As I dwelve into macro...

[Navieko]

I've ordered Canon EOS 10d, Canon 100mm macro - USM, and a bigger memory card... thats all I can afford till next week, my next payday.

Is this good enough for someone who is just delving into photography, let alone macro? I've got the basic understanding of various macro settings as I have been reading a considerable amount on the internet to occupy untill my new toys arrive.

Also, what other equipment will I need? (flash, extension tubes etc.)
Cheaper options are preferrable just untill I can afford a more serious arsenal.

Thanks in advance.

...Oh forgot to add: I'll be 99% insect photography. Been into entomology for the last 8 years, so hopefully my knowledge of their movements, whereabouts, behaviour etc etc, will give me an advantage. :P

[AirBrontosaurus]

That is excellent to "delve in to macro." The Canon 100mm macro is a stellar lens, and the 10D will give you excellent pictures.

Personally, I think you're going to find you need a flash and a flash bracket pretty soon. If you want it really cheap, just buy the Delta Flip Flash bracket for about $35, the canon off-shoe cord 2 for about $40 and a cheap older (non-E-TTL) hotshoe flash for about $50. All you have to do is tape-off the rear-right pin and the camera will fire it in manual mode. This is what I do. It's not pretty, but it gets results for just over $100. If you want to use your flash for other purposes, then you'd be better off getting one that is E-TTL compatible, though.

Extension tubes are nice, but they aren't necessary. I'd wait until you've gotten the other stuff before you buy them.

Congrats, and I can't wait until you post some pics!

[dpastern]

I agree with Chris. I'd probably recommend the 430ex flash, delta flip 1 flash bracket, Canon offshoe adaptor #2, sto-fen diffuser (with a tissue folder into four to add extra diffusion - it seems to work very well). The Canon 100mm macro lens is exceptionall good, can't go wrong there. The 10D is an older, but still fine camera, nothing wrong with it. Check out Bald Eagle's website to see what I mean about image quality from the 10D.

Being an entomologist will certainly help with tracking insects, etc, you'll have a good headstart on most of us ;)

Remember to practice, practice and practice.

Oh, and a set of tubes is always handy.

Dave

[Navieko]

Alrighty!

So then heres my list of things to get asap - correct me if anythings wrong.


Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash
Canon Off Camera Shoe Cord 2
Delta Flip Flash I Bracket
Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce OM-EW (Defuser)Averages out to around $500 AUS including postage & handling - Not bad!

Thanks a heaps guys! Really appretiate your help.