intentions to photograph the fly but when the fish/birds aren't biting you amuse yourself to past the time... I do have extension tubes and a flash.