First attempt at macro, CC please

I got my Kenko extension tubes the other day to hold me over until I can afford a Sigma 100 or 150, and these are some of my first attempts at macro photography (no flash yet) and there is no PP. Thanks for looking

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/bryn_wlch/49796​56893/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/bryn_wlch/49796​86003/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/bryn_wlch/49796​51879/

I think all of these would have been pretty good had they been in focus. They just look too oof for macro shots, and you cant see any type of detail in the important places like the eyes of the critters. Judging by these shots though, you should take excellent macro photos with the Sigma once you get it.

Is there anything settings-wise that I can do to help that, or is it just my focusing? I can see where the focus is an issue on the last one (the spider was jumping up at the lens), The second one at least to me looks like the eyes are in focus, which is where I was told is the center of the focal point.

All of these were also done with a Nikkor 18-55, I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

Thanks for the response!

A good start. Your issue is that your your aperture is too large. You want to be at f18 as a minimum, if not higher. That of course means, you need a slower shutter speed, a higher ISO, or flash. Its the latter that is recommended. Without a flash, your best option is ISO increase but your noise level will increase.

Keep having fun. I too have the Kenko tubes and they do a good job for those on a budget

Thanks for the tips!

I think those are all terrific, dramatic shots. I'm really impressed. I just got a Tamron 90, and love it, but don't know what the hell I'm doing. Your stuff is much more in focus than mine...