And on a Benbo, kudos bro', Ross lens and a Benbo, sweet.

Most auto-focus systems have problems when it comes to focussing on subjects with no discernible pattern even in good light. Some are better than others. The sky, calm water, blank walls etc. can be a real problem. AF needs variation in the subject. There's usually a signal of some sort even in point-and-shoot cameras that tells you if you're in focus or not, check it.. In the heat of the moment it's easy to miss.

I reckon that this might be considered too close..

Disgraced ex-minister in England. Jailed for trying to wriggle out of a speeding fine...

I think you'll find that they are made in China, not the US.

I bought one of their carbon fibre tripods two years ago as I was trying to cut down on weight. It's a nice piece of equipment, well engineered and has performed flawlessly. Mine is a CT-3301 and weighs in at two and a half pounds, it arrived well packed, undamaged and with a carry bag. You get fast service and a fair price. You certainly won't be disappointed with a Feisol. (IHMO)

Thanks for the kind comments everybody. Always appreciated.K

I'd thought of chopping (cropping) a little off the left hand side but had already posted..

Couple of visitors to the old pine..

(link removed for spamming)forum/tips-and-taking-photos/153064-photography-tip-introduction-to-high-magnification-macro-photography

You may find this interesting. K.

Ah you have much to learn Grasshopper...

I think that the main thing is that you've made a start, there are many on this forum with enormous experience in macro-photography and I must defer to their collective knowledge.
Have a look at the dedicated macro forum, this link will take you straight there http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html Read everything you can in there, it's a goldmine of information and very welcoming to those starting off in this field.
However I would add this. Forget the P (Program) mode for macro, most use Manual or A (Aperture priority). Use a tripod whenever you can.. The inbuilt flash on your camera is pretty much useless for macro, a separate flashhead or heads are regularly used as they provide an enormous amount of light when you are using small apertures of f16 and smaller. Small apertures are your friend in macro as they provide the extra depth of field. An added bonus is that the flash effectively gives you a high shutter speed that freezes motion.
It's a little daunting but when you get your first pinpoint sharp macro image you'll be hooked, patience is a handy attribute..
Practice technique on inanimate objects.
I've only covered a tiny part of the process. Keep asking questions, practicing and having fun. K.

I think we might need a little more information on the settings that you used.
Looks as though you weren't using a tripod to start with and also a large aperture. Both not a good idea with macro.
The lighting looks a little odd. The Lacewing's not looking too well either...
You certainly don't need extension tubes or TC's at this stage of your macro career..

WOW...meow... Just purrrrfect.

I was amazed to hear that it was taken through two layers of quite thick glass, and wet glass at that. Who makes your Windows, Leitz?
:D

I've just got off the phone with a friend who lives at the northern tip of Scotland.

He said that since early this morning the snow has been nearly waist high and is still falling.

The temperature is dropping way below zero and the north wind is increasing to near gale force.

His wife has done nothing but look through the kitchen window and just stare.

He says that if it gets much worse, he may have to let her in.

That was just using the Eraser in Photoshop. Set to erase two pixels at each click.. 30 second task.