Best lighting product for macro photography?

Question

I've been increasingly dabbling in macro photography and am not happy with my lighting. I'm looking for the best "budget" solution out there.

All Nikon gear (but the lighting product doesn't need to be):


I've got a DSLR with a 105mm macro lens & 52mm filter size.

I've also got a 300mm zoom with a 62mm filter size and a couple close-up diopters.

I've also got the SB-600 speedlight.

I may also reverse mount my 50mm lens onto one of the above lenses, as I play around.

For macro photography of nature (e.g., flowers, bugs, leaves)... any suggestions on what "budget" route to take that might offer greatest flexibility with the different approaches I laid out above?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Your best bet is a ring light that mounts to the outside of your lens. You can check the well known photo sites like B&H or Adorama and do a search on "ring light" for ones that fit your Nikon.

Ring lights have the advantage of putting the light directly on your subject since they are mounted to the front of your macro lens. By doing this you get away from any shadows or dead spots that a either an on or off camera flash would create. It's a great, if not expensive gadget to have for macro photography.

If you're more adventerous (and possibly more cash constrained since a new ring light can run $300++) you should check out this link with an interesting article on how to make your own ring light for around $20 in parts you can buy at Radio Shack. It requires some basic electronic skills (soldering etc.) but doesn't look terribly difficult. Good luck

Answer 2

Well here is 2 suggestions for macro photography. -First I would use indirect light, light from a source somewhere else in the room that will sufficiently light the subject. Be careful though since it can create unwanted or wanted shadows, this method looks more natural. -2nd would be direct lighting. Many camera companies sell a light that is in the shape of a ring that goes around your lens since your usual flash is usually pretty useless that close up. This method give great illumination but shadows might suffer. For backdrops it depends on what you are shooting, I often suggest something dark in the back round since it keeps the focus on the subject but make sure to be creative in this aspect.

Answer 3

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