Firstly, for macro a good flash setup is vital and there are many options available, both DIY & commercial. But you do need it.
AS for lenses, you don't say whether you will be using a DSLR or mirrorless - though it doesn't really matter, the answer is basically the same. The Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro lens, either in the EF or RF mount is an excellent choice. While the "L" version of this lens is better, the non-"L" version isn't really far behind if after a more budget friendly option. There are several non-Canon options available which also produce excellent results but the Canon's are the winners for me.
Thank You Mark I did come across the The Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro lens and had a bit of a read up, but didn't realise that there was a non L series one available as well.
I use the DSLR Camera bodies and also use some Sigma Art Lenses, have to admit these lenses give Cannon a bit of a run for their money so to speak, very nice indeed.
Anyway thanks again I will look into your suggestions.
Thank You Mark I did come across the The Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro lens and had a bit of a read up, but didn't realise that there was a non L series one available as well.
I use the DSLR Camera bodies and also use some Sigma Art Lenses, have to admit these lenses give Cannon a bit of a run for their money so to speak, very nice indeed.
Anyway thanks again I will look into your suggestions.
Leon
Hi Leon,
I don't think the Canon 100mm non L is still in production, but they are around. The Sigma 105mm macro is an excellent alternative to the Canon at a very good price, you wouldn't be disappointed going that way. Sadly the Canon macro lens I really do like, the 180mm f/3.5L, is also no longer in production since 2021 - a VERY sharp lens that gives you a little more working distance between you & the subject.
Whichever way you go, I'm sure you won't go far wrong with any of these quality lenses.
I have owned and used the Canon EF 100mm F2.8, Canon EF 100mm F2.8 L IS USM (both 1:1) and now the more recent Canon RF 100mm F2.8L IS USM (1.4:1) macro lenses.
Even pixel peeping, with good technique and lighting, I could not tell the difference between the non-L and the L versions of the EF Mount lenses.
The Canon EF 100mm F2.8 L IS USM certainly felt more solid.
I tend to stick with Canon because I once purchased a non-Canon brand lens and the focus ring rotated in the opposite direction to all my other Canon lenses and I never got used to this.
In terms of flash, this is my current set up. The Speedlite is diffused by a Lumiquest diffuser, then by the translucent plastic “wing” fixed with Velcro to the lens hood which further diffuses the flash. This gives me nice, wrap-around shadowless light and minimises the risk of hot spots on shiny insects.
If you are going to doing dental work, then a simple ring flash might be better.
I’ve long used a Tamron 90mm F/2.8 macro and found it to be an excellent macro lens with universally good reviews. I’ve not compared it to any other macro lens as it’s the only one I’ve used.
If you do happen to try to find a second hand one, make sure you get the newer version as it is considerably better than the previous version. They have the same name and look fairly similar but there are differences.
In terms of flash, this is my current set up. The Speedlite is diffused by a Lumiquest diffuser, then by the translucent plastic “wing” fixed with Velcro to the lens hood which further diffuses the flash. This gives me nice, wrap-around shadowless light and minimises the risk of hot spots on shiny insects.
Cheers
Dennis
Interesting flash setup Dennis, never thought of doing it that way. Looks better than trying to get a diffuser correct off the hot shoe mount. Will need to test this out - what's the mounting ring you're using for the flash?
I would start with one of your Sigma Art lenses, especially around 35 to 85mm or so and add in some extension tubes, which will allow a much closer focusing distance and hence magnification AND be sharper than a lot of other lenses.
Extension tubes might also be a good toe in water to see if you really go for macro photography, without all the initial expense of specialist macro lenses, ring lighting, etc.
You can even use lens reversing rings to get significant increases in magnification with the right lenses, with 1:1 possible.
Interesting flash setup Dennis, never thought of doing it that way. Looks better than trying to get a diffuser correct off the hot shoe mount. Will need to test this out - what's the mounting ring you're using for the flash?
Cheers,
Mark
Hi Mark
The ring is a Really Right Stuff ring but before this, I used a guide scope mounting ring with a home made bracket and an old monopod head to achieve the same result.
Well many thanks for your responses, certainly some go info for me to ponder over, thanks.
Dennis, that is an impressive set up you have and the image you shared is brilliant.
Leon
Thanks Leon, the main thing with the lighting is to make sure the light source is close to the insect and is larger than the insect to minimise harsh shadows and hot spots.
WARNING: Macro photography can be as addictive as astronomy.
The ring is a Really Right Stuff ring but before this, I used a guide scope mounting ring with a home made bracket and an old monopod head to achieve the same result.
Cheers
Dennis
Thanks Dennis, will have to look at putting something together. Looks easier than trying things like snoots to direct the light at the target & avoiding getting a shadow from the lens.
I would start with one of your Sigma Art lenses, especially around 35 to 85mm or so and add in some extension tubes, which will allow a much closer focusing distance and hence magnification AND be sharper than a lot of other lenses.
Extension tubes might also be a good toe in water to see if you really go for macro photography, without all the initial expense of specialist macro lenses, ring lighting, etc.
You can even use lens reversing rings to get significant increases in magnification with the right lenses, with 1:1 possible.
Best
JA
Excellent advice just note you can't achieve infinity focus with extension rings/tubes attached.
Generally not a problem for macro unless like me you are chasing bees that won't sit still on a single flower (weed) around the back yard then see a nice bird in the tree.
Depending on exactly what you are photographing, extension bellows are still available i believe, or I just have an old one sitting on my lens shelf.
I think they are still used, I haven't used mine for some time and haven't searched but the adjustable bellows with a good lens can provide quite the good set up. Keeping in mind it is set up, not usually quick or easy from experience (and failing memory).
Still available, much fancier now and including electronic contacts but far from cheap.
The unit in my image is from an old, manual Nikon film camera I had many years back.
Last edited by Leo.G; 03-09-2023 at 11:47 AM.
Reason: Deleted incorrect extension tag
As a sheer coincidence, my reverse ring arrived yesterday....
Mated to a spare 18-135mm it seems to be possible to get extreme magnification....with DOF that is not horribly short...
(Note - no aperture control, and as my lens has electronic focus control, none of that either)
Pretty impressed for the $8.99 it cost (delivered in 2 days via fleabay)
so if you already have a decent wide angle lens, this is the cheapest way to go. (when a lens is reversed, w/a gives more magnification)
I'll now have to get my pet bee trained to stand still....
EDIT:
Sorry, there was a point to these photos, (besides the mention of getting the pet bee to stand still), these were hand held using a 40 year old Nikon 75-300 f4.x (from memory) lens and manual focus. This is an example of what you can do with the macro extension tubes. I couldn't track them with a tripod, as slow as they look they move fast, like lightning.
