Amateur photographer needs advice and instructions on Macro photography. Patience included as I am trying to learn.
My current equipment is listed below.
Initially I plan to photograph rocks, minerals and coins. Things that stand still.
Q. What would be the best lens for me to use with the Viltrox Extender Tubes?
Q. Where can I find basic instructions for Macro photography?
Macro Photography
Equipment:
Canon EOS 6Ti Camera
Lens
Canon Zoom EFS 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM marked MACRO 0.25M/0.8 ft
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Tamron Zoom 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3
Viltrox Extender Tubes
12mm, 20mm, 36mm
Desk top tripod
bodiebill
Try the 12mm extension with the 50mm and see how close that makes the focus distance. It might be too close, like inches from the lens to subject and not useful. But, your 50mm is probably your sharpest lens so I'd start there. Next, try the 12 and 20mm tubes with the 18-200 zoom. This will give you more working distance from lens to subject. In both configurations, work with f/8 to f/16. Use the zoom between 100 and 200mm. What you may find is that you're missing is an external flash, depending on your subject and working environment.
The 50mm will be difficult to focus manually, small ring on smallish lens. Try both autofocus and manual via the Live View display and zoom into 100%. Take lots of images with many different apertures and corresponding shutter and ISO. Analyze the images at 100% on your computer and determine which settings and equipment combinations produce the best results. Continue from there.
You can use the 2 second delay after obtaining focus to help avoid vibrating the camera when you press the shutter, depending on stability of your tripod. I prefer a wired shutter release so that I take my hand off all the camera controls after focus and release the shutter via the control held in my hand.
Agree with CHG-CANON. Play around wth these components to give the magnification that you need for a given situation.
The other main thing to work on is illumination (flash or constant light?) and light diffusion. Adequate lighting and diffusion can be the most challenging part of the hobby. But one thing at a time.
Regardless of the equipment you have on-hand, or plan to obtain, you need to acquaint yourself with the basic optics & physics of macro-photography.
I strongly recommend that you read
Introduction to True Macro-Photography Forum at
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-22447-1.htmlDo not expect to absorb all information with just one or two readings. Feel free to ask questions, but be selective as to whose 'advice' you follow. Check for posted macro images from anyone offering advice. No images means no experience. There are several fine macro-photographers on this forum. Their posted macro images speak to their abilities. Not everyone with an opinion has a valid foundation in macro-photography.
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