Damselfly


Chrysops


Eye of dragonfly - ommatidia

Last time there was a featured video of high magnification macro by Thomas Shahan. But there was no info how to take that shots and it's not truth that you need a super SLR camera.

All you have to do is to buy SLR from entry level like Canon 1100D or Nikon d3100 etc. (or better if you want) and wideangle lens with m42 bayonet mount - like Takumar 28mm or mine (cheaper) - Exakta 24mm. Next thing is a good flash with diffuser (diffuser you can do by yourself or buy), extension tubes (you can buy those cheap like Delta, but not eco or plastic). You will need a TTL off-camera shoe cord too because flash must be very close to the objects to avoid "burnout" on them (especially on their eyes) and bracket for flash. Of course you don't need original cord too ;)

Next mount extension tube/s (more extension tubes = higher magnification, but with loos of light), lens with ring for reverse-mount, set up aperture for f/11-f16 and that's all :) Use max iso at 500-640. Test it in your home on ballpen or in similar object to see depth of field (higher magnification = lower DO). Set up quality for RAW in Canon & Pentax or NEF in Nikon for better postprocess. With aperture at f/16 you will need to sharpen your photos (diffraction causes the loos of details).

The best time to shoot insects is early morning or late afternoon (in early morning most of them will ignore you). You can also stack your photos for better quality, but this is method for experienced photographers (you have to take few shots with aperture lower than f/16 for better detail and with different focus points).
Personally I am using lens for macro with the extension tubes & 1.4x extender for high magnification macro (samples here - http://canonmacrophotography.blogspot.com/2012/02/canon-60mm-f28-macro-sample-photos.html), but I took few shots with reversed lens too -
http://canonmacrophotography.blogspot.com/2012/09/exakta-24mm-f28-sample-photos-of-super.html

PS - sorry for my english ;]