Shooting Macro Handheld?....

I"ve been shooting Macro using the Kenko Extension tubes with my Canon 50mm 1.4 lens.
But, I've got to use a tripod with that setup.

But, getting into the Botanical Gardens indoor area, the use of a tripod/monopd is prohibited. Is there some way I can shoot handheld Macro without any tripod/monopod?

Would a Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro lens with a Ring Light work?....I've never used that setup. Or even a Canon 50mm 2.8 Macro lens. My Camera is a Canon Rebel XT (350D)..

thanks....

most of us on here shoot handheld anyway. you should be able to do it. just watch your shutter speed and you'll be ok.

Bill 1

I shoot with a Canon 100mm f/2.8 and a ring light handheld. The ringlight doesn't actually add a whole lot of light (not enough to give much of an improvement in shutter speed), but it does fill in shadows.

-Erica

Like Bill said, I don't think you'll find many pictures here that were taken with a tripod. I know I'd have my hair ripped out by now if I used one.

Kenko+50mm and even Kenko+100mm can be hand held, if you have a semi-steady stance (extremely steady at closest mag). The only issue I foresee is lighting... I'd most likely go with the 100mm + ringlight. I doubt you'll need to get much closer, and the flash should deal with what I've come to expect from indoor botanical gardens.

Yes i always shoot handheld too, i've used various setups doing this and it's fine

use your body to brace the camara.tuck both your elbows tight in to your chest

I think it's a combination of technique, practice, how steady your hands are normally, and camera settings. I wouldn't think that buying a new lens is going to make your shots steadier. There aren't any macro lenses with IS built in AFAIK. And you don't need a ringlight flash if you already have a speedlite. So...

- How steady are your hands normally?
- What camera settings are you using? Shutter speed?
- Do you use flash now?