If you could start macro photography from scratch - what would you do differently?
Hey👋
I've been getting into macro photography and honestly - I'm a little overwhelmed. There's SO much information and I don't want to fall into the gear acquisition trap of buying everything and testing nothing. I'd rather know what to actually aim for.
Here's what I currently have:
- Sony a7 III
- Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro Art
- Raynox DCR-250
- Godox TT685IIS TTL
- Diffuser
- Neewer Macro rail (since the A7 III has no focus stacking - so this feels like a must-have)
My goal is to eventually achieve shots like the one attached - detailed jumping spider portraits, rich textures, those gorgeous eye reflections. The kind of image where you can see the whole world reflected in six little eyes.
I know phones are doing incredible macro work these days, but I'm genuinely enjoying the process of learning a "real" camera system and I'd like to stick with it.
So my questions for you:
If you were starting over with this exact kit - what would you keep, what would you swap out, and what (if anything) would you add?
Is the Sigma 105 Art + DCR-250 combo a solid foundation or am I limiting myself with the diopter approach? Is there something better suited for stacking shots with a rail?
I don't want to buy a million things - I want to buy the right things. Any wisdom from people who've been down this road would mean a lot. 🙏
Pictures attached for reference - this is the kind of result I'm chasing. Not mine, just inspiration!
