A moderate Start up Package for Macro Photography

[leon]

Hi Guys, this one is for the Macro Photographers and the question here is this:

My dear Alice would like to try her hand at Macro Photography starting with all her special Cacti, Succulents and Flowers, then maybe progressing onto Insects Bugs etc.

So rather than going out and spending big on the best gear what would be a moderate start out kit for her, so if it didn't work out we haven't lost much.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you.:thumbsup:

Leon:thumbsup:

[peter_4059]

Get a camera with image stabilisation if you plan to hand hold, which you will need to for insects. I use an Olympus EM10 mk II with an Olympus 60mm f2.8 macro lens. You will also need a flash. I've tried a Godox TT350 and a Meike MK320. The Meike has a lower profile and the flash sits closer to the front of the lens so is probably better for illuminating a close object. You'll need a diffuser on the flash.

[OzEclipse]

First before buying any “starter kit,” buy a copy of “Closeups in Nature” by John Shaw and read it cover to cover. Written in 1987, it’s a film era book but extremely well written and clearly and simply explains all the pros and cons of various options - extension tubes, closeup filters, macro lenses, lens reversals, plus lots of field techniques. Obviously doesn’t cover modern digital techniques like focus stacking but it is a very clearly written and comprehensive book on optical techniques.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Close-Ups-Nature-John-Shaw/dp/0817440526

I note that he also wrote a book on digital nature photography in 2017, "John Shaw's Guide to Digital Nature Photography," which I don't have and have not read but I assume he covers many of the digital advances in that book in a similarly clear manner.




If you decide to buy a macro lens for your DSLR:-
Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro.
Available in all mount types and well regarded by many nature photographers and won’t break the bank. See photos taken with this lens attached.

Joe

[leon]

Many thanks, and I have already been directed to that book by another member, will certainly have a look at it.

leon

[toppy]

https://archive.org/details/Closeups_In_Nature_Photographer

Leon,
If you don't mind reading an online copy, the link above points to the Internet Archives.

Cheers
Pete

[Derek Klepp]

Leon you may well be able to use your current gear if you have some.And if she wants some closeups mainly for herself it is amazing what the current crop of phones can do. On most bushwalking stints I have all the camera gear and am often trumped by my better half and her phone.The smaller sensor gives a much better all in focus perspective for a single shot and look good on the iPad.
There is a lot of second hand macro gear out there for sale.
Derek

[leon]

Thanks Derek, yes, have to agree those I Phones are pretty good these days, and one can certainly get lost in the second hand stuff out there.

Leon