Are you looking to level up your
magnification game?
Whether you're a beginner
photographer or a seasoned
professional, wanting to add another
genre to your belt, we'll help you
turn into an expert macro
photographer in no time.
Before we start, let's break down
the basics.
Macro photography highlights smaller
subjects and allows us to get
up-closeviews that we typically
don't see with the naked eye.
It's used in almost every art form,
from travel to action photography,
making it one of the most useful
tools of the trade.
For an image to be considered macro
photography, the subject must be
shot at 1:1 magnification.
This means a one-inchsubject is
projected at one inch on the camera
sensor. While some people think 1:2
magnification qualifies as macro
photography, it isn't true macro
unless it shows the subject at
life-size ratio.
Now that we've covered our bases,
let's jump into the best macro
photography setups.
First things first, you're going to
need a camera and a lens.
Fortunately, you don't have to break
the bank to achieve gorgeous macro
shots.
If you're on a budget, you can't go
wrong with the Canon EOS 60D.
This DSLR offers improved
image quality and ISO settings
that allow you to capture stunning
details at any time of day.
It doesn't have as many features
as pricier alternatives, but it's an
excellent choice for those starting
out. Luckily for Canon fans,
there are several affordable options
when it comes to macro lenses for
Canon DSLR cameras.
For those just starting out, we
recommend pairing your 60D
with the Canon EF 50mm
f/2.5 macro.
This lightweight lens is the
shortest in Canon's catalog.
While the 50mm macro
only offers native 1:2
magnification, it's an excellent
choice if you're just dipping your
toes in the water.
The lens features lightning-fast
autofocus with minimal distortion,
and if you really want 1:1
magnification, you can achieve it by
pairing the lens with the canon
life-size converter EF.
So
this is the 60D.
Great camera, very entry-level.
So I feel like
with the 50mm it's
definitely for a tighter
shot.
So like I would grab this if I'm
doing a super detailed shot of like
insects, plants,
or detail like super close details
on a face like an eye or
something like that.
Because I can't.
When I got close, I like touched
him, so.
It's very easy to use.
I think that the
focusing is really easy...It's
easy to make sure that you're
focused because the viewfinder is
really clear.
The lens is not bad.
It's like a nifty 50.
It's really small, lightly.
It's got this additional ring
here to show
the focusing distances.
Yeah. It's really nice.
That's my best one so far.
An important reminder for people
getting started in macro photography
is to be mindful of your subject.
It may seem like anything small is
perfect for macro photography,
but in reality this isn't the case.
Make sure the subject you select is
easily discernible when seen up
close.
A detailed image of a ladybug might
be breathtaking, but a zoomed-in
shot of a shoelace may leave people
feeling confused instead of
impressed.
As we move on to the intermediate
level, we'll be sticking to quality
kit from canon.
If you're a macro photographer with
limited experience, you can't go
wrong with the Canon EOS 5D
Mark III.
Another outstanding DSLR option, the
5D Mark III offers exceptional
EOS performance with a 22 megapixel
full frame sensor.
Its high strength magnesium alloy
body allows you to capture stunning
macro shots in any conditions so
you never have to worry about bad
weather getting in your way.
There's no better lens to accompany
the 5D Mark III than the EF
100mm f/2.8
USM.
A true 1:1 macro lens, the
EF 100mm isn't quite
as light as the 50mm, but it's
surprisingly comfortable to carry.
The lens focuses incredibly fast,
but it doesn't sacrifice accuracy
while doing so.
At f/2.8, the sharpness
and contrast will leave you more
than happy with your purchase.
I'm using the
5D Mark III, good ol' faithful.
So this is going to be the Canon EF
100mm f/2.8.
You feel that difference between
this very pro body but
very, you know,
lower-end lens.
Nonetheless, it's still a great
lens. It's definitely
on the affordable side, and I could
understand why somebody might want
this.
So funny.
If you're an intermediate macro
photographer, remember to pay close
attention to depth of field.
It can be tough to find a sweet spot
between sharpness and depth of
field, but if you're able to shoot
your subject on a single plane of
focus, you'll be able to capture a
stunning image with a satisfying
background. You can also use smaller
apertures to increase the depth of
fields, which ensures the subject
will remain in focus.
Smaller apertures can cause reduced
sharpness, though, so it's important
to take time to find a balance that
works for you.
Last but not least, it's time for
the advanced setup.
For those who have been in the macro
photography game for a while now,
you need a camera that performs at
the absolute highest level.
Enter the Canon 5DS R
with unbeatable sharpness and a
wide array of features.
The 5DS R captures subjects
up close with incredible precision.
The high ISO performance and
normalized dynamic range will
stand out when you first use it.
It also offers high-speed continuous
shooting at up to five frames per
second to make quick shots easier
to capture.
Need a new advanced lens?
We've got you covered there too.
The Canon EF 100mm
f/2.8 L IS
USM MACRO is a nearly
flawless lens for macro photography.
This versatile lens packs a punch
with its close-up capabilities,
ultrasonic focusing, and
jaw-dropping image stabilization
that reduces cameras.
Its weather-sealed build is
incredibly durable, so you can rest
assured that the lens will perform
well any time, any day.
This is one of my favorite Canon lenses
ever made, so...I
actually think it's the next thing
I'm going to buy.
It's just extremely sharp.
It's really soft and smooth
when it's focusing.
It's a really good macro lens
because it makes sure that
the edges, I feel like
are accounted for.
So you don't have blurry edges.
I am using the
Canon EOS 5DS R.
It gives you so much more freedom.
Of course, you need to know what to
do with the freedom.
That's why it's an advanced
kit. But you
can crop in.
Yeah, you can see more detail.
Oh it's not...sorry.
It's not a touch screen.
Yeah. You're able to crop in more
with this one since there is
a higher megapixel count.
We got some drip and drop.
As an expert macro photographer,
you've already learned a lot about
the genre, but there's always room
to improve.
Remember to make sure all of the
subject is captured sharply.
Precisely measure and maximize the
depth of field while making sure
your subject remains in the plane of
focus.
If you aren't able to achieve this,
it's likely because you aren't
keeping your camera parallel to the
subject.
Plan your point of focus before you
start shooting to drastically
improve the outcome of your image.
That's it from us.
If this video helped you improve as
a macro photographer, sound off in
the comments below and make sure to
like and subscribe.
My name is Colleen and we
are MPB.