Are you interested in playing around with Macro Photography for under $100?
Lately I have been questioned about my macro photography over social media and the setup I used to get the shots! To be honest, its a pretty inexpensive setup! I use lenses I already own in my camera bag. The two types of lenses I use mostly is the Sony 18-70mm F/3.5-5.6 DT (Minimum Focus Distance: 1.2') & a Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM Lens (Minimum Focus Distance: 3.1). I use the Sony 55-200mm for shots of bees and insects so I can have some distance. The 18-70mm lens I use mostly for plants. These lenses are nothing fancy and I purchased them for under $200 each years ago. I use my crop sensor bodies to shoot Macro Photography which is the Sony a77II & Sony a77.
Now, I partner these two lenses with a set of VELLO Auto Extension Tubes! The Auto Extension Tube set contains three extension tubes of 13mm, 20mm, and 36mm lengths. The focusing distance is shortened so the effect of magnifying your subject is created. They have full autofocus compatibility and you can use the tubes individually or the combination of all three to create a greater magnification.
You don't have to be a professional photographer to use these. These are great for amateur and hobbyist photographers.
Here are two of my examples of pairing my Sony DT 55-200mm with all three extension tubes shot with my Sony a77II.
ISO 400, 160mm, f/5.6, 1/1600
Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM
VELLO Auto Extension Tubes (all three stacked)
ISO 400, 160mm, f/5.6, 1/1600
Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM
VELLO Auto Extension Tubes (all three stacked)
I also will use a 58mm Polaroid Studio Series 2.2X Macro Attachment on my lenses to get even closer. Another inexpensive way to get the most of your macro photography for under $100! Here is an example of how close I got to this lantana bud with my Sony 18-70mm + all three VELLO extension tubes + the Polaroid Studio Series Macro attachment.
ISO 800, 70mm, f/11, 1/200
Sony 18-70mm F/3.5-5.6 DT
Studio Series 2.2X Macro AttachmentHere is a quick cell phone snap to show the size of the lantana bud next to my keys
This combination of the extension tubes + macro attachment
gets you SUPER CLOSE!
BONUS: The Polaroid Studio Series also comes with a wide angle attachment which is super handy. I may do a blog on that later on.
This is how the setup looks like on each of my lenses on my Sony a77II
I purchased the Polaroid Studio Series in 2013 & the VELLO Extension Tubes in 2016 and both products have never failed and are easy to use and operate. They have held there own rattling around in my camera bag among other lenses and gear over the years.
I have really enjoyed using the combination of VELLO Extension Tubes with the Polaroid Studio Series Macro Attachment for my Macro photography and highly recommend these items if you are looking for a inexpensive way to get close up shots!
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I would love to see pictures of your captures with these products!
*Non-refundable payment of $87.50 for a 30 min Session to be redeemed in 2018. A Gift Card will be mailed once purchase is made. See BRONZE Session package details for more information!
Tonight was my first time shooting a session in celebration of a 30th Birthday! Courtney was beyond gorgeous and FUN!! She is so creative and crafty, I just loved all the props and accessories she brought for here session...she even made her amazing tutu! Her location is super sentimental as she will be exchanging vows with her love among family and friends here. Stay tuned for some RIDICULOUSLY FUNNY photos from her session!!
I'm so excited for Callie and Cameron on their new addition to the family! I photographed the Schrag's Wedding in 2015 and this evening was their Maternity Session. I just adore this couple and their two little boys and can't wait to meet their little girl! Here is a Sneak Peek of beautiful Callie.
