swallowtail Loc: Melbourne, Australia

Hi, I'm new to UHH and would like some advice. I love Macro photography, I have a Canon S3 IS which has a Macro and Super Macro function, the Super Macro range is 0 to 10cm. my partner is upgrading to a Canon 7D and is giving me his Canon 350D, I would like to buy a Macro Lens, I was thinking about the 100mm L IS after a lot of Internet searching, I would also like a a Ring Flash but am not at all sure which one would be best. I would be photographing flowers, butterflies, bugs, mushrooms etc. I would be thankful for any advice but please not too technical, I have only been taking photographs for about 3 years and Definately still a beginner. I'll try and upload some in the next couple of days. I have been looking through UHH for a few days and it looks like a wonderful community.

Thanks
Anne

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

I just bought a ring flash for my Nikon D5100. Only fault I am finding is that the width of the ring flash attached to the lens takes almost 1/2 an inch off my focus range. I focus and the ring touches the subject at times. I've even taken the ring off and held it to the side to illuminate the subject.

So in your choices, see if a ring flash for macro extends past the lens or (best choice) is around the actual lens.

Check out the Macro thread also. Great info there.

Sarge

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The UHH has a forum specifically for Macro work, you will get lots more help asking in there. Here is a link to it:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Nikonian72 has great answers for macro. You may want to PM him to let him know of this thread. There is a recent thread about ring flashes and the O-Flash.

twowindsbear

IF your camera has Through The Lens flash metering, then I STRONGLY urge that you get a flash that is compatable with that TTL flash mode. TTL flash is SUPER convenient!

And, even though you didn't ask - I'd also suggest that you get a 'longer' macro lens - such as the one you mentioned, rather than a 50mm.

Good luck!

pigpen

I have the 100mm NON "L". This is my favorite, and best, lens I own. Very sharp. If you can afford the "L", get it for the IS. If you don't need IS, or will use a tripod, just buy the one I have. It is so sharp, I can't imagine the "L" being that much sharper. The extra cost for the "L" is mainly due to the IS.