Need Opinion

[Henry Tan]

Hi, I have intention to get into Macro photography, but is new in the area. I want to make sure that I understand and do notwant to commit to $$$$ until I am sure. If I can seek some opinion and advise from the expert that will be greatly appreciated.

1. Not sure which macro lens should I buy ? - (Brand, focal length) - my budget is not more than $1300 plus minus.
2. Do I need special flash whenever I take macro?
3. What challenges would be encountered when shooting macro photography?
4. Is there any course on macro photography, and thereafter join a group ?

Many Thanks.

[sumball]

1. $1,300 is more than enough for a decent 180mm 1:1 macro lens (3rd party brand)
2. Special flash such as ring flash is not necessary
3. Challenges? it is very challenging...
4. Try this out

Hope it helps.

[Henry Tan]

Hi, Thanks very much for your advise. I went into the site that you recommended, is indeed a good & informative site.

1. Are you using the sigma 180mm macro lens youself? How about the Nikon 105mm macro lense?
2. Did you attended any of their course? and how is it?

[tltan]

Originally Posted by Henry Tan Hi, I have intention to get into Macro photography, but is new in the area. I want to make sure that I understand and do notwant to commit to $$$$ until I am sure. If I can seek some opinion and advise from the expert that will be greatly appreciated. 1. Not sure which macro lens should I buy ? - (Brand, focal length) - my budget is not more than $1300 plus minus. 2. Do I need special flash whenever I take macro? 3. What challenges would be encountered when shooting macro photography? 4. Is there any course on macro photography, and thereafter join a group ? Many Thanks.

I think bro sumball has already given a good feedback. =)

I kaypoh also give some view.

1. Ur setup? If nikon, get the 105mm VR, if canon get the 100mm. Go for original if possible. Should set you back about 1K here and save the rest for external flash. Third party like tamron i am using due to budget has good reviews too. But lens element extend too far out may be bad at times.

2. From money saved above, can buy external flash, eg. SB600 or SB800 or canon flashes (sorry, dont know model, maybe 550 or 580ex). Improvise with sync cord to play off camera. Forgot GET A TRIPOD!

3. Time, Patience, eye, persistance, creativity all difficult. =) But well worth it.

4. I recommend SAFRA photoclub nature course.

Regards,
tltan

[ExplorerZ]

for that budget i would get tamron 90mm macro + a good flash and diffuser + bracket. more than enuff

[Henry Tan]

Thanks a lot for all the valuable opinion. Is time to sit back and decide on my course of action.

[Sharpion]

Originally Posted by tltan 4. I recommend SAFRA photoclub nature course. Regards, tltan

definitely agree, really good course!

another thing - if u wanna get a tripod, make sure its a good one (mine was thrown out of class on the 1st day)

[Denosha]

There's quite a bit of info on this thread as well: http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=200972

[Henry Tan]

Originally Posted by Sharpion definitely agree, really good course! another thing - if u wanna get a tripod, make sure its a good one (mine was thrown out of class on the 1st day)

Thanks, when you mentioned good Tripod, relative to what? Is there any model / brand for recommendation?

[Sharpion]

Originally Posted by Henry Tan Thanks, when you mentioned good Tripod, relative to what? Is there any model / brand for recommendation?

ok here were my considerations (warning, can be quite personal and subjective):
- steady and firm
- legs individually can be lengthened and shortened (for me i use 2 legs only most of the time)
- interchangeble head
- ball head is a must
- legs suggest to use twist rather than clip release (thats wat some pros recommend)
- light is a bonus coz u'll may be trekking a bit

brandwise im not so good, of coz u wont go wrong with manfrotto all the way but then again its expensive. im using and feel its good enough
- Slik Dx400 Pro Tripod
- Manfrotto 468 RC2 ballhead

Ideally i would have gotten manfrotto legs coz they fit better with their own heads.

[sumball]

I agree with Sharpion that his suggestions above is quite personnal and subjective.

Henry, please choose only what you need and best is go down to Cathay Photo at Peninsular Plaza. Tell them your needs and the uncles / aunties there will give you some real good opinion based on your needs.

They won't force you to buy but you can go there just to get more knowledge on tripods/monopods or any other related accessories.

Orh, I don't work for CP, just a happy customer of them.

OF course, you can go other shops but I believe they have the most stock of tripods/monopods...etc Can check with them but buy elsewhere too.

Regards
CM

[Henry Tan]

Thank you everybody, is most helpful of you people. I really appreciate. I've learned a lot from this thread. Hope to catch up with you people one of this day.