VERY nice images, indeed. If you do lots of insects, consider the Canon MPE 65 mm. Most insects are small (Cocinnella/Adalia septempunctata), so even 1:1 still leaves them small. With the MPE 65 you can get to 5:1, with a 1.4x TC to 7:1, with 2x TC to 10:1. With that lens, though, flash is almost a pre-requisite; I use the MX24 twin macro mostly.
@Tucker: re sharpness handheld, if you remember longest time hand-held = 1/focal length, (so for 90 mm [35 mm/full frame equivalent] = 1/100 or 1/125), then you can get sharp images with proper body support, breathing technique, and slowly depressing shutter. Tripod still helps.
85 mm MicroNikkor? I thought Nikon has 55 and 105 Micros.
I was just looking myself into adding to the macro lenses, and Tamron and Canon are pretty darn close [still can't beat Zeiss]. Had some CC reward points and traded them in for a Canon 180 mm macro :-) Free lens!
Re focus, I have never used AF for macro. Just turn it off permanently, and it will be easier than having to fight AF. If you can, get a matt focusing screen for your body. Using the LCD screen with LiveView (if you have it) is another option. I like it quite a bit, but it only permits placing focal plane. With DOF preview button pressed, often there is too little light coming through.
Interesting, that you are looking into ND grads, rather than doing HDR. I have the Lee sets, and rather use the hard edge than the soft edge. I mainly use them on 4x5" as those chromes do not permit RAW processing ;-) I have used them also for video on my 5D mkii.
Keep up the good work, those are gorgeous! I'll have to wait till about Feb/March for the mushrooms to come out in SoCal.
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