Beginner Macro setup

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kelvindavies11

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kelvin
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Hi guys,
A quick question, I have brought myself a set of macro tube extensions (not sure if that is the correct term) off Amazon and need a little advice.

The first thing I noticed is the extension tubes block out allot of the light into the lens. Has anyone got any idea how I can increase the light in, I only have standard camera flash.

Also as there is a lack of light it makes if difficult to manually focus on the subject matter, is there any tips on how I could make this easier?

Thank you guys and I eagerly await your reply, as I need to play :)

Kelvin
 
The problems you mention go with the territory unfortunately. You could try using live view to help focussing.
Rock steady tripod and longer exposures are common in macro.
 
Get a good tripod and a powerful torch to set the focus up with (unless it's skittish creatures) and either get a ring flash or a speedlight and an off camera trigger so you can position it for the best lighting. Liveview on a Canon can be zoomed in either 5x or 10x to give you a very accurate focussing view, I don't know if it's the same with Sony.
A ringflash would be your best bet, specially if it works TTL to get good even light.
 
I sometimes use a 160 led video light mounted on a flash bracket to help with focussing in low light situations - works really well, but is no use as a light source for taking an actual photo. so you will need a hot shoe flash.
 
Thank you guys for the advice. A powerful touch makes sense :) I am still to buy myself a external flash so may have to invest in one shortly :-)

What am I hoping to get out of the macro shots? very good question. At the moment I am playing about with bubbles and drops. But will hopefully branch out into inserts etc, but that is a long way off :)

Thank you guys.
 
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