What else do I need for macro shots?

[tomd]

I've looked at many of the macro rig pictures. Very interesting, and I see a lot of variation. Can you please suggest what additional equipment I will need for macro shots.

I currently have 350D, 100 2.8 macro; a cheap tripod. I'll probably order the Kenko extension tubes soon.

Do I need: external flash, base plate, chords, hot shoe (what ever that is), ring lite, sync. ??? You can't get too basic, I don't know much. :lol:

My experience was 10 years ago shooting macro underwater with a Nikonos V (35 mm) and tube set .

Thanks for your thoughts,
Tom

[liza]

I don't shoot macro often but when I do, I use the 100mm macro lens and my 580EX. Never have been a fan of tripods, as I don't like to remain still that long. :)

[cskn0125]

normally most people do not use tripods for macro, as the subjects don't usually like to hang out long enough to un-fold it. lol

unless of course your shooting things that do not move, like flowers and what not.

I would say, the setup you have is awesome for macro, unless you want to get hardcore and start adding other things such as bellows, along with more magnification.

[tomd]

So it isn't necessary to get a base plate, sync a couple of external flashes, ring light?
My built in flash will do the job adequately?

[liza]

Not the pop up flash. I'd get at least a 580EX and perhaps even a bracket. You want the flash positioned higher to eliminate shadows. Ring lights tend to make images look rather flat from what I've heard.

[ScottE]

I usually use a tripod for flash and normally get better results than if I handhold.

You will need and external flash because the front of your lens will cast a shadow for the on-camera flash. You should also get an off camera flash cord. A bracket is helpful, but if you use a tripod you can hold the remote release in one hand and the flash in the other. Mirror lock up also helps because you will be using a small aperture to get enough depth of field and the combination of slow shutter speed and close distance exagerates mirror flip induced vibration.

[Lester Wareham]

I use the MT-24EX for macro flash, it is a lot less bulky and more flexable then standard flash units on a bracket. Another advantage of the macro flash is the incandesant focus lights, these can be remote controlled from the shutter button with the MT-24EX; this is useful with the 100mm macro and very useful/essential with the MP_E 65mm.

However people produce great results with standard flashes on a bracket.

[Tony-S]

I've looked at many of the macro rig pictures. Very interesting, and I see a lot of variation. Can you please suggest what additional equipment I will need for macro shots.

Do I need: external flash, base plate, chords, hot shoe (what ever that is), ring lite, sync. ???

Probably don't need a tripod, but I use a monopod for mine. It just makes it easier to stablize your camera. At those magnifications, moving a fraction of an inch out of the focal plane is disaster.

I'd also recommend a flash as well. I have the Sigma macro flash (EM-140DG), which has a modeling light and its flash tubes can be independently changed for output (down to 1:8, I think). I usually set one to 1:2 or 1:4 to give the image some depth. Plus, you can shoot at the sweet spot of your lens (proably around f/11) on manual because the flash is E-TTL II.

[Jon]

You've got what you need. Everything else you've listed (and you do have a hot shoe, BTW - it's on top of your cmera's viewfinder hump) will give additional capabilities once you master them. But get good with what you've got and you'll recognize what you need for your style.

[JackProton]

One thing you might consider is a right angle viewfinder magnifier. Great tool for when you're shooting mushrooms from ground level or generally when pointing your camera in weird directions.

[jr_senator]

Years gone by I shot a lot of macro. I now do so just now and then. I never shot moving critters so I won't advise on that. I have pretty much the same basic gear I used years ago but in updated form; a GOOD tripod, 3-Way gear head, focusing rail, flash bracket, flashes, ring flash, angle finder and remote cord.

[Lester Wareham]

Years gone by I shot a lot of macro. I now do so just now and then. I never shot moving critters so I won't advise on that. I have pretty much the same basic gear I used years ago but in updated form; a GOOD tripod, 3-Way gear head, focusing rail, flash bracket, flashes, ring flash, angle finder and remote cord.

Good advice there.

The only things I would add for chasing moving critters around a bush etc is one normally ends up working handheld or with a monopod (often at awkward angles so keep the kit light).

In 1980 I would have loved a ring light but I think the twin light is a better option these days in terms of light modelling, control and character of highlights IMHO.

[jr_senator]

...I think the twin light is a better option...

Oh, for sure. As I said, I do very little macro anymore and was able to pick up a good, used ring flash cheap($50).

[Mollym/CA]

The remote (shutter button & etc) is good to have sometimes. That's assuming you've got a macro opportunity you can set up with a cushion or something and have a hand free. First thing my husband says when I complain about soft focus from the camera moving is 'were you using the remote' (no)? Macro and low light seem to go together, and the slower the shooting speed the better, you get little enough depth of field at best. Anything to reduce jiggle.

Have you got a monopod? I love my $30 Canon one --light, folds up small, extends fast, rubber foot like a cane tip, very grippy and stable. Can't believe it for the price. Bit of a juggle to use the remote with, kind of either-or. I'm gradually getting better at finding ways to brace me and the monopod for a little more stability.

I'm in love with the twin-light flash, horrific price though. It can be set at all the angles and directions you can imagine and even I can hardly wash out a subject with it. I'm trying to figure out what adapters I can combine to use it with the 77 mm diameter lenses (the 70/200 with extension tubes is a wowie macro lens). It's plenty strong enough to be useful at the 70mm end of the 24/70 zoom, and maybe further off.

If you're thinking moss and mushrooms and the like a little cushion is handy -- I keep wishing I'd make myself one, maybe out of a knotted sock and some peanuts, plastic or in the shell in case I get lost in the woods. A shoe works OK sometimes but your socks get wet in winter and full of stickers in summer; a rolled up woolly cap is better than nothing. At the very least something to keep the camera out of the wet grass or dirt -- a washcloth maybe. Which can be rolled up for a bit of lift.

The right-angle view gadget sounds marvelous. Better on the camera than a permanent right angle in your neck like I'm getting. (Moss and mushrooms--)

I'll be very interested to hear (and see) your results with the 100mm. I'm still learning how to drive it.

m

[JackProton]

When I shoot mushrooms and such, I usually use a small tabletop tripod. Celestron makes one - http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-Tabletop-Tripod-Spotting-Scope/dp/B0007UQNYA/ - that's small, light and cheap yet very sturdy and has fine controls for tilt and rotation.

Yes, the right angle gadget is nice -- sometimes I just don't feel like lying down in the dirt.

[jr_senator]

...a little cushion is handy -- I keep wishing I'd make myself one...

I have a Kirk Hugger, and there is this one from Novoflex.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=241077&is=REG&addedTroughType=search