Macro/Closeup photography allows for the exploration of intricate details in nature and other small subjects. Here’s a breakdown of the essential gear that I use for capturing stunning macro shots.

I have two APSC mirrorless cameras, the Sony A6100 and the Sony A6700, both have high-resolution sensors which is crucial for macro photography. This provides the necessary detail and quality when capturing close-up images.

I have a dedicated macro lens, the TTArtisan 40mm f2 macro lens. This lens is designed to focus at remarkably close distance and allow for 1:1 magnification, making it perfect for revealing the smaller details of your subject. The TTArtisan 40mm f2 macro lens is a manual focus lens and as the Sony A6700 has insect eye auto focus and tracking I use my Sony 35mm f1.8 lens to get closeup photos of insects on flowers.

I use a sturdy tripod that helps maintain stability and reduces camera shake, particularly at higher magnifications where even the slightest movement can affect image sharpness.

Proper lighting is vital in macro photography. If I require extra light I use a small Godox LED64 light which has adjustable colour temperature from 5500 to 6500K. This comes in handy when photographing fungi in a darker evironment.

I also use a compact light tent that fits onto a coffee or kitchen table, it has different coloured backgrounds that can be used and this is excellent for creating still life macro/closeup photos of flowers that I have picked from the garden.

A remote shutter release minimizes camera shake during shooting, essential for capturing crisp images at macro levels. For this I use the Imaging Edge app for my Sony A6100 and the Creators app for my Sony A6700 where I can connect my IPhone via WiFi to the cameras which enables me to control the cameras without touching them to minimise camera shake. Dust or smudges on the lens can easily be magnified in my images. I use a simple cleaning kit that includes a rocket blower and microfiber cloth.

By utilizing this gear, I can effectively capture the beauty and complexity of small subjects in my macro/closeup photography. Each piece of equipment plays a significant role in achieving stunning results that highlight nature’s intricate details.

Below is a selection of photos taken with the TTArtisan 40mm f2 macro lens and also the Sony 35mm f1.8 lens

TTArtisan 40mm f2 Macro Lens