There’s something about macro lenses and focus stacking. It makes for a memorable image because the level of detail is rendered beyond what the naked eye can see. It makes something as simple as geranium plant a fun exploration.

Macro lens

First up is a dedicated macro lens. The optics in a macro lens are built to fill the frame with your subject.

A true macro lens renders the subject at a magnification of 1:1 — that is life-size. That’s at a minimum. You’ll need to be close to the subject to capture the minute detail. Very close.

60mm olympus macro lens
I like my Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens for a lot of work.

With my macro lens, I’ve found using a Platypod plate to be very handy. Mounted on top of a tripod makes this a snap. The machined plate allows for mounting the Platypod on the tripod, a head for the camera and goosenecks for the LED lights.

When you are working with focus stacking, being able to see exactly what the lighting will be using LED lights is very helpful.

Platypod support with led lights
As I fondly call it, my Macguyver tool, AKA the Platypod. Allows control of the camera as well a LED light support with goosenecks.

Extension tubes

If you are on more of a budget, extension tubes rock. Extension tubes move the lens away from the sensor or film plane. You can move your camera closer to fill the frame or mount any lens from your kit.

You’ll want to buy extension tubes made for your camera brand so you still have exposure and autofocus capability. Extension tubes can also be just tubes with no electronics. I prefer the former.

extension tube photo illustration
Vello is a good name for capable tubes without breaking the bank. There are cheaper brands, but I have found them to be of much lessor quality. Kenko is a high quality, higher price option.

Check out this article by Joy Celine Asto on a comparison test of images captured with a macro lens versus using extension tubes.

Magnifying filters

You can add a magnifier filter to the front of your lens. Choose from screw in filters and tension spring attachments. The spring loaded ones work well for me.

The magnifying filter is the last way I recommend to get closer to your subject. You are adding glass to the front of your lens which can knock down the quality of your capture a bit, but it has its place as well.

raynox macroscopic photo illistration
I also have the Raynox Model 250 Macroscopic lens.

Bonus thought

Sometimes, to get really, really close, I’ll mix and match all three pieces of gear. That calls for special capture and processing techniques involving focus stacking to increase the depth of field. I’ll write about that again soon.

In the meantime you can read some focus stacking technique articles here and here.

geranium leaf
This is a capture of a geranium leaf in full detail. Backlit and focus stacked.

Yours in Creative Photography, Bob