I combined my new macro teleconverter with a full set of extension tubes, to see what kind of magnification I could get. The weather being what it is, I was a bit strapped for subjects, but luckily for me (and unluckily for her) my wife's tomato plant has recently had a small aphid infestation I also managed to locate a tiny spider, about the same size as the aphids. All shots are uncropped.

These shots were taken using a Pentax AF400ftz off camera. I don't have a flash bracket, so I was holding the flash in one hand and the camera in the other. It's funny how no matter how much gear you have, there's always something that would have come in handy.

[bluestringer]

Great macros.

[Bob Harris]

Great shots for sure, I'm surprised you got these results with such a slow SS and handheld. Keep shootin and posting, very nice upclose views.

[eaglem]

Well done.

[Stoogie]

Thanks everyone. My wife used to shoot competitively, so she's taught me a thing or two or three about keeping a steady hand. What I do is I hold my flash in my left hand, and put it across my body, resting either on my opposite knee or any handy stump/rock/whatever nearby. I'll then rest the camera on my left forearm, and tuck my right elbow into my side. I'll take a deep breath before I shoot, take the shot while I'm exhaling.

[tessfully]

Amazing! Great macros... you nailed that aphid, and the spider is cool. I also always enjoy studying the fibrous plants in macros. Thanks for sharing

[wpvv]

Very small - yet great!

[slowpez]

Heaven help me but I actually think the aphid is kind of cute (apologies to your wife). Wonderful macros.