What lens do I need to get something like this?

I took this photo with the S1 but have moved to the 350D. My problem is I'm struggling to get similar closeups. I bought the 50mm "macro" lens thinking it would achieve the result but think it was the wrong decision. Can you give me any idea of an affordable option? I love the closeups I see on this forum.

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Sorry, wrong fly! I'll repost.

Right fly!

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you need to invest in a set of extension tubes to get your new rig closer to the subject. The pop up flash wont reach over a full set of tubes so you will also need a bracket and off shoe cable for a flashgun.

get a set of cheap extension tubes (ebay?) they will allow you to focus closer - ie not change the magnification. so, this may not be best for insects as they may end up being pretty close to the front element by the time they are big enough in your viewfinder.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm taking the bugs outside, will the extension tubes make it impossible to get a good shot without a flash?

you might get some good shots at 800iso but flash is the way to go with higher magnifications as you can use smaller apertures for better depth of field eg f9-13. Dont worry you will be getting better results than with the prosumer camera.

Thanks for the suggestions and the encouragement, I'm feeling a little deflated about it at the moment.

Not sure what the size of that fly is but I guess you probably need 2:1 to 3:1 magnification for that. The problem with the EF 50mm macro lens is it only goes to 1:2, you need the life size convertor or tubes to get to 1:1.

The EF 100mm macro would get you to 1:1 as it is and ~1.5:1 with a set of Kenko tubes, or 2:1 with a 2X teleconvertor. A lot of us are using the MP-E 65mm for higher magnification but that is quite an expensive lens.

As has been stated you will probably need an off camera flash but with the 20D and the EF 100 up to 1:1 I was able to use the internal flash so that may work with the 350D also.

for real decent shots your going to need a flash on a bracket and shoot f/11 or 13 with a shutter of about 1/200 sec.. if you buy a set of extension tubes and use the 50mm 1.8 you will get pretty good results with this. I would suggest getting a true macro though, maybe the 100mm 2.8 or Sigma 105mm macro, maybe even look into the canon 60mm macro also.