Getting started - what do I need?

[beachbum2277]

I'm interested in getting into some macro photography. I've seen a lot of great stuff from all of you and want to give it a shot. What equipment should I look at getting in addition to what I already have?

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[JLew24asu]

I'm new to this as well and have basically copied off the experts I've seen here. I just purchased a sigma 105 ex.

other nice things to have might be extension tubes, a flash, and a focusing rail for the tripod.

canon also makes a 5x macro lens..Canon MPE-65

but this is all coming from a newbie as well. I'll let the experts chime in :)

[GOLDENORFE]

hi there, look for a macro lens around 100mm, canon,sigma & tamron all very good, you can use your 550ex flash gun on a straight bracket, a small 19mm ball head will allow flash angle to be altered, just need to make a diffuser to soften the light.
adding kenko extension tubes will increase mag to just over x2..

phil

[John_B]

beachbum2277,
There are many ways to get good macro photos.
First how much $$$ do you want to spend? ???
Second what type of macro subjects will be primary? ???
Third how big (or small) are your subjects? ???

One lower cost start out possibility is just a set of Kenko extension tubes which will work well and give you 1:1 and more with your 50mm lens and will also work with your 17-40L and 24-105L lenses. However if you go this route I strongly suggest an off-shoe extension cord for your flash.

A better and more usable (in my opinion and my recommendation) option is to just get a macro lens which will work better and give more room between you and your subject. The Canon 100mm f/2.8 is like L quality and is an excellent 100mm standard telephoto also ;) If combined with the set of Kenko extension tubes you can get true 2:1 (basically doubles the magnification).

If you want more magnification, the best bet is the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x lens. It gives great results with high magnifications. But it really needs an external flash with off shoe cord at the minimum and has a higher cost with less working room between lens and subject. It is not known for its ease or multi use.

These are only suggestions, good luck on your choice :)