If the object is small in size (like 1cm to 2cm) , I will use
setup 1 : EF 100mm f2.8 USM macro + 25mm ext tube (optional) + 550EX + Omni-bounce
setup 2 : EF 70-200mm f2.8 L + 25mm ext tube + 500D + 550EX + Omni-bounce
If the object is average size like > 3cm , I will use
setup 3 : EF 100mm f2.8 USM macro + 550EX + Omni-bounce
setup 4 : EF 70-200mm f2.8 L + 500D + 550EX + Omni-bounce
I find when using 500D against a bright green area, your shots will have a clean nice background. See below sample
I'm not wealthy for the time, so for macro with flash I use the internal one with a transluscent plastic piece(video tape box). I set it on the front of the lens.
Here is a picture of the setting.
That's a great idea Denis and with great results! Has anyone heard of shooting down through a cone made of paper sitting on a translucent piece of glass with a light source under the glass? The subject would be inside the cone, on top of the glass. Supposed to really light small subjects well.
Although I've not tried shooting through a cone I, regularly, shoot small, translucent items by placing them on my 5000K lightbox. Additional light sources include everything from traditional hot lights, to daylight simulators, to a nifty little spelunker's lamp I picked up at my local camping equipment store. The effects of the disparate lights can be really interesting (in a good way).
Thanks for the cone tip. I'm going to have to try that.
1. 35 f/2 : yeah, I know, it's not really a macro, but it focuses down to less than one foot, and for flower macro photography (really pseudo-macro), it's a lightweight companion with greater DOF than the...
2. 100 f/2.8 USM Macro : If I have a tripod and time, I'll bring this one along. I have shot a few very pleasing (to me) pictures with this lens and two 420EX flashes and an ST-E2 transmitter...
My macro tips:
1. Always attempt to use a tripod with the 100 macro, or bump up the ISO as high as possible. My 10D is relatively noise-free until 1600, and then it isn't so bad if the picture is properly exposed.
2. Always be aware of the plane of focus. If you want most of a subject in focus, you either have to stop waaay down or angle your shot at the plane of focus, in which case you can get away with relatively high shutter speeds. For example, if a flower is at a 45 degree angle to the ground, place your camera/lens at the same angle, pick a reasonable f-stop and shoot. Much of the subject will make it into focus.
3. Use flash where possible. Especially off-camera or remote flash.
4. Take several shots in multi-shot mode; the middle one will be in focus more than the others.
5. Manually focus in macro mode; if I hand-hold, I usually brace on something and focus, then rock back and forth to get the exact plane of focus. I think I'm gonna have to spend for some focusing rails and a good tripod soon.
