Equipment needed for insect macros?

Okay so I am shopping for a new lens to prepare myself for insane insect and what not macros.

What equipment would be good to get? I know I am needing a serious macro lens (not a starter one - I wanna really get into it), and an extension tube for the more skittish subjects.

What would I need to accomplish some awesome macro photography?

Thanks!

Budget?
No point in recommending the ultimate bug kit if the idea of spending thousands is an issue.

Also, one thing you wrote make me think you need to do some more research first. An extension tube is going to make working with skittish bugs worse, not better. You need to have some basics under your belt before getting too carried away.

There is a great post by POTNer LordV, an truly eminent macro image maker. It's a fine place to start. I'll see if I can find a link.

P.S.
Here you go: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=807056

Anywhere between 0 and 1000 and over is okay too I believe.

Okay. Extension tube note taken. Just excited is all.

ALso: I looked up this lens and it gets close to the bugs like I would like to, and it's about at the top of my budget list. WOuld this be considered a good start?

http://www.amazon.com …tal-Cameras/dp/B002NEGTSI

GreenElementPhoto wrote in post #16651823
ALso: I looked up this lens and it gets close to the bugs like I would like to, and it's about at the top of my budget list. WOuld this be considered a good start?

http://www.amazon.com …tal-Cameras/dp/B002NEGTSI

You could also go for the non L version at half the price. They are optically the same quality, it just lacks IS.

Ratjack wrote in post #16651829
You could also go for the non L version at half the price. They are optically the same quality, it just lacks IS.

I think for beginning wouldn't it be better if I had the IS to stabilize just in case?

Also I heard the MP- E65 macro lens was good because of the serious magnification it had on it.

Ratjack wrote in post #16651829
You could also go for the non L version at half the price. They are optically the same quality, it just lacks IS.

Check out the MTF charts presented by Canon and you'll see why they don't agree they are "similar quality". Now, I wouldn't disagree that the non-L may well be much better value

There's a recent thread on value of IS on the 100/2.8. Even though I do my macro work mostly on a tripod, I have the 100L IS as I think the IS is useful for non-macro use of the lens.

Up front, I would have said MP-E 65, MT-24EX flash, probably an appropriate tripod and head and macro focusing rails (although the utility of these support components with moving subjects is debatable). That's a multi-thousand shopping list.

I sense you are keen, but the water is deep, especially with the MP-E 65.

I suggest that you go with the 100/2.8 USM, and an off-camera flash system (I use a diffused Yongnuo 568 with YN 622C triggers). Follow LordV's guidelines for hand-held shooting and you'll be able to get your feet very wet without drowning. If the bug bites, then, with more experience under your belt, it could be time to look at the MPE-65, or maybe something else - a 150 or 180 mm lens for greater working distance perhaps.

(Disclaimer: my macro work is almost exclusively small plants, so somewhat bigger than bugs.)

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …00mm_f_2_8_USM_​Macro.html

So this lens then? I was doing my research, comparisons with the MP-E65, and others and this one seems to be the most recommended.

I will be doing some research on the external flash that you mentioned, Xarqi also. If it at least gets me a start into this macro photography I will go for it.

Also...

I use a Canon EOS Rebel T3i for my shooting and have gotten relatively impressive results with it, so I wonder if the flash you mentioned would be compatible for my camera?

GreenElementPhoto wrote in post #16651862
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …00mm_f_2_8_USM_​Macro.html

So this lens then?

Yes. That's the one. Optically superb, just lacking IS and a bit more weather sealing compared to the 100L/2.8 macro.

You may end up with an MP-E 65 one day, but the learning curve is very steep. If you master the 100/2.8, but can't get the magnification you want, even with judicious cropping and enlargement, then it'll be time to ponder the MP-E 65, but not before. The frustration you'd probably experience in getting to grips with it could kill your interest in macro completely!

GreenElementPhoto wrote in post #16651871
Also...

I use a Canon EOS Rebel T3i for my shooting and have gotten relatively impressive results with it, so I wonder if the flash you mentioned would be compatible for my camera?

Hmmmmm - I think so, probably, but do some digging to convince yourself. There are other options too. The 568 has high speed synch, useful for general photography, but not necessary for macro work, and it is a fairly powerful unit, not always needed at close range, but then again, often you'll be using narrow apertures top get adequate depth of field. I previously used a YN 465 - cheaper, less powerful, and no HSS, but OK for macro.
There are also ring flashes from various suppliers. I used one back in the days of film, but I found the "O"-shaped reflections were sometimes off-putting. With a standard flash, you have many options - bare, diffused, etc, and options of positioning not available with a camera/lens mounted flash.

For starter, Tamron SP90 or the Canon EF100 macro is great.

A good tripod which can go really low. A flash bracket which will enable you to mount you flash high up and over your subject. A portable on flash softbox.....steady hands, nerves of steel and the ability to hold your breath beyond the abilities of master yogis!

Leave the MP-E65 alone until you are certain you need really close macro. It's not what you think it is. It's a lens with about 40mm working distance. Anything more you can't focus on.

A macro rail will be very useful especially if you plan to stack your images.

For the MP-E65, macro rail is a must.

Good luck.

Go for stabilized macro, EF 100mm 2.8L is usm. IS really helps!
This is one of the best "bang for buck" lens anyway.
So first, learn to use standard macro lens like this. 1:1 magnification is just fine for normal insects.
Extension tubes can be used to get some more magnification if needed.

MP-E 65 is the ultimate macro but not recommended for beginners. High magnifications like 5:1 requires the use of tripod, good lightning (viewfinder will be very dark!) and in some cases, image stacking procedures.

Any dedicated 1:1 macro lens will work, they are sharp and give the same basic results. The more focal length, the farther you can get and still get 1:1. So any tamron, sigma, etc would work. If you want more distance, then look at the sigma 150 macro for instance.