Techniques and accessories for macro and close-up photography
One of the most rewarding ways to expand our photographic horizons is to explore our surroundings on a very small scale. Close-up or macro photography can turn everyday objects into visually interesting images and the animal world into a Jurassic Park populated by fabulous creatures.
As with almost every field of photography, there is more than one way to get into macro and alternatives for every budget.
Lenses for macro photography
Specialized lenses are the most expensive way to practice macro photography, but certainly the best.
Macro lenses and lenses with close-up photography functions
The domain of macro photography lies in the reproduction ratio of 1:1. Even if a lens has a very short minimum focusing distance, it may not be a true macro lens, the characteristics of which distinguish it from other general-purpose lenses.
► Learn more about macro lenses
Lens adapters
But what happens if we want to use a lens on a camera that belongs to another system? Well, this is where adapters come into play, which will allow us to use almost any lens on almost any camera body.
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Macro flashes
In macro photography, every detail counts, and light is key to capturing the essence of your subjects. From the softness of diffused light to the dramatic impact of directional effects, exploring the creative potential of lighting systems is an inevitable path for any photographer looking to perfect their work.
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Precise focusing: rails and bellows
Focusing with the camera in hand becomes practically impossible above magnifications of 2:1 or 3:1. Focusing rails or bellows then become indispensable in the field or in the studio.
Rails
The distance between the lenses and the camera defines the magnification ratio. Rails allow focusing by moving the camera and lens assembly with millimetric control on one or two axes.
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Bellows
Bellows extend the distance between the camera body and the lens to a greater extent than extension tubes and make it possible to vary that distance precisely and continuously.
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Low budget macro and close-up photography
Extension tubes, close-up lenses and lens reversals open the door to macro photography for a minimal outlay.
Extension tubes
There are very few accessories that can provide so much in return for so little to our photographic equipment as extension tubes.
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Close-up lenses
Depending on the objectives, the magnification desired and the working distance, close-up lenses may be the best option.
► Learn more about close-up lenses
Reversed lenses
Reversing a lens may sound like a whim, but it’s a cheap way to do macro and put an old lens that we have lying around to use.
► Learn more about reversing rings
Introduction to macrophotography
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What is the reproduction ratio in macro photography?
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Difference between macro photography and close-up photography
The terms “macrophotography” and “close-up photography” are often used interchangeably. However, the…
General photography accessories
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