Camera for macro photography

I still refer to an older book by a wonderful nature photographer. Likely it is available in your local library. "Closeups in Nature," by John Shaw. This book showed me how I can use my zoom lens, similar to what you got, with a light simple filter like close up adapter to shoot flowers and such. It is pre digital, but so very relevant. Check it out when you have time. For his photos alone if nothing else. I use a monopod by the way, for stability and framing of closeups where a larger tripod would be tough to carry. Bonne chance, Sue. Aloha, GS

Just found the book here (good deal): John Shaw's Closeups in Nature: John Shaw: 8601419721887: Books - Amazon.ca. I'm going to order it, thank you. I'll look into monopods - may I ask which one you use? :)

Monopods depend on your height. - I am 1,89m so some are too short for me to shoot them standing as upright as possible with camera at eye level, to shoot over the heads of a crowd in front of a stage for example. - For that reason I recently bought a rock solid Sirui carbon fibre monopod. While I am confident about it supporting even the heaviest telephoto lenses (that I can't afford), it is a bit overkill and also pretty big collapsed.

Previously I used a Soligor aluminium monopod. I think it does the job for shorter folks, I missed 5cm / 2" with a small ballhead attached. - I don't recommend it wholeheartedly since one of the leg locks (made from plastic) broke. - It was easily patched with a hose clip, but still annoying. - Shop around; handle stuff and if you can: Buy used!

Some modern travel tripods claim to be convertible to monopods. - In doubt: Check them out in a store.

Tri- & monopod shopping is about a huge compromize. Tripod wise I would prefer something slightly heavier for macro. - I need at least a chance to move it a cm to the right or left without the entire thing sagging into a different unpredictable position after that attempt. Same about head movements: when I lock a head I want it to be in the position I adjusted it to too, although my camera might be a bit heavier (1.5kg) and due to the slider below outside it's center of gravity.

You picked a rather light camera, which also doesn't generate shake with a flapping SLR mirror so your needs should be modest. I haven't tried macro work with a monopod yet. But maybe it helps there too. - Your Olympus has an awesome in camera image stabilization. - So far I only used monopods with cameras that lacked such.

A big tripod related question: How well does it handle? - Some folks buy legs with tightening nuts for each segment. - Those are slower to set up than others where you can unlock all legs with a single lever and have the segments slide out. Single levers per segment lock are also nice since you 'll see what you already locked. - I would be a bit challenged to tighten 12 nuts for sure & really always. - YMMV.

Upon the "mirrorless for macro?" discussion: I think a good one could be fine and the better choice. - Clarifying: I don't own one of those. - I really like mirrorless concepts like view cameras or rangefinders from film days. The issue I have with my older simple and inexpensive mirrorless digitals is viewfinder lag. Let's say I am supposed to shoot something pretty small handheld, then my own shaking for- and backwards, while standing still, will have a lot of impact on getting the subject in focus. - With a SLR I can see that moment and (hopefully) press the shutter before everything gets blurry again. - With a laggy EVF evrything gets confusing and maybe even hopeless, without a good tripod. - If flowers on the ground catch your eye, you'll shoot them most likely according to your rear display, no matter what live view providing kind of camera you have. So mirroless is probably the better choice for static macro. - I haven't the slightest clue how well a sports DSLR will track approaching bumble bees. Who wants a 180mm f3.5 macro lens should of course pick a system that provides one.

Just found the book here (good deal): John Shaw's Closeups in Nature: John Shaw: 8601419721887: Books - Amazon.ca. I'm going to order it, thank you. I'll look into monopods - may I ask which one you use? :)

Shaw is a good writer as well as a good photographer, Sue. I find a monopod useful and often easier to work with than a tripod. Mine is very old so I can only say to measure your travel luggage and get one that will collapse into it without a head. There are many ideas as to what kind of head to put on a monopod. With your camera you may find that you get pretty good stabilization, so maybe wait a while. And of course, the little table top ones are nice. I have been collecting table size pods for 35 years, and I am over equipped by now. Manfrotto brand

is a good place to start.

Thank you Jochen and Gerry. I'm really well served - I wanted information, I got some! :) With all that, I'm going to wait a bit and look for the right tripod/monopod. BUT, I couldn't just start macro without a little tripod so I got this one: Amazon.com : Vanguard VS-82 Table Top Tripod : Camera Tripods For Digital Cameras : Camera & Photo. It got good reviews and can't wait to try it (with a shutter release cable - next thing on my list to buy). I will also need some clamps - you know, to hold things in the air when you shoot indoors?! Anyway. Like I said, many many hours of fun!

Thanks Gerry for the photo. I see you're well equiped with tabletop tripods. :)

Sue,

I like using a regular tripod next to the table. This allows me to position the camera very low to the surface of the table. If you want that low angle perspective.

Get some white foam core or similar to use as reflectors.

Tip. It REALLY helps to have someone else with you to hold things like reflectors and wind-blocks, as you work the camera. Or you have to buy/make stands and clamps.

Hi Sue - my tabletop tripods were too short for me in general, (I have an old Leica one and a generic one), the Leica one needed a long shafted ball head (I found an olf Leica one on the cheap), the generic tripod was ok with a Manfrotto miniball. It looks like you're getting lots of great advice, so go have some fun shooting now!

Yes, great advice indeed. Thanks to you! I used to like photography since I was a teenager... now I have a bit more time to practice this wonderful hobby. Like I said, I'm fairly new to the real world of photography so there's a lot to learn but I'm willing to... I think you saw my site on 500px. I also had a look at your work - pretty amazing. Hopefully, I will get better in not too long. Thanks againfor the advices! :)

Sue,

 

I like using a regular tripod next to the table. This allows me to position the camera very low to the surface of the table. If you want that low angle perspective.

 

Get some white foam core or similar to use as reflectors.

 

Tip. It REALLY helps to have someone else with you to hold things like reflectors and wind-blocks, as you work the camera. Or you have to buy/make stands and clamps.

I think I will have to rely on clamps... I guess we can get some at hardware store?! Thanks for the tips re reflectors - really appreciate it. :)