Please Share Your Macro Shooting Setup and Experience

[SignifDigits]

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!

[SignifDigits]

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.

[shadowsports]

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.  

[SignifDigits]

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).

[March411]

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. 

[SignifDigits]

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.

[March411]

I use twoflash heads but lean more on the Godox MF-T76 C Macro Twin Flash Kit – 76Ws TTL/HSS and the Godox MF-DD Diffuser for Godox MF-T76 which are a soft silica material. The flash comes with different adapters, one that fits on my RF100 like a glove. I position them at 10/11 o'clock and the other at 3 o'clock with the flash heads almost pointing straight out, slightly into the lens but pretty straight. 

The diffusers do an excellent job of spreading the light evenly and if I have the appropriate camera angle to the subject I get even lighting and significantly reduced specular highlights. 

My other setup is the Westcott FJ 80 M with the Cygnustech Diffuser, AK also makes a good diffuser but it has several pieces to assemble. I like both and use them almost equally. 

I read, researched and watch videos. A young man on YouTube does a great job of getting into the details. His channel is Naturefold.

Google is your friend and I found I gained more knowledge for reading then watching videos. I could take CliffsNotes on important aspects of macro to make sure I applied those practices in the field.

The R5 Mk II AF is ok for macro but I mostly shoot in manual using focus peaking and the R6 Mk III AF is solid. Of all the bodies I've owned and used for macro this is my favorite and surprisingly the R50 was a close runner up. The R7 was the most disappointing and I purchased it specially for wildlife and macro. 

One piece of advice, insects move and fly away and you gear is scary when you bring it up. Start out a bit further and refocus and move into the subject continuing to grab frames until you hit the tightest focus distance. 

All my custom functions are set the same on all my bodies and I assign the same custom function. Fastest sync speed, EFC, f10 and ISO 300-400 but YMMV. Take a sample shot, view, adjust and take another until you tuned it for your body and flash. Save it to a custom function as a starting point when you hit the field.

I use a monopod if I am going to stack (steady the gear) and never used a tripod for macro as I can be out for hours. Its my black hole, peaceful and no cell phone.