How I shoot MACRO - Lighting result for SIGMA 150mm macro (2010 Aug)

As agree, I am sharing result of the new flash lighting for SIGMA150 Macro len as discuss in 2010 Aug - SIGMA150 lighting.

The intention is not compare lighting with my MP-E65 lighting setup but design a acceptable lighting setup for long MACRO lenses use (I use SIGMA150 F2.8 + 1.4x TC & 36mm ET).

more details for above setup can view @ 2010 Aug - SIGMA150 Lighting 1

for this setup 36mm ET + 1.4x TC + SIGMA150 @1:1 give magnifcation ~2:1 as shown below




....... so the test result
0. with only my Concave Diffuser (the flash head cone without the light Tent)

F9, 1/160, ISO100









i. a full body shot which not possible for MP-E65 and the Background color (F8, 1/160, ISO100)


ii. with only ET @full magnification


iii.plus 1.4TC


iv. full magnification front view


*** if like to view larger view 2500pix @ longer side, there is link after click the picture above

*** to show the real results, picture only raw-->jpeg with conditions
i. no sharpen
ii. no light/exposure related change
iii. the side view with 2 picture stacked (eye & body)
iv. no dodge and burn
v. no highlight and shadows change
vi. non crop
vii. all handheld shot



Overall, I am pretty happy with the results and can be improve
1. the light is not really harsh but need to fine tune with the setting
    - we can;t just use what we have with MP-E65 which have different focal length
2. background, it is so easy to get the Background color instead the MP-E65
3. it is so easy to approach the bug which almost not possible with MP-E65 or shorter len



4. something I need to work on is the highlight on the eye still strong
5. need reflective beetle to test further