Choosing the right kit for close up photography
Close up photography of nature is not as easy as it may sound.
Besides the technical challenge of getting sharp pictures at such close range, there’s the fact that many bugs and insects have an annoying habit of flying away when you get up close.
But don’t let that deter you for trying close up photography yourself – equip yourself with the right digital camera equipment, show a bit of perseverance and the results will soon begin to speak for themselves.
Close Up Photography Tips – Macro Accessories
A wide range of accessories is available for the macro photographer. Here is a selection…
1. Macro lens for close up photography
The best option if you can afford it.
They enable you to focus in one continuous movement from infinity down to 1:1 scale lifesize.
All the major manufacturers, and independents such as Tamron and Sigma, produce their own macro lenses.
2. Flash options for close up photography
Ringflash is a popular option among macro photographers.
Shaped like a doughnut, it surrounds the lens for soft, all-around illumination.
Macro flashes have separate flashtubes on each side which can be individually adjusted.
Small flashguns can be used too, if they’re placed close to the subject.
3. Tubes, bellows and close-up lenses for close up photography
There are several ways of modifying an existing lens to achieve closer focusing.
You can increase the distance between lens and body using extension tubes or bellows, or by screw a close-up lens onto the filter thread.
Both solutions are cheaper than a macro lens though not as convenient.
