If you are reading this article, it is because the macro world has already seduced you (and no wonder). You may have already done your first steps (or more than that) in magnifying small objects, turning tiny insects into giants or revealing every detail of a plant, or maybe you want to try and you don’t know where to start. Perfect, whatever your case, you are in the right place, because I am going to show you accessories for macro photography, whether you are a beginner or if you have already started. Make yourself comfortable, a very interesting list is coming 😉 And if what you want is to delve into nature photography, this is our most complete guide, with tips, tricks and a lot of inspiration.
1. Investment rings
For beginners especially. Especially to test at a ridiculous price if this macro photography thing goes with you or not. To play and experiment before making the jump to a real macro lens. In this article I talk a little more about this accessory. You will find it on Amazon for about 10 euros (make sure you choose the right diameter).
2. Extension tubes
Like the previous option, it is an accessory indicated for beginners or specific moments in which economy comes before quality. It is a somewhat more sophisticated option than the ring, but it is still “a fix.” You can build them at home (there are a few tutorials on youtube) or buy them with electronic communication from 40 euros or without electronic communication for about 20 euros, the difference is explained here. I leave you the link to extension tubes with electronic communication for different brands.
3. Macro conversion lenses
Conversion lenses are an accessory that screws onto the lens (so the diameter must be the same) as it works just like a filter. Unlike the extension tubes, as it is a glass that is interposed between the lens and the subject, the quality declines.
It is fine to start or experiment, although in this case the extension tubes are still recommended before. You can find it for about 50 euros (remember to choose the diameter well).
4. Extension bellows
It works similarly to extension tubes. In this case all electronic communication is lost, so all settings have to be made manually. The advantage over tubes is that you can vary the macro distance by increasing or decreasing the extension of the bellows. This example for Canon costs 23 euros, on Amazon. These are to start, because there are others like this one They can even go as high as 1:1, a magnification that many macro lenses fail to achieve.
5. Tripod
In macro photography the tripod is very important, because just as the size of the photographed subject is magnified, so are the vibrations of the camera. To achieve sharp photos, good stabilization is essential. Here is the complete guide to buying a tripod. In this case, the ideal is a tripod without a column so that it can be placed at ground level. A good option may be this (for 160 euros)or this one that you find for about 160 euros.
6. Remote shutter release
For the same reason as the tripod, you need a remote shutter release. Any accessory that minimizes camera shake is welcome, as it will help you get a better result. This accessory is also useful for other types of photographs, too versatile to be so cheap (less than 7 euros!!!) 😉 (Make sure it’s compatible with your camera).
You also have the option of cable release, the only thing is that it limits the shooting distance to the distance of the cable. Here you have one for Canon for 14 eurosor this one for Nikon with a timer for 15 euros.
7. Right angle viewfinder
The right angle viewfinder is not that it is a very essential accessory, it will simply make it easier for you to look through the viewfinder in somewhat awkward positions, for example when photographing at ground level. If lying on the floor isn’t your thing, this is your accessory 😉 It costs about 50 euros.
8. Focus rail
This accessory allows you to very precisely modify the distance between the camera and the object to be photographed. There are different prices, because depending on their robustness or stability the cost varies. Here you have one to start for 30 euros with very good ratings.
9. Ring Flash
It is the true ring flash since it only has a tube in the shape of a circle. If you go a little further than trying and experimenting, it may fall a bit short, since they do not have very advanced functions and the light is uniform throughout the ring. Now, they are the cheapest. For example this for less than 30 eurosor this other for 55 euros which includes three diffusers.
10. Macro ring flash
It may seem that we are talking about the same accessory as the previous one, but this is not the case, they are only similar in shape, because in this case they are two tubes that can work independently, so it offers you many more lighting possibilities and also allows you to adjust other parameters such as the amount of light. Among many other models you have this one from Yongnuo for 100 euros (in the image)or this one from Neewer for less than 70 euros.
11. Macro Flash
This type of flash is usually considered better for macro photography, among other aspects because as the light falls at a greater angle, greater relief can be obtained, although they are also more expensive (much more) and cumbersome. As you can see, it is not about better or worse, but what is best for you according to your needs. Here you have an example for about 500 euros, the same as the image, for Nikon. The difference is quite important, don’t you think? Almost better we leave these for macro professionals 😉
12. Macro lenses
Obviously you cannot do macro photography without a macro lens, unless you use the accessories that I presented to you at the beginning, such as the tubes or the ring. If you have already seen that you are passionate about this photography and want to delve deeper, maybe it is time to buy a macro lens, here are some recommendations from my colleague Iaio.
13. Reflectors
You will not always need a flash, the lighting conditions may allow you to shoot without it and with a few simple reflectors you can achieve an impressive effect. In addition, they have many utilities beyond the macro and costing only 20 euros, like these they are a great investment. You also have better quality like these from Polaroid for about 22 euros. There are different sizes, choose the one that suits you best.
14. Telescopic tripod (for backgrounds or reflectors)
You can never forget the background in photography, but much less in macro. You don’t have to spend a lot of grass, but always have cardboard on hand that will make a good background. To hold them you can use this telescopic tripod which also serves to hold the reflectors. It costs 65 euros.
I hope this article will help you dive into the amazing world of macro photography or navigate it more comfortably. If so, I’ll be satisfied. Can you think of any other accessory or do you want to share with us one that you use? We are all ears! And if you found it interesting, share it on Facebook, Twitter or Google +, so we’ll know if we’re on the right track when choosing topics 😉
Thanks for reading this far, and until next time!