Macro photography?

[R.T.]

Hi everyone, I'm really knew to photography but I'm finding it very fascinating and would really like to explore the world of Macro photography, but I'm not sure that I'm ready for it yet.

What I'd like to get is a Ring light for my Canon 100mm F2.8 macro lens and Canon 20D camera and use that. But I need to know if theres much of a learning curve to using such a setup? Do you just more or less put it on the camera and start taking pictures with it in one of the automatic/creative modes, or does it only work with manual setups?

I don't mind learning it, but to tell you the truth, I'm a little over whelmed just learning the camera and how to use the two software programs to process photos. Should I wait or go for it? Is it that hard to learn? I figure I may as well do the things that I think I'll enjoy with it, but on the same hand, I don't want to get in over my head right at the get go.

Oh, and one more thing, is Macro and closeup photography the same thing? Or is Macro a term used just for extreme closeup? See, I told you I was green. :lol: Thanks!

R.T.

[wolf]

Hi R.T. Here is a good read on macro (http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~parsog/photo/macro.html) photography.

Hope this helps you out.

[boone]

You might want to keep shooting with what you have now and don't add any more variables to your learning process. I'd suggest using your macro lens in Av mode and playing with the aperture values to see how it affects the depth of field. Then crank up your ISO setting when you want a shot in lower light.

If you still can't get the shot you want with that arrangement, then think about a flash. Depending on what you're shooting, you might not want the ring light. It is said to give flat, unnatural lighting. I've heard good things about the Canon MT 24 EX macro flash (two movable flash heads on the end of your lens), but you're looking at $600+ for that.

[R.T.]

Wolf, that link helps a lot, thank you!

Boone, that sounds like good advice to me, appreciate the input! I'll play around with it like you said, and then start saving up for that MT 24 EX, sounds like the way to go for Macro. Thanks again!

R.T.

[robertwgross]

Whether to use a flash depends on your subject.

For example, if you are shooting an extreme closeup of a diamond ring, you'll likely need some flash. But if you are shooting an extreme closeup of a butterfly on a flower, you would probably want natural sunlight only.

---Bob Gross---

[R.T.]

Thanks Bob, that makes sense and I sure appreciate the tip!

R.T.