Photos of your macro setups

[Scubapauly]

I Thought it might be nice to see what type of rigs people are using for macro work. Might give others some ideas and help.

[Ollie]

Here is my set up with an explanation of it below.



It's a Canon 40D with a Sigma 150mm lens. The Canon 480EX11 speedlite flash is mounted on a Stroboframe quick flip 350 off camera flash bracket. The flash has a Lambency diffuser fitted to the end of it. This just pushes on the end of the flash unit and I find it works very well indeed. I use it all the time even in sunny weather as it helps to bring out the detail and freeze any motion blur.

What can't be seen in the photograph is the monopod that it sits on. it's a Manfrotto carbon fibre monopod with 234RC tilt head. I used to use a tripod and still do now and again but mainly the monopod.

[Scubapauly]

Here's my setup. I use a Nikon D80, Sigma 105mm Macro with SB-800 flash set to remote. I used to do a lot of underwater photography with a compact camera and housing. Luckily I've managed to make the strobe plate and arm fit the flash gun. It makes it very easy to move the flash anywhere I need it.

[mickmassie]

Where did you get that bracket from ? It looks great, and very industrial.
Questions:
Why not just point the flash straight (extended) down over the lens ?
No diffuser ?
M.

[glsammy]

This is my set up using my MP-e65mm.



I only use this tripod set up at home. When out and about I use exactly the same bracket etc, but I mount the set up on my monopod minus the focus slider rail.

[Scubapauly]

Originally Posted by mickmassie

Where did you get that bracket from ? It looks great, and very industrial.
Questions:
Why not just point the flash straight (extended) down over the lens ?
No diffuser ?
M.

The bracket and arm come from Cameras Underwater, back from my days of underwater photography The red tray is made by Inon and the arm is a series of Ultralight Brackets. These allow me to move the strobe and basically put it anywhere depending on where I want the light source. Sometimes straight down the lens is OK other times its just nice to have the option (leaves in the way for example). I don't have any fixed rules on where the flash sits
Same with diffusion, sometimes yes, sometimes no.

[mickmassie]

I think this is just what I am looking for. I had never hear of Cameras Underwater before, but I've looked them up and I'm off to Embankment ! I just want to get my speedlight as close to the subject as I can, I find 'over the top' is generally about the best light and the least intrusive for the subject. Thanks for any other tips. How many bracket, arm and clamp bits do I need ? M.

[Cellarman]

This is mine:

or at least it was before I went digital

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by Scubapauly

I Thought it might be nice to see what type of rigs people are using for macro work. Might give others some ideas and help.

I have a Nikon D80 with a 105 Sigma and Manfrotto 330 twin arm flash bracket. Nikon SB 600 flash with Stofen diffuser on one arm and a 10" Lastolite circular "sunlight" reflector on the other arm (this can be replaced with card to reflect or shade), both are on small ball and socket mounts.

[ollyk]

My rather humble setup...



Canon 350d, Sigma 17-70 and home made pop up flash attachment. I can't take credit for the original idea but it is my own design.
Currently out of action (I accidentally sat on my cardboard creation lol) and needs some re-designing but it works!