14 image stack at 7x mag

[Judobreaker]

I believe there aren't any lenses that go further than the mpe-65 by itself, in other words that would be the best lens to get if you don't want to use any extras.
If however you still want to go closer than 5:1 you'll have to consider getting extension rings or bellows along with a macro lens to increase that magnification.

 

[brody98]

I have the 100mm macro and a set of extension rings but I want to get closer, I'll get the mpe when I can swing it. Thanks for the info

 

[Hardrock]

Very Nice! I do agree with what others have said about the subject matteR. I actually like the last image the best. For me what makes the first 2 images interesting is the hair around the eye which is perfectly infocus and sharp. But the black on the beetles eye seems low on detail and makes it hard to appreciate. I think a fly or dragonflys eye would be the way to go with this. They tend to have alot more detail and color. But definitely fantastic work and I always enjoy your shots!

 

[NateS]

Thanks all. This was shot with a el-Nikkor 50mm f2.8 enlarger lens reversed on a set of bellows at full extension which is around 7x or more. All shots were at f5.6.

This was not my intended first subject (this was my first on a lot....first with this lens/setup, first with a stack of more than about 3 images, first stack that wasn't handheld, etc..) I am going to try and find a better subject soon but am really busy with school started. Luckily, this setup will be an awesome winter blues experimenting rig so I won't be bored this winter. I will try and find a better subject this weekend hopefully....something with more color like a horsefly, house fly, butterfly, etc... Trying to find them pre-dead is tough though.