OK, so these things are tricky!

Maxxum 5D
Minolta 70-210 f/4 @ f/11
Kenko 25mm ext. tube
handheld, manual focus
ISO 400 (I think)

What do you is tricky? The tubes or the dragonfly?

Nice detail, and quite nice for overhead sun with no fill flash.

The tubes are tricky. The light was horrid, but I hate using flash, and therefore do not own one. Typically, I would have paid more attention, but the whole thing was to try to just get a feel for the tube today. This was the only shot I took, as the area was busy, and insects weren't cool with that, and most of our flowers are already gone.

It is a good sign that the detail is there for you though, because it should be much better when I take my time and get serious.

Thanks for taking the time, Paul. :)

Great detail and kudos for giving the rig a go, Payn!

Judging from the magnification, I think you shot this near the 210mm end of the zoom? If you want to make learning how/when to use tubes easier, I suggest keeping the zoom at its maximum (210mm) setting all the time for now.

Later, you can play around with the zoom to change BOTH the magnification AND focus distance simultaneously to get the desired effect.

Have fun!

OK, so these things are tricky!

Maxxum 5D
Minolta 70-210 f/4 @ f/11
Kenko 25mm ext. tube
handheld, manual focus
ISO 400 (I think)

That's nice. On my monitor it looks too dark. I pulled it into PS and adjust the contrast and it beings out a lot more detail. Monitors vary, so it might be a problem with mine, but if yours looks adark, you migth want to try it.

OK, so these things are tricky!

Maxxum 5D
Minolta 70-210 f/4 @ f/11
Kenko 25mm ext. tube
handheld, manual focus
ISO 400 (I think)


Oh yes the wonders of tubes. Nice first outing.

Good first attempt Payn :)

Nice work Payne!, its not as easy as it looks, i found that out using my tubes for the first time today, have posted some samples.