Macro photography on a budget. Part 1.

Macro photo of Garden Tiger Moth

Photography stuff is expensive.  If you buy new, proven equipment, it can set you back thousands of dollars.  But what if I told you that you may already have most of what you need and that, for only a couple of hundred dollars, you can set yourself up to do some serious macro work?

High-end equipment is always nice and offers the ability to capture stunning photos, but many of us budding photographers can't afford it.  We tend to have a few basics that allow us to shoot in many varied situations but nothing that may be found in a professional's bag.  And yet you can do a lot with the stuff you have, with maybe a few simple additions.

Do you have a prime 50 mm lens?  A standard f/1.8 or f/2 lens is fine.  You can buy one used for about $150 Canadian.   Do you have any extension tubes?  Most people don't, so you can order a set.  You may find a set of three automatic extension tubes for around $100.  Buy better ones rather than cheap ones as you don't want flakey connections between lens and camera body.  Lastly, consider buying a filter-mounted reverse ring; make sure the mm size matches your 50 and that the mount is the right one for your camera.

A flash is also something to consider.  Macro flashes can be expensive, although there are some good third-party ones out there that are worth considering.  An external flash that fits on the camera's hot shoe is another consideration.  More power is better, but not always needed, as your working distance is minimal.  A built-in flash can also work, although it is not your best option.

So let's say you acquired the 50, a ring set, and a reverse mount lens.  That should have set you back maybe $300.  You can buy a decent used flash for around $150.  All for under $500.  You are all set.  Time to start taking pictures.  I will do part 2 next day.

This is the garden tiger moth from the above photo.

More next day.  Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com