shooting very small insects

Its tough sometimes Theo, I usually end up with a fair few shots that are out of focus and end up being deleted.
You can be just a couple of mm out when you press the shutter, either through slight body movement or wind or even slight camera shake, it just takes perseverance.
I don't usually use a tripod outdoors for macro, and I find that taking multiple images helps me a lot, and I find myself rocking backwards and forwards ever so slightly to try to ensure I get at least one shot is focused on the eyes or part of the insect I am aiming for.
Your setting should be ok though especially with flash also, but even the slightest wind can move the subject a tiny bit.
Try finding a small dead insect or object and practice inside the house if you can, then you have more time to ensure everything is set perfectly.

TMG1961 said:

Thanks for your answer Andy. rocking back and forwards does not work for me, i tend to loose balance when i do that. I usually don't use a tripod when shooting macro, i was at home in my garden when i tried shooting the spider, so no carrying a tripod around the entire walk.

i will try to use the burst mode and see if that gets me better results with smaller insects.

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sometimes when going handheld Theo, even your breathing rhythm can affect the focus point by moving the camera a tiny amount every time you breathe, so burst mode should compensate for this. I try to control my breathing and press the shutter when I am slowly breathing out.