What would best help my macro shooting?

Hi, I currently use a Canon T2i with a Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro. I occasionally use a 430 exII speedlight with a cheap diffuser. I have a set of kenko extension tubes but rarely use them. I do most of my macro shooting handheld, manual focus, and just move myself closer to the bugs and things until I get focus. It usually takes several shots to get a good one. I always want to get closer though. Would a 1.4x teleconverter help? Would using the extension tubes help? If I remember correctly I stopped using them because I couldn't get things in focus handheld. Then again, I can't remember if that was before I started using my speedlite. I couldn't figure out how to just post pics, so here are links to 3 of my photos:

http://www.flickr.com …/13172222@N05/7​613260212/
http://www.flickr.com …/13172222@N05/7​647252736/
http://www.flickr.com …/13172222@N05/7​613024990/

Is your flash mounted on top of the camera or on a flash bracket?

My flash is mounted on top to the hot shoe thing.

I would start by either posting a question in the Macro Talk section, or, post it in the Macro Photos section along with a few shots.
You will get more help if you actually post images rather than links, some people won't take the time to click links.

Randy

Thank you, I will do that, but how?? I clicked the small image thing, then posted my links between the brackets....nothing. I tried to just upload them, but they must be too big to do it that way. I appreciate your help.

Houston1852 wrote in post #15301908
My flash is mounted on top to the hot shoe thing.

That's the issue, I gather. You have all the equipment you need. Take a look at the flash bracket thread below:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=142566

Houston1852 wrote in post #15301931
Thank you, I will do that, but how?? I clicked the small image thing, then posted my links between the brackets....nothing. I tried to just upload them, but they must be too big to do it that way. I appreciate your help.

It's like you said, it's probably too large.
Sometimes it depends on who your image is hosted with too, personally, I use my own website to put my images online.
I assume that you did use the Image Icon above? (It is the yellow one with a mountain on it)

Randy

macro item #1: tripod, preferably one with a center post that can be inverted to hang the camera above the subject or level to ground level subjects
Macro Item #2: Flash, hopefully a ring flash. I have an older model that doesn't work with the canon ETTL systems but you will find yourself using more manual settings anyway so it isn't that big of a problem
Macro item #3: YOUHAVE IT. That 100 macro is a well designed purpose built lens that is luckily for us built like a tank but priced inside most budgets.
Macro item#4: rings. use them and get accustomed to what they do and don't do, experiment.

You are on the path, go to the Macrop section and learn from the guys that do alot of it, there is an incredible amount of talent on here.

have fun.

i would just get the canon flash sync cord and a diffuser. Then get off the forum and play.

I have found a macro rail to be a great piece of kit.

To answer one of your questions.. yes, a 1.4x tc can help a bit. It gives you 1.4x the magnification, without having to move closer. And if you do move closer, it will be even better.

The downsides are, you lose a stop of light... so you'll be shooting @ 140mm f/4 maximum, and some loss of IQ. The light issue isn't so bad, as you'll likely be stopped down anyways.

birdfromboat wrote in post #15302001
macro item #1: tripod, preferably one with a center post that can be inverted to hang the camera above the subject or level to ground level subjects

I think I just had a "V8 moment" <slaps forehead>

I'm not a big fan of tripods with center posts, but a tripod can help with macro photography. cable release and learning to use live helped a lot with mine, when i use manual focus and blow the shot up on the screen before shooting is a real plus.

I rarely use a tripod, but love my Manfrotto when I do need to, like shooting this wasp nest at a weird angle over a long period of time.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/_moose_/5864510​288/

Houston1852 wrote in post #15301875
I always want to get closer though. Would a 1.4x teleconverter help? Would using the extension tubes help?

I frequently use Kenko extension tubes on my 100mm, and occasionally also add a 1.4X TC. And yeah, you pretty much need a flash; I usually use one even in bright daylight.