40% cropped, ISO 2000, f/16,1/200s handheld, but rested in the ground. Even at f/16 the DOF is thin and the diffraction appears to start sharpness degradation. No noise reduction, neither on the camera, nor in PP.
Whoa, Tim, I'm blushed. I don't believe in talent, I just do it.
...the bee shot above, those ants are big, dangerous too . iI remember my ant shots, they seem tame but no... Great detail but I would suggest a wide angle lens with an extension tubes on, which makes it look as if the viewer seem standing in level with the insects. If you can find a used Nikkor 35mm f/2 nonAi and used it for wide macros, it's a great lens. I'm not sure if it's just my copy, but even at f/16 at the longest length of my bellows, this old lens is sharp with a beautiful bokeh. Diffraction at f/16? Not on my copy.
Rey, thanks for the tips! Those D1x colours are amazing, even with no PP.
I even tried a close up with my shortest tube on a 20mm, but the focus distance was ridiculously short that ants were disturbed and light was blocked! Diffraction for sure is a problem at f/22-32, at f/16 it is slight but visible in relation to f/11 or f/8, at least for D7000 sensor.
I don't believe in talent, I just do it. 
