I often hear/read macro enthusiasts say that ‘real’ macro can only come from expensive DSLR/lens combos (that they, not surprisingly, have heavily invested in).
But I think that one of the most exciting aspects of contemporary macro work --or should I say, play?–is the unprecedentedly low financial threshold of getting into this area because of the advances in camera tech–driven, of course, by the camera-races going on in the smartphone market.
And there truly are some awesome macro-equipped new phones out there, and of course, the ever-popular clips. But there comes a time when you start to wonder about the limits of the phone-based systems, and yet, you just don’t have the bucks to get into DSLRs, even the used ones (boy, have the prices jumped in that market!).
Admittedly, I’ve only been shooting macro for about 3 months, but I wanted to share some of my experience of using a used bridge camera/Raynox entender combo in hopes that others who are ‘financially-challenged’ (who isn’t, right?) might want to explore.
The great thing is that if you have an old bridge camera kicking about, it’s relatively easy, cheap and fun to try this out.
If you’re like me, you’ll find it much more fun NOT to drag along a big expensive DSLR/macro lens combo, especially without the heavy worry of getting dirt in the camera body, or somehow being one slip away from a multi-thousand dollar accident.
If anyone wants to try this or has any questions, please let me know here. Or, if you have some experience to share with bridge/extension lens combos, I’d love to hear more!
As for samples, I put together a free site this morning with some of my nicer shots. Have a look here.
