Extension tubes are HARD,

[Blue_In_AK]

but I kind of like this one. I'm having a hard time getting my tripod up close enough to my subjects, especially with the breeze, so this is handheld. Amazing how sensitive these little buggers make everything.

[Major Nikon]

1. It's very hard to make extreme close ups outside

You'll likely have trouble with both the wind and getting the lighting correct, unless you're using artificial light.

A flash placed on a bracket and placed very close to the lens can help tremendously. Having more light will tend to decrease shadows and allow you to use faster shutter speeds.

[alfredo]

2. That is very good.

I carry a dark colored towel to wrap around the stem to hold it steady.

I got a tripod that allowed the legs to be splayed out. I made a shorter central stack so I can get even closer to the ground.

Kneeling pads like used by gardeners come in handy if you are going to be working close to the ground.

[Blue_In_AK]

3. You guys are so helpful.

Thank you very much. I'm going to keep practicing because I've always loved good macros. I'm now extremely impressed by people who do this well.

[juxtaposed]

4. this is my rule of thumb,, iso=100, shutter=200, f=6-16, and I use a flash.

a ring flash works good b/c it's right at the end of the lens. With a flash you can shoot in shade and bright sunlight with out much adjustment also you can remove the ring and hold it at an angle to the subject for shadowing.
I was using this setup today. canon 5d, 100mm 2.8, ext. tube ef25, and a ring flash.

[Blue_In_AK]

5. Yes, as I expected,

it's the flash. Good to know. Thanks.

I'm assuming that a Speedlight won't work unless it's off the camera.

Are these ring light thingies expensive? I see them at B&H from $39.95 on up to several hundred. What's the difference?