Getting closer
The world of macro photography is an exciting one to explore, but getting impressive results requires patience and a little help from some specialised accessories. Today’s lenses often have a ‘macro’ setting, but at best this will give 1/2 life size reproduction on the sensor. The simplest option to increase magnification is a close-up lens which screws into the filter thread. Better results are obtained with an extension tube which fits between the lens and the SLR body. The 3 tubes in the Kenko set give extra flexibility, and can be used singly or in combina- tion. Reversing a lens on to the camera body is another tried and tested tech- nique, and Novoflex’s unique EOS reverse adaptor keeps TTL metering and auto exposure functions – the focal length of the lens used deter- mines the degree of magnification.
Focusing control
At close distances and high magnifications, normal focusing on the lens becomes redun- dant, and getting to the precise focus point is made easy by the use of a separate platform to slide the whole camera/lens assembly back- wards and forwards. The typically robust Manfrotto 454 has a worm drive which can be disengaged. Novoflex’s rack and pinion drives are backlash-free and are made with German precision and thor- oughness. The Castel-
Cross is two Castel-Qs, so you can use just one if required.
Lighting
The size of the subject could determine your choice. Daylight plus some reflectors might be all you need, but plant or insect movement can best be stilled with flash. Two guns at 45º to each other works well, and the Novoflex bracket gives plenty of positioning options and good model- ling. Closer still and a ringflash with its flatter lighting is a popular option. Our range includes Canon and Nikon’s expensive but excellent options, as well as the big Sunpak – with a circular flash tube. Those with a more modest budget should consider the Marumi and bang up- to-date Metz, both of which give excellent results.
Novoflex Castel-Cross £309 Search code: NVCCQ
Novoflex Castel-L £165
Manfrotto 454 £71.40 Search code: MA454
Copying
Our range of copystands starts at £40 and, with lights at £150. The CS-920 is a solidly-built stand which is in use in many schools and colleges. For more demanding professional applications the German-made Kaiser range is the standard, and we can supply any model at very competitive prices.
SG CS-920 Kit £150 Search code: SPCS920
Novoflex UNISET bracket £165
Available as the UNIMARM with flexible arms Search code: NVUSET
Marumi DR-14 £119
Canon, Nikon and Sony fittings Search code: MRRF
Kaiser RS2 XA + RB2 £536
Metz 15 MS-1 Digital £288.50 Wireless TTL control
Works with Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Samsung cameras
Search code: MZ15MS1 18 01420 560066 /
speedgraphic.co.uk
Need more power? See the Rayflash adaptor on page 22.
Search code: KA5411K1
Includes MiniConnect quick release. Arca plate compatible Castel-Q available at the same price.
Search code: NVCL
CLOSE-UP Kenko autofocus tubes £142
Canon (full frame), Nikon, Sony Search code: KET
Novoflex EOS reverse adaptor £259 Search code: NVEOSR
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