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Which type of light?

betinski
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Which type of light?

I'd like to try my hand at macro photography. I have a Sony AR7 and just bought the Sony 90mm lens. I've read several articles about which type of light to buy. Since this is new I don't want to invest in very expensive equipment. What's the simplest/easiest way of lighting to shoot macro in my backyard? Is there a video or site that would help me get started? Thanks so much in advance!

Jun 28, 2023 at 02:58 PM

e6filmuser
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Which type of light?

Sunlight is ideal, when available. You might have to use high ISO to freeze movement.

Manual flash is the cheapest but you may have to calibrate your set-up.

For flash, I use only types with exposure controlled by the camera.

Harold

Jun 29, 2023 at 01:38 AM

betinski
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Which type of light?

Thanks!

Jun 29, 2023 at 12:22 PM

e6filmuser
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Which type of light?

here is a sunlit shot from today, around 1:1.

Shadows moderated digitally.

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1814722

Harold

Jun 29, 2023 at 12:54 PM

bmike-vt
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Which type of light?

I have this LED panel:

https://store.godox.eu/de/led-panel1/5356-godox-m1-rgb-mini-creative-light-6952344218747.html

Note that I don’t do ‘proper’ macro as some folks here practice or would call it, but I love this little light. I also have an iPhone App that will get me color temperature of the ambient light and it’s quick to adjust the LED panel to match if I want.

Jun 30, 2023 at 12:24 AM

betinski
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Which type of light?

Fabulous shot! I have a learning curve to conquer.

Jun 30, 2023 at 01:53 PM

kaplah
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Which type of light?

betinski wrote:
What's the simplest/easiest way of lighting to shoot macro in my backyard?
An on-camera flash and a simple diffuser: https://www.amazon.ca/Flash-Diffuser-Foldable-Camera-Storage/dp/B0C7LYQWVR

Natural light macro assumes a) stationary subject and b) a tripod. Slow shutter speeds unless you up the ISO, which is undesireable.

Jul 05, 2023 at 10:34 AM

e6filmuser
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Which type of light?

u might be surprised at the highkaplah wrote:
Natural light macro assumes a) stationary subject and b) a tripod. Slow shutter speeds unless you up the ISO, which is undesireable.

I have the ultimate macro tripod and haven't used it for years. You can't set up a tripod and have e.g. and insect stay still while you do it!

You might be surprised at the high shutter speeds at low ISO in sunlight. If there is no sunlight there may be no insects anyway.

I used to never use an ISO higher than 800, 400 being my standard. The results from higher ISOs are perfectly good if you use a high quality noise reduction and set it manually.

Harold

Jul 05, 2023 at 10:47 AM

betinski
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Which type of light?

Thanks for the info. Leaning toward a simple flash and diffuser.

Jul 06, 2023 at 02:40 PM

LostLensCap
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Which type of light?

This guy, Thomas Shahan, is the best I've ever looked at. He uses minimal equipment and shares his methods freely in his videos.

Jul 23, 2023 at 03:14 PM

Danpbphoto
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Which type of light?

betinski wrote:
I'd like to try my hand at macro photography. I have a Sony AR7 and just bought the Sony 90mm lens. I've read several articles about which type of light to buy. Since this is new I don't want to invest in very expensive equipment. What's the simplest/easiest way of lighting to shoot macro in my backyard? Is there a video or site that would help me get started? Thanks so much in advance!
It appears you are on a budget or very frugal! Been there, done that! I use the Canon ring flashes not an EX type flash. Not cheap but keep your eye out. Both mine were bought on B&S and at a very low price.
Good Luck!
Dan

Aug 02, 2023 at 03:47 PM

betinski
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Which type of light?

Thank you!

Aug 09, 2023 at 10:33 AM

AZHeaven
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Which type of light?

LostLensCap wrote:
This guy, Thomas Shahan, is the best I've ever looked at. He uses minimal equipment and shares his methods freely in his videos.

Thanks for the heads up on this guy. I've been looking into tips, etc. for macro and the one guy that comes up the most is Micael Widdel. And most videos I'm seeing are from overseas and difficult for me to catch what they are saying! And most Youtubers spend a lot of time walking!

Aug 21, 2023 at 08:16 AM


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