Macro Photography Equipment:
great gear for getting close-up!

We move now from general discussions about photography to macro photography equipment, including some valuable macro photography tips.

Fortunately, the equipment demands of macro photography are not tremendous. There is not need to go overboard with multiple camera bodies and a suitcase full of lenses.

If you make well thought-out photography equipment purchases, your macro equipment will serve you well, for years and years. With time and practice, you'll develop your own photo techniques that make the best of your macro equipment.

Take your time selecting your make and manufacturer. Reputation is good, website ratings also, likewise the available accessories. Digital camera software varies in its features and reliability, so that's yet another factor to consider.

When push comes to shove, it's the way the camera body feels in your hand that is the greatest predictor of long-term satisfaction.

Here are other topics we'll cover in this Macro Photography Equipment section:

1. Want to learn about what cameras to look for? Visit Macro cameras.
2. What lenses are best suited to Macro Photography? Find out at Macro lenses.
3. Because Macro Photography is a struggle without support: Camera supports and tripods
4. Inexpensive ways to control light to our benefit are at Light modifiers.
5. Want protect your lens and eliminate distracting lens flare? See Lens hoods.
6. How to do macro without a macro lens: Close-up photography accessories.
7. Proper filtration can turn an ordinary photo into "Wow!" Visit Photo filters.
   

The Main Thing

The main thing to look for in macro photography equipment is the lens' close-focusing ability. This can be on a fixed focal-length compact camera, an SLR with interchangeable lenses, or a so-called "bridge" system with non-switchable lens but many of the controls of an SLR.

Chances are good you already own a camera with some close-focusing capability. If you're new to this, or if you're on a tight budget, why not see what you can get out of that camera before plunging in to a new system?

Remember, cameras take pictures, but only a photographer can make a photograph! If close-up photography catches your interest, you'll quickly discover the limitations of whichever system you're using. It may work for you for the rest of your life! If not, you may start thinking seriously about investing in dedicated macro photography equipment.

What's required?

Macro equipment need not be complicated. The absolute minimum you'll need to get started is:

• One camera
• One lens (interchangeable or built-in)
• One tripod or other camera support
• One memory card, or
• One roll of film
• A good camera bag

Your subjects are all around you, so there's is no need to pack your bags or call your travel agent!

It's trendy to say "macro photography is limited only by your imagination", which is true up to a point. Good macro photographers always use photo techniques that make the best of the macro equipment that's available to them, but let's be honest: photography is a technical medium, and photography equipment makes the show happen. Most macro photography tips are technical tips, not aesthetic.

I will be making suggestions about macro photography equipment that will increase your capabilities. It will be up to you to make the most out of the macro equipment you do decide to acquire.

Once again, here are the pages included in this section:

1. Macro cameras
2. Macro lenses
3. Camera supports and tripods
4. Light modifiers
5. Lens hoods
6. Close-up photography accessories
7. Photo filters

Good Luck!

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