Gall/Macro Talk

[cliffzavala]

Hi all!

I took many, many photos of Quercus garryana oak galls this spring/summer and generally was happy with the outcome of most photos. My “problem” is that I would like to grab more detail on smaller galls and gall formers that I can’t with my current setup. For context I am running an Olympus OMD EM-5 Mk i with their stock flash and kit lens with a 40mm macro setting. I’d like to keep the body because it is weather sealed and honestly amazing for its age, but do any macro photographers have suggestions on what to change?

Here’s an ID from me to know where I’m at now!

Feel free to leave gall photos and what you used to capture it :)

Thanks,

Cliff

[lynkos]

You have a great camera for macro work, so you’re at a good starting point already. Not sure of your budget, but if you can stretch to it, I’d strongly advise you to take a look at the Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm F2.8 macro lens. New it costs about €500, but there a load of excellent secondhand bargains around taking the cost down to below €300. It is incredible, so small and light you can just put it in your pocket, almost feels like a toy when you first hold it, but the performance is awesome, really sharp and very versatile and going right down (or up ) to 1:1 magnification. You’ll be able to photograph not just smaller galls, but also the gall formers themselves (if you’re lucky enough to find them, I’m usually not!). Then if one day you decide to upgrade your camera, that lens will be the perfect combination with one of OM System’s new models, designed with us nature/macro photographers specifically in mind. It doesn’t come any better than that!