The final lens for my set-up arrived today so obviously I had to test it out!
I can see me using this lens a lot!

[OrchidJulie]

Yes, use it more! Interesting cactus...are those spines soft or rigid?

[stephanelli]

Yes, use it more! Interesting cactus...are those spines soft or rigid?

They are soft and flexible at this stage. They get stiffer as they grow bigger. (They are really hard to get out of your finger...)

When it's bigger it'll produce beautiful orange flowers! But it's too small to do that right now!

[MikeNArk]

I have had that cactus and the spines are very difficult to get out. Did you take the photo wide open to give the soft effect? Nice capture.

[stephanelli]

I have had that cactus and the spines are very difficult to get out. Did you take the photo wide open to give the soft effect? Nice capture.

So the aperture was wide, but not fully wide. At full open aperture it was too much out of focus for my liking. Alot of spines are right at the edge of the depth of field. I did quite a few experimental shots to get the one that I liked!

[angkymac]

Congratulations on the new lens!
I've often thought of the 50mm macro.
Good image to create with it first off.
I can see some possibilities for using this cactus for B&W.
Angky.

[stephanelli]

Congratulations on the new lens!
I've often thought of the 50mm macro.
Good image to create with it first off.
I can see some possibilities for using this cactus for B&W.
Angky.

Thank you! Mmm, interesting idea! I haven't really ventured into black and white photography yet. I'm a bit intimidated by it at the moment.
Maybe later this year when I'm more comfortable with the camera.