Lately I have been trying to see into the smaller things of our wildlife. I would like to try 'real' macro photography but unfortunately do not have the budget to get a macro lens.
I have just purchased a Canon EF12 II extension tube to see if I can get closer to my subject. So my current set up is:
EOS R7, Canon Mount adaptor RF-EF, Canon Extension tube and the Canon EF-S 15-85 lens.
My latest pictures with this setup are:
and
I am happy with these images but have see a lot sharper images. I do know that most of my problem will be me and my technique. I will continue to practice.
I am interested to find out what others are doing and how their macro journey is going? How did you start and what kit are you using?
Regards
Ed
Fantastic macro shots Ed, lovely detail so look forward to more with the new set up
Very nice shots. One thing to remember about macro lenses is that the depth of field can be very shallow. Consequently a lot of the really detailed shots are the result of focus stacking lots of images and this can be quite difficult with lively subjects. Some of my best "macro" have been taken with a long lens as long as you can get a lens with a short minimum focusing distance. Taken with EF300 + 1.4TC
Thank you .Love your dragonfly picture. All my pictures of close ups on the Wildlife forum were taken using the R7 and my RF 100-500 lens. I normally shoot at 500mm and at the closest the lens will focus to. I am hoping to get closer to the subject to see how things go. I am intrigued after watching some YouTube videos. Focus stacking is something I will need to learn and am practicing to get the hang of things. My garden is really springing into life now so hopefully will have some subject material to get to grips with.
The tubes can work well as you demonstrate, though you'll really appreciate a true macro lens if you can get one - Sigma's 105mm EF version is a good buy (and second hand especially isn't too expensive). As Bob mentions, stacking is your friend to combat the shallow depth of field, though it relies on the subject sitting still! If you check out the Getting off Auto index linked in my footer you'll find a thread on macro stuff that might be helpful
___
Find me on Flickr / All about your camera - The Getting off Auto Index
Thank you WJ. I have read your thread on Macro. Brilliant. Will push forward into macro and see how things and funds develop. Thank you also for all the other links. I will read through them. One question I have for you, what stacking software do you use? Helicon Focus seems to a favourite for many.
Hey Ed, have a search for some of WJ's images and videos... They are spectacular!, especially Digger Alley and Jewelled Wasps!
Yes, Helicon is simple and very effective - that's what I use