Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Want to try macrophotography on a very limited scale. Target will probably small lizards and insects. Primarily this will be an indoor project since 100 degree plus days are right around the corner.

This is a list of what I have:
Nikon D7200, Micro Nikkor 60mm f2.8, Micro Nikkor55 mm f3.5, Focus Slider, Nikon SB 50 DX flash, a couple of old Vivitar zoom flashes, Four tripods including one mini desk size.

Question: What, if anything, do I ABSOLUTELY need to get started.

All help greatly appreciated.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Check with kpmac.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

A lot of good info in the True-Macro section of UHH:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

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Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

Patience and practice.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Sounds like you have all the equipment you need. Practice with your lighting, focusing, exposure and backgrounds. There is some good information on specimen preparation in the True Macro section.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If you are shooting live/moving subjects you will need either a powerful LED continuous light source on a bracket (my preference ) or a good sized flash with diffuser on a bracket. The continuous source has the advantage of being a light for focusing as well as taking - OR - you could use BOTH continuous and flash !

You might want a 1.4X TC to give you more lens to subject distance also - or a longer macro lens.

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pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

Cable or remote release helps when on a tripod. At least that’s how I go about it. I also prefer an incident reading or use a shot of a good quality gray card and then operate/adjust exposure as desired in manual. For me that way all I fret of good focus and framing. To me it just takes one step off the table while working a subject. Others will no doubt not like my method but for me setting exposure without using the built in meter is easier. In any event just have at it. It’s fun and you’ll learn from yourself.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Thanks all. Off we go on a new adventure. I thought about a shutter release right after I pushed the send button. Interesting conundrum on the True Macro section: The posting requirement is to have a macro photo to post with each posting. I don't have one yet so I posted in the general area.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Most of the True Macro section is just pictures, the useful information is in the links at the top of page one.
Edit: A remote release is desirable, but not really necessary with your camera on a focusing rail, especially if you’re using flash.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

I have macro lenses, a bellows, the macro tubes that go between the lens and camera. I also have a close up filter set that I really like. You simply get the filters to fit on your lens. What is nice is you can stack these filters for more magnification. This will get you some great pictures at minimal cost.

So in my opinion what you ABSOLUTELY NEED is this close up filter set:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1321853-REG/hoya_a_58cus_ii_58mm_hmc_close_up_filter.html?sts=pi-ps

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

You have all you need to get started. Most of my macro is done outdoors and handheld. A tripod is not much use outdoors with moving subjects but is great for indoor work. I also find a ring light to be quite useful in shadowy areas. Shoot in bursts and lean in and out instead of refocusing continuously. Practice, practice, practice. You'll cull hundreds of images as you go. Have fun.

therwol Loc: USA

You have everything you need to start. You will have to experiment with lighting. Forget the 55mm f/3.5 unless you have the AI version. Most sold will need the aperture ring modified to mount on your camera without breaking it. (I was lucky enough to get the factory AI ring when it was available.) The 60mm f/2.8 in various forms will work with the metering and autofocus on your camera. In some situations, manual focus for macro work is best, but it gives both options.

I second the suggestion for a remote shutter release. You don't want anything causing camera movement or vibrations such as you get when you press the shutter release with your finger.

Remember that depth of field is very shallow in the macro range. You'll be using small apertures and will need adequate lighting for anything that is moving. There are various flashes that are designed for this kind of work.

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

I, and all of macro regulars might take issue with your remark that all pictures but no or little useful information from members in macro.
👎☹️
Bill

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

And this can be found much cheaper. Like it, THEN upgrade.
Bill

Grahame Loc: Fiji

Your probable target subjects, lizards and insects, move. For this reason, tripods, focus slider rails and remote releases are simply a hindrance as you need to be prepared to continuously chase your subject. If you try and use a tripod/rail you will just become frustrated and get worn out.

If you are lucky enough to get subjects that remain in one place for a good amount of time, sure use a tripod.

For indoor shooting flash is the best choice and very easy to use.



Camera and the 60mm f/2.8 are fine, but a longer lens such as a 105mm could be an advantage. But, start with the 60 and see how things go.

Your SN 50DX should be fine and could be used in either manual or TTL. It would be an advantage to fit it with a snoot and large diffuser that gets the light right up level with the front of the lens pointing down at around 45 deg. I'll post a pic of a simple idea that can be made if wanted.

For indoor critter shooting with flash you will be using around 1/200 (or higher if sync allows), f/18 to /f22 (for Nikon) at ISO 200 to 400.



Nothing else but the camera, lens and flash you have.

Start by learning to hold the camera steady and focus on the critical plane (eye/eyes). It's often useful to rest the front edge of the lens on something that has little friction and allows it to slide easily. Once you have mastered the sharp capture you can work on lighting.