The Essential Gear for Macro Photography: Capture the Tiny World in Every Detail

Listen to the podcast about this post:

Macro photography is a fascinating journey into the world of tiny details. But to dive into this microscopic universe and capture it in images, it is essential to have certain tools. In this post we will explore what makes up a macro photography kit, from lenses to tripods, lighting and accessories.

Macro Lenses: Magnifying the Smaller World

Macro lenses are the heart of macro photography. They are specifically designed to enable focusing at very short distances and provide significant magnification of subjects. Here are some key considerations:

Focal length: Macro lenses are available in different focal lengths. Budget aside, the choice will depend on our preferences and the type of subjects we want to photograph.
Reproduction ratio: Expressed, for example, as 1:1 or 1:2, it indicates how much the subject is magnified on the camera sensor. The higher the ratio, the greater the magnification we will achieve. (Learn more: The reproduction ratio in photography).
Manual focus: In most cases, manual focus is used to achieve the greatest precision. That means we will need lenses with smooth and precise focus rings.

Lenses for macro photography

Tripods: stability for perfect details

Macro photography requires a steady hand and great stability of the camera and lens combination due to the extremely short depths of field with which it works, which mean that the slightest movement can ruin a shot. When using a tripod, its solidity and quality are essential. With other accessories we can save money (we can forego having a macro lens and do close-up photography with extension tubes, close-up lenses or reversing a non-macro lens, for example), but in the case of tripods and macro photography, the cheapest solutions are not real solutions.

Strong tripod: Choose a sturdy tripod that can support the weight of your camera and lens. Look for adjustable legs and secure locks.
Adjustable center column: In macrophotography, it is very important to have flexibility in positioning the camera, since we will normally be photographing objects or subjects very close to the ground. An adjustable center column (also known as tilting or folding) will allow us to vary the height of the camera and lens.
Firm and precise ball head: A ball head that moves when you set it and changes the plane of focus is of no use to us. A firm and good quality ball head will allow us to make smooth and precise movements in multiple directions.

Arca-Swiss: The Quick Release System, Explained

Natural light, flashes, diffusers and reflectors: bringing out the details

Lighting is key in macro photography. It helps to highlight tiny details and create striking images. Here are our top lighting options:

Natural light: Natural light is surely the most beautiful. Let’s look for the softness of morning or afternoon light for the best results.
Flashes: Fundamental in macro. They help illuminate subjects evenly, reduce unwanted shadows, reduce exposure time or help us eliminate the background, among other possible benefits.
Diffusers and reflectors: Diffusers to soften the light and reflectors to fill in shadows. These accessories are an inexpensive and effective way to improve the quality of lighting.

Flashes and lighting equipment for macro photography

Complementary accessories: details that make the difference

In addition to the main elements mentioned, other accessories play an important role in macrophotography:

Extension tubes: These inexpensive accessories are placed between the camera and the lens to alter the minimum focusing distance and increase magnification without the need for a dedicated macro lens. They are the best alternative for tight budgets or for those who want to try their hand at macro on a very low cost. They will give us the best results with short focal length lenses. (Learn more: Macro extension tubes).
Bellows: They are used to increase the distance between the camera body and the lens and alter the minimum focusing distance. The principle is the same as that of extension tubes, although unlike these, bellows allow this distance to be regulated precisely and continuously. Although they seem like old-fashioned accessories today, they are still the best option when we want to do extreme macro with microscope lenses. (Learn more: Macro bellows)
Close-up lenses: They screw onto the front of the lenses as if they were filters and allow us to focus closer. They are also inexpensive. They will give us the best results with long focal length lenses. (Learn more: Macro close-up lenses).
Triggers: Prevent camera shake when pressing the shutter button.
Backgrounds: Help create clean and attractive compositions in our macro images.

Lenses and lenses for macro photography with mobile phones

Don’t forgot batteries

The focus stacking technique, as well as the continued use of the flash, cause our batteries to discharge quickly, so it is essential to have a good supply. In projects that require taking dozens of photographs over many minutes of work, the best solution may be some simulated batteries connected to an external battery. This system will prevent us from running out of energy in the middle of a task and, surely, having to start over (learn more: Batteries and chargers for cameras: all models, original and clone).

Conclusion

To get started in macro photography, you need dedicated equipment, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money up front: simple extension tubes or close-up lenses can do the trick for a start. As always, your choice of equipment will depend on your budget, preferences and needs.