Fozzie: Thanks, dude! I appreciate the comments!
Hlop: Thanks! I think the actual working distance from the end of the lens is about 9 inches or so, (23cm?), maybe longer. I haven't tried to measure it exactly. The specs call for a 1.5ft min focus distance. The lens is about 7.5 inches long, without the hood. Theoretically, the working distance should be about 11 inches or so, but it seems closer than that to me.
Chris: The lenses do make a difference, without a doubt. But, you also have to be stubborn. When I retire, am gonna teach advanced courses in being stubborn, to mules...
My "secret" is to not be satisfied with my shots, which keeps me on a constant learning curve. I might shoot 50 shots of the same subject, just to see what happens with slight changes in perspective, for example. I also will shoot 50 shots in an attempt to ensure that I get exactly what I wanted. If I don't get what I wanted, I go out and shoot 50 or 100 more.
Petal: Yup. The extension tubes are cool, but so is the 500d. Either way, it's a nice lens.
Your shot shows that it works on the Canons too.
Mic: Thanks for the kind comments!
Some of these flies are pretty cool.
Glen: Thanks!
Yes, been fighting for every mm of DOF. The sb800 helps out there a lot!