Today I would like to share with you the various tools that you will need to start your macro fun, so let’s talk about Cameras, Lenses and Tripods. I personally use Canon products and the reason I am even telling you this is that you will be investing money on your equipment.
Research the various cameras and choose the one YOU like. My suggestion is to research cameras and the macro lenses that work with them.
Mirrorless cameras are becoming more popular so I’d check out the Sony products if you want a camera without the mirror.
I’d like to also suggest before you go out and buy anything, that you check out Borrowedlenses.com. You can rent almost anything there.
I am a Canon 5D user. These are full-frame DSLR cameras. This is important for Macro shooting because as you get closer to objects, you’ll want more light coming into the camera. I also don’t want anything cropping my composition, but that’s me. What you see is what you get in full-frame cameras.
If this is to pricey for you, check out this article on the Best Entry Level SLR cameras.
Once you have your camera, play with it…the better you know your equipment, the better you will photograph. Don’t worry if your photos turn out bad, it’s o.k. That is how you learn.
Now you have your camera, let’s check out some lenses. Go for the MACRO lens if you’re serious about photographing up close (please click this link and go to equipment it’s important). If you took the time to read the link I gave you, you will understand why a macro lens is the best for what you want to achieve. Basically, the lens optics are cut so you can get up close to the subject and have a quality 1:1 ratio of your subject. Also, the link gives you information on the various focal lengths you can purchase.
My favorite lens is the Canon 100mm macro lens:
Extension tubs will get you closer to the subject and you can also buy a reversible adapter to reverse you other lenses to get up close.
If you don’t want to disturb your subjects than a longer macro lens would be perfect for you.
Ok, now the tripod…In order to have your subject sharp and photograph looking professional, you really need to set your camera on a tripod for the really up close compositions. The closer you get to your subject, the harder it is to keep subjects in focus.
Here are links on a variety of tripods and ball heads from Really Right Stuff.
Now, before you say, “it is way too expensive for me!” Remember, I am giving you info on quality equipment. Read up on it and if you can’t afford it, that’s ok. I found you a less expensive kit here (Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit with 054 Magnesium Ball Head and Q5 Quick-Release System-note to me to check flat to the ground tripod) I do have to say that my husband always tells me you get what you pay for. I have never been unhappy with my equipment until I went cheap.
What I like about my tripod is that it’s sturdy, I can adjust the legs to go flat to the ground (which I have used outdoors) and I can adjust the neck to a horizontal position when needed. I have the ball head, which is excellent for Macro Photography.
Light a Fire!
I used my Canon 5D, 100mm macro lens, and extension with a tripod to make this photograph. You will see a whole new world photographing up close! It’s like looking in a microscope, well kind off . 🙂
If you have questions, feel free to comment. I’ll do my best to get back to you ASAP.
Cheers,
Janice Sullivan
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Want to read more about macro? Â Check out this article here.
