topic Re: Please Share Your Macro Shooting Setup and Experience in General Discussion

Please Share Your Macro Shooting Setup and Experience

SignifDigits — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:01:17 GMT

This is one of two of these threads I'm starting. The other will be astrophotography. I know there are great photographers here doing both, and yet I couldn't find a standalone thread on either topic. I (and I assume others) would love to benefit from the wealth of knowledge on this topic on this site. I'm sure there will be wide variations of opinion on some items. I have, but haven't used, an inexpensive flash shield for macro, and have, but haven't used, a XILETU Worm Drive Macro Slider Rail (one of the good off-brand versions - lucky me - from B&H). I use the EF versions of the 180mm macro and 100mm macro lenses. I mostly shot handheld thus far, but have the Vanguard Veo and Manfrotto PIXI tripods that I've toyed with.

I haven't done that much macro work. It seems fascinating, but my work has been the luck of the draw for insects (happening upon them).

I'm curious not just what gear you macro gurus use, but how you are able to find your subjects, what features you call upon for your camera (focus bracketing? settings?), and any of your hard-earned "lessons learned" as well as "tricks and tips". And what sub-topics am I missing altogether?

I, and I assume others, would be very interested to learn more. Thanks to all that are willing to share!

Re: Please Share Your Macro Shooting Setup and Experience

SignifDigits — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:32:19 GMT

I'm a bit frustrated that I got zero responses on this topic. Perhaps I just have missed the other posts that have already covered it, but I'm adding a comment to pop it up again in case someone wants to comment. Perhaps it's just a bit too broad? Maybe I should just ask about how you do your lighting in macro and why? That probably would be a topic all it's own. Same with tripod/slider rail combos.

Re: Please Share Your Macro Shooting Setup and Experience

shadowsports — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:46:54 GMT

Marc and Joe @March411 and @JFG both do a lot of macro stuff. I don't know what Marc is up to right now. I think Joe is traveling at the moment. I know he uses a flash ring. I'm boring and shoot handheld with my RF100 so I'm not the right guy for this.

Re: Please Share Your Macro Shooting Setup and Experience

SignifDigits — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:18:57 GMT

I'm a bit boring too Rick. I have only shot handheld myself nearly exclusively, and am hoping to shortcut learning only from the school of hard knocks (though that usually the only way stuff gets into this thick head of mine).

Re: Please Share Your Macro Shooting Setup and Experience

March411 — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:36:02 GMT

Sorry @SignifDigits but there is some much to cover on the topic. I belong to a group that focuses strictly on macro and our conversations start in one place and end up going down 10 different rabbit holes.

Most of the images I post are either hand held or using a monopod to aid in keeping the rig steady. The one thing you mention is a slider/macro focusing rail. Unless you are doing studio work a rail may not be worth the investment. In the field by the time you set up many insects simply fly or run away. Rails are mostly used in controlled environments.

Re: Please Share Your Macro Shooting Setup and Experience

SignifDigits — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 22:02:41 GMT

Thanks for responding @March411. Do you always use the same lighting rig? I can tell from your shots that your lighting is excellent, and I'd be curious to know more about it if you have some time to share. Or you can point me to the macro group if that's more efficient as it really is a huge topic.

Re: Please Share Your Macro Shooting Setup and Experience

March411 — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 22:46:03 GMT

I use twoflash heads

Re: Please Share Your Macro Shooting Setup and Experience

pzphotomama — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 04:04:31 GMT

Im just seeing this now, new to the community.

Thats awesome you've got the EF 100mm and 180mm macro lenses, I also have both and my fav is the 180 for the incredible reach!

The beauty of macro is seeing the tiny details in life! Look in nature, thats the best way to find things to photograph!

Re: Please Share Your Macro Shooting Setup and Experience

SignifDigits — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:19:48 GMT

Thanks for responding. Yes, macro opens up a whole new world of photography and exploration of nature.

Re: Please Share Your Macro Shooting Setup and Experience

pzphotomama — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:25:14 GMT

It truly does! Especially with the 100 + 180mm lengths!