Macro shopping list

[dav_83]

Hi,

I am about to buy a macro lens, its looking like the Canon 100mm. My question is what should be on my shopping list. My current set-up is a 400d with kit lens and sigma 70-300 apo, tripod, bag filters etc.

I am thinking of starting indoors first, I have been looking at light tent kits as a starter.

Other than the kit I have what would be on the list to buy, flash, diffuser etc

Thanks

David

 

[macro_man]

You'll need a remote shutter release of some sort. On cam flash no good for most macro work because the of v. short focusing distances. Depending on subject tent could be usefull

 

[dav_83]

Shutter release, forgot about that... that's now on the list, and not too expensive thankfully.

Will have to have a proper look at flashes later, other than the obvious canon flashes are there any others worth considering?

 

[modchild]

Depends how far into Macro you go. I have a 100mm 2.8 L and use a ringflash on it easy enough. It's a fantastic lens and gives very sharp results and great IQ. I got a ringflash off ebay for around £90 but can't remember the make of it.
I got an MP-E65 macro lens for christmas and the ringflash will work up to a point but after that you get a big dark centre. I've used my 580EX II with a Nissin Di866 as off camera flash but you really need a twin flash on a bracket for it.
I found one on ebay but decided to make my own rig and just get the wireless remotes and flash off ebay. Cost about £50 altogether but haven't really got round to needing it yet. It does work after tests though and is much cheaper than the canon twin light flash at £500 plus.

 

[dav_83]

Depends how far into Macro you go. I have a 100mm 2.8 L and use a ringflash on it easy enough. It's a fantastic lens and gives very sharp results and great IQ. I got a ringflash off ebay for around £90 but can't remember the make of it.
I got an MP-E65 macro lens for christmas and the ringflash will work up to a point but after that you get a big dark centre. I've used my 580EX II with a Nissin Di866 as off camera flash but you really need a twin flash on a bracket for it.
I found one on ebay but decided to make my own rig and just get the wireless remotes and flash off ebay. Cost about £50 altogether but haven't really got round to needing it yet. It does work after tests though and is much cheaper than the canon twin light flash at £500 plus.

Thanks, I really need to look at the flash/ring flash options. I've looked on eBay at the ringflashes but nothing jumped out at me.

I'll keep you posted with progress.

David