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- What features are required of the camera body?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lenses for macro photography<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Macro imaging without a macro lens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Illumination in macro photography<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Filming techniques<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What features are required of the camera body? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sensor size and pixel count are the most impressive features when choosing a camera body, but any camera body will take you into the world of macro photography. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 1:1 aspect ratio goes by the size of the sensor, 18mm for MFT, 24mm for APS-C and 35mm for Fullframe. In practice this means that the 1:2 aspect ratio for an MFT sensor is equivalent to the 1:1 aspect ratio for a Fullframe. The sensor size also affects the depth of field, so a 1:2 shot with an MFT sensor will have a wider depth of field than a 1:1 shot with a full-frame camera. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The smaller cell size helps with many practical issues such as wider depth of field and theoretically produces higher magnifications. Another even more significant difference for many may be the size and weight of the camera and lens. This favours cameras with a smaller sensor size and is worth bearing in mind, especially when going on longer shooting trips. A larger sensor, on the other hand, takes away the comparison in image quality in terms of dynamics and light requirements. But it's fair to say that top-quality macro images can be taken, whether MFT or FullFrame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The number of pixels and pixel density of the sensor is an advantage when cropping images. In macro images, subjects are small and camera movements are relatively large, so cropping often gives the image its final composition in post-processing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features that make macro photography easier when choosing a body include synchronisation settings for manual focus and flash. Many camera models have a so-called internal focus stacking\/bracketing function, which, with the appropriate proprietary lenses, allows the camera to be programmed to automatically take multiple shots, with the camera itself changing the focusing distance of the lens between shots. The camera builds a stacked jpeg image file internally with a wide depth of field. This is well suited for photographing jewellery and other small items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lenses for macro photography<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Typically the focal lengths of macro lenses go by a factor of the cell size MFT 50\/60mm, APS-C 60\/65mm and FullFrame 90\/100\/105mm. At these focal lengths you get the same perspective on the subject with each cell. The change in perspective at macro distances is not very large. The biggest change comes from the so-called working distance between the subject and the lens. The longer the focal length, the greater the distance between the subject and the front element of the lens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally speaking, the best and easiest way to access macro photography is to buy a macro lens. Macro lenses are available from every camera manufacturer up to 1:1 magnification (e.g. Sony 90mm, Nikon 105mm, Canon 100mm, Fujifilm 60mm, Olympus 60mm). The macro lenses from the camera manufacturers are also available with autofocus and are suitable for use with pots. The Canon range also includes the so-called bug-glass MP-E 65mm lens, which can be used to shoot at magnifications of 1 to 5 times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Olympus](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/60mm-1.jpg\")
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f\/2.8 Macro lens<\/h2>
Rated 5.00<\/strong> out of 5<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t484.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- 1:1 suurennussuhde, 19cm l\u00e4hitarkennuset\u00e4isyys<\/li>
- f\/2.8 aukko, kaunis bokeh<\/li>
- Dust and rustproof construction<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
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![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Sony_90mm_Macro_f2_8_001.jpg\")
Sony FE 90mm f\/2.8 Macro G OSS lens - 100 \u20ac Cashback<\/h2>
Rated 5.00<\/strong> out of 5<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t1148.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- 1:1 suurennussuhde, vertaansa vailla ter\u00e4vyys<\/li>
- SteadyShot kuvanvakautus k\u00e4sivaralta kuvaukseen<\/li>
- P\u00f6ly- ja kosteussuojattu, luotettava k\u00e4ytt\u00f6<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Third-party manufacturers such as Samyang, Sigma and Laowa offer very high quality macro lenses. Laowa stands out from the crowd with their 100mm\/85mm\/65mm\/60mm\/60mm\/50mm fully manual lenses that go from infinity to 2:1 magnification, which makes a huge difference when shooting insects or very small subjects, for example. Laowa also produces a 25mm 2.5-5x magnification ultra-macro lens. When moving from close-up to macro photography, there is no need for autofocus. The depth of field range even at small apertures (f\/11-f\/22) is so narrow that the appropriate focus point has to be selected by the photographer. In macro photography, there is little need for an in-lens stabilizer either, as the light requirement is usually too high to illuminate the image with a flash or a tripod using a slower shutter speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Sigma](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/sigma-sony-e-105mm-2.8-art-dg-dn-macro-001.jpg\")
Sigma 105mm f\/2.8 DG DN Macro Art lens, Sony E - 50 \u20ac Cashback<\/h2>
Rated 5.00<\/strong> out of 5<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t728.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- 1:1 makrokuvaus l\u00e4hiet\u00e4isyydelt\u00e4<\/li>
- f\/2.8 kirkkaus ja optinen tarkkuus<\/li>
- Hiljainen autofokus ja s\u00e4\u00e4nkest\u00e4v\u00e4 rakenne<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
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![\"Venus](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/100mm_Ultra_Macro_2x_f2_8_001.jpg\")
Laowa 100mm f\/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO - Sony FE<\/h2>
Rated 5.00<\/strong> out of 5<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t648.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- 2x makrosuurennos 24,7cm p\u00e4\u00e4st\u00e4<\/li>
- APO-linssi ilman kromaattisia poikkeamia<\/li>
- Tarkentuu \u00e4\u00e4rett\u00f6myyteen ilman adaptereja<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
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![\"Venus](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/venus-optics-laowa-65mm-f2-8-2x-ultra-macro-apo-001.jpg\")
Laowa 65mm f\/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro Lens - Sony E<\/h2>
<\/div>\n\t504.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- 2:1 suurennoskerroin, 17cm l\u00e4hitarkennus<\/li>
- Apokromaattinen optiikka, v\u00e4rivuodon v\u00e4hennys<\/li>
- Sis\u00e4inen tarkennus, 9-ter\u00e4inen iiris<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
In addition to the typical macro lens focal lengths, wide-angle macro lenses are also available. These lenses, such as the Laowan 15mm F4 1:1 macro lens, are more like close-up lenses as the 1:1 magnification is achieved by having the subject attached to the front element of the lens. In this case, the subject should be illuminated by reflections, an external flash or a diffuser designed specifically for this purpose. The wide angle also gives a much greater depth of field so the background landscape also gets more light and detail than typical focal lengths. The perspective produced by a wide angle lens in close-up photography is very interesting and I recommend you check it out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Laowa also manufactures 25mm 2.5-5x magnification ultra-macro lenses. Laowa's 25mm 2.5-5x is not so much a wide-angle lens as an ultra macro lens for higher magnifications, which by default is intended more for stacked macro photography than for more normal macro photography. Please note that with this lens you can only focus between 2.5-5x magnification, so it is not suitable for other types of photography. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Laowan Probe 24mm 2:1 macro lens is also a very interesting specimen in the world of macro lenses. With a wide 24mm perspective and infinite to 2:1 magnification, the imaging experience is very different from other macro photography. Although the lens is designed more for video photography with the help of a slider. The lens is equipped with internal LEDs. The LEDs allow the illumination of a subject very close to the oblique lens, also from the front. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Laowa](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Laowa_15mm_Macro.jpg\")
Laowa 15mm f\/4 1X Wide Angle Macro Lens with SHIFT - Sony E<\/h2>
<\/div>\n\t608.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- Natiiivi 1:1 makro laajakulmalinssi<\/li>
- Shift-toiminto \u00b16mm perspektiivin korjaukseen<\/li>
- Sis\u00e4inen tarkennus 11,9cm:iin asti<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
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![\"Venus](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Venus_Optics_Laowa_25mm_f_2_8_2_5-5X_Ultra_Macro_001.jpg\")
Laowa 25mm f\/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro - Sony E<\/h2>
<\/div>\n\t498.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- \u00c4\u00e4rimm\u00e4inen 5:1 suurennos l\u00e4hikuvaukseen<\/li>
- L\u00e4hifokus vain 4 sentti\u00e4 5:1 suurennoksella<\/li>
- Laaja n\u00e4k\u00f6kulma paremmalla syv\u00e4ter\u00e4vyydell\u00e4<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
- \n\t
![\"Venus](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Venus_Optics_Laowa_24mm_probe_001.jpg\")
Laowa 24mm f\/14 Probe - Sony E<\/h2>
Rated 5.00<\/strong> out of 5<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t1798.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- 2:1 suurennos, 2cm l\u00e4hitarkkuus<\/li>
- Laajakulma syv\u00e4ter\u00e4vyyden kanssa<\/li>
- 40cm ty\u00f6et\u00e4isyys endoskoopin tavoin<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Macro imaging without a macro lens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Macro imaging can also be accessed in cheaper ways than investing in a new lens. An inexpensive way in SLR cameras is to insert a ring between the camera body and the lens to bring the closest focusing distance of the lens closer. With a locket ring, you can make any lens a macro or at least a close-up lens. There is no glass between the rings to affect the quality of the image produced by the lens. With loupes, the depth of field narrows as always in macro photography the closer you focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another simple and easy way is to use close-up filters or close-up lenses. These are either threaded into the front of the lens or with a quick release like the very popular Raynox DCR-250 close up filter. These are widely used in compact cameras and with 1:1 macro lenses to bring a slightly higher magnification to images. With these options, the amount of glass between the subject and the camera sensor is increased so you may see more changes in image quality than with loupes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are other ways to achieve macro magnification, such as a baffle that works like a spell, or a separate bayonet to lens barrel adapter that allows the lens to be used upside down in the camera. Microscope lenses are also available that can be attached to the system camera. These are already in the realm of microscopic imaging, so no more about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Raynox](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Raynox_DCR-250_2_5x_Super_Macro_Lens_001.jpg\")
Raynox DCR-250 2.5x Super Macro lens<\/h2>
Rated 4.67<\/strong> out of 5<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t86.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- 2.5x suurennos makrokuvauseen<\/li>
- Universaali sovitin 52-67mm suotimille<\/li>
- Kevyt ja kompakti, vain 60g<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
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![\"Viltrox](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/viltrox-dg-z-12-24mm-auto-extension-tube-nikon-z-001.jpg\")
Viltrox DG-Z (12\/24mm) Auto Extension Tube - Nikon Z<\/h2>
<\/div>\n\t68.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- Macro-tarkennukselle lyhent\u00e4v\u00e4t jatkoputket<\/li>
- Automaattitarkennuksen s\u00e4ilytt\u00e4v\u00e4t kupariset kontaktit<\/li>
- Yhdistelt\u00e4v\u00e4t 12 ja 24mm tuubit<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
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![\"Raynox](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/na\u0308ytto\u0308kuva-2021-6-1-kello-15.24.44.png\")
Raynox MSN-505 8x Snap on Macro Lens<\/h2>
<\/div>\n\t300.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- 8x suurennos makrokuvaukseen<\/li>
- 37mm kierteell\u00e4 moneen objektiiviin<\/li>
- 4 optista elementti\u00e4 ter\u00e4viin kuviin<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Illumination in macro photography<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The need for light in macro imaging is very high. When diving from close-up to 1:1 and higher magnifications, the light requirement increases as the depth of field decreases. For example, when shooting 2:1 at f\/16 you need either a flash, a high ISO or a long exposure time for a properly exposed image. When shooting in nature and freehand, you rarely have such serene conditions that you can take accurate images without the need for another tripod or additional light. Flash is therefore often the macro photographer's most important tool. In addition to the more traditional handheld flashes, flashes are available that are specifically designed for macro photography. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hand-held flashlights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When choosing a flash, it's a good idea to consider the amount of light you want to produce, the flash's charging speed and its size. The Godox v350 is a relatively powerful flash packed into a small compact size, which is very well suited to smaller, lighter camera body\/lens combinations. The Godox V1 is a large and rather heavy flash, but in terms of power and charging time, this flash is capable of shooting up to 10 frames per second in burst mode at lower powers (1\/32 or less). In addition, the V1 model is equipped with a focusing light to help you find the focus of the image. In terms of power, the V1 is also very well suited for all other flash photography. The Godox V350 V860III and V1 have batteries that can shoot up to 500 images at full power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more creative lighting, handheld flashlights can be used as an external camera with the help of a transmitter. The Godox Xpro and X2t models are ideal for this purpose. With a flash it is recommended to use a diffuser to soften the light produced by the flash. Bare flash light easily burns out shiny areas and creates contrasting shadows on the image, which often does not flatter the subject. Diffusers are available in ready-made commercial models, but it is common for deep into the hobby macro enthusiasts to build their own housings over the flash and lens according to their own preferences. The main advantage of traditional flash is the amount, speed and adaptability of the light output. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Godox](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Godox_V1_001.jpg\")
Godox V1 shutter for Sony cameras<\/h2>
Rated 4.67<\/strong> out of 5<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t214.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- TTL ja radioyhteensopiva Sony-kameroille<\/li>
- 480 v\u00e4l\u00e4hdyst\u00e4 yhdell\u00e4 akulla<\/li>
- Kompakti py\u00f6re\u00e4 p\u00e4\u00e4 pehme\u00e4lle valolle<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
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![\"Black](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Godox-Ving-V860-III-TTL-Sony-3.jpg\")
Godox Ving V860 III TTL flash for Sony cameras<\/h2>
Rated 5.00<\/strong> out of 5<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t208.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- Tehokas Guide Number 60m, ISO 100<\/li>
- Nopea 1.5s kierr\u00e4tysaika, 480 v\u00e4l\u00e4hdyst\u00e4<\/li>
- Sis\u00e4\u00e4nrakennettu l\u00e4hetin, TTL-yhteensopiva<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Ring salama and macro salamas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For macro photography, there are also various flashes available for that purpose. A ring flash is a flash that is attached around the lens, often with an adapter ring, to the threads of the filter. The advantage of a ring flash is convenience, small size without the need for a high flash on the camera body. The ring flash produces a steady light and is an easy choice as a first macro flash. However, the light source is right next to the subject, so there is little chance of adjusting the light produced by the ring flash to your own preferences. The light source of the ring flash is also often reflected by the subject, making it clearly visible in images, especially in bright subjects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Godox mf12 is a ring flash-like, customizable flash system that can be connected to one to eight flash units. You could even say that the MF12 is a ring flash-like modifiable light source that is very useful for creative macro photography and creative lighting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Laowa\/Kuangren KX800, on the other hand, is a macro flash with two flash heads and a focusing light, allowing you to create easily customisable and creative lighting for small macro subjects. Other light sources, such as small agile LED panels, can also be used for macro photography. However, small LED panels do not have the power of flash devices, so other measures are required to stop motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Godox](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Godox_MF12_K2_Kit_001.jpg\")
Godox MF12 Macro Salama K2 Kit<\/h2>
Rated 5.00<\/strong> out of 5<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t228.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- Langaton 2.4 GHz ohjaus, 32 kanavaa<\/li>
- Ladattava akku, noin 500 v\u00e4l\u00e4hdyst\u00e4<\/li>
- Kompakti makrolinssille sopiva salama<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
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![\"SmallRig](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/smallrig-pix-m160-rgbww-led-light-3157-001.jpg\")
SmallRig Pix M160 RGBWW LED Light 3157<\/h2>
<\/div>\n\t135.90 \u20ac<\/span><\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n- CRI 95, v\u00e4ril\u00e4mp\u00f6tila 2500K-8500K<\/li>
- 360\u00b0 v\u00e4ris\u00e4\u00e4t\u00f6, 12 valoefekti\u00e4<\/li>
- 3800 mAh akku, USB-C lataus<\/li><\/ul><\/a>Add to basket<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Diffuser<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diffuser or light converter. Perhaps the most important accessory in a macro photographer's own handprint is the light converter. The vast majority of photographers, especially insect and spider photographers, use traditional flash light and modify\/soften the light according to their own preferences. Diffusers are available in many shapes and sizes. Traditionally universal diffusers include collapsible diffusers that can be placed around the lens and small square and round softboxes. But as mentioned, diffusers often go into the DIY world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC05453-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC05475.jpg\")
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- Lenses for macro photography<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"D\u00f6rr](\"https:\/\/devbed.fotomonza.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/yleis-e1722031914507.jpg\")