first go at a spider, (spider warning!!)

[turbotoes]

Both hand held and manual focus, with sigma 50mm 2.8 DG EX macro. Had to get very close, and I don't like spiders much ( I must be bloody Mad!)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c28/turbotoes/spider2.jpg

and a bit closer

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c28/turbotoes/spider1.jpg

I needed to try for a greater dof but unfortunately I knocked the leaf and it bugged out on me before I could change the f stop, these were taken at 6.3, 1/40 sec, iso 200. A suggestion as to what might have got the whole beast in focus would be appreciated. It was about 15mm across I would guess, if that helps.

Thanks

Tara

[scraggs]

Nice first attempts, dof on the first is a lot better than the second but thats because you were further from it.
You have some options to increae DOF, your fstop was very low for that shot, you will find a well diffused flash will help get the shutter speed back up at higher appertures.
Another option it to pull away from the subject and crop the shot, most macro lenses can still give very good IQ on fairly heavy crops.

[ekimeno]

I like this spider - good textures on it's beautiful furry coat!

[sbowler579]

Its the long legs i find creepy.:eek:

[turbotoes]

Thanks guys, Scraggs, I guess I knew a flash was going to get on the shopping list sooner or later. With a house full of orchids it is a no brainer I suppose.
But, I'm starting to worry that the more I look at "my" spider the cuter it seems :gag::cuckoo:

Tara

[Skypilot]

Its eyes looky nearly human :nuts:

[Ajophotog]

Nice find, you got the eyes focus which is the important bit to get focused. As Scraggs suggests a flash would help too. :thumbs: