Poor Man’s (or Woman’s) Macro
by Lee on Mar.21, 2011, under Composition, gear, Monday Morning Tips
Macro Photography on the Cheap
The Annual Spring Desert Wildflower and Macro Photography Workshop is this coming weekend, March 26 and 27. To make the most of opportunities that abound for macro (close- up) images of flowers, bugs and other subjects that appear in spring, here’s a short primer on several low cost ways to get into close-up photography.
Most people immediately think of a dedicated macro lens when first considering macro photography. This produces the best images but also costs the most. For example, Canon offers several dedicated macro lenses ranging in price from $450 to $1500. On a positive note, unlike other macro solutions, dSLR macro lenses make for some very good portrait lenses.
Still, if you’re unsure of your long-term interest in macro photography, even $450 might be more than you care to invest. For those situations, here are some very inexpensive solutions ranging from $8 to $200. Yes, there will be a hassle factor, it won’ be as simple as mounting your macro lens. Yes, there may be loss of image quality and it might be severe if you buy the cheapest components available. Yes, there will be trade-offs and you might find yourself getting uncomfortably close to some critters. But, let’s face it, photography and life are always full of compromises. Only you can decide which trade-offs are worthwhile for you.
Here are links to past Monday Morning Tips (MMTs) that discuss relatively inexpensive ways to get into macro photography.
Macro Lens Kit - Covers Canon macro lenses
Cheap Macro Trick – An über cheap method
Macro Gear – Other macro gadgets
Gloria Hopkins Composition Webinar
Don’t forget to register for Gloria’s 3-hour Composition webinar. If your photos aren’t composed, they’re just snapshots. Step up to the next level and get a handle on Composition in a 3-hour webinar with an award-winning photographer and author. Register here.
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March 27th, 2011 on 5:31 pm
I am interested in the Gloria Hopkins webinar. Even bought the book. However I will not be able to attend the webinar. Will it be recorded?
March 27th, 2011 on 7:06 pm
Hi Deena,
For past students, we have made special arrangements. I’ll send you an e-mail.