How can I achieve extreme macro magnification on insects, and is focus stacking practical in the field?
Asked 4/7/2020
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I’m currently shooting macro with an 85mm prime on full frame plus about 70mm of extension tubes. I can get fairly close, but not to the level of the very high-magnification insect images I’ve seen online. I also tried using the lens and tubes on Micro Four Thirds, and a 200mm lens with tubes, but still couldn’t achieve that kind of magnification.
What equipment or techniques are typically used for this level of macro magnification? Do photographers use dedicated macro lenses, reversed lenses, extension tubes, or close-up filters?
At very close working distances, how do you avoid blocking the light? Is ring flash or other artificial lighting usually required?
Also, are images like this realistically made outdoors, or are they usually studio shots with focus stacking? If stacking is involved, how do photographers keep insects still long enough—are they typically sleeping, chilled, or otherwise immobilized?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
1
You can get that close on a cheap budget. If you reverse a 17mm lenses you can get even more closer than the picture you showed and even more if you use extenders. So if your lenses are variable focal length type it'll be better to adjust to your desire. For better results use low dispersion lenses.
To stack photos you need the insect to be in the same place for several minutes (around 15 minutes if you take 50 or 60 shots in manual mode). Either the insect is alive but sleeping or you need a insect "sleeping forever". You can use the stacker software of your choice, but the one widely used in these kind of photos are zerene stacker and it's cheap.
If you don't have a electronic stacker you'll need some practice in taking photos with consecutive focused field. You can refocus next point by moving the camera or subject or by moving your focus dial.
Enjoy macro photography.
Originally by user89373. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user89373
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—this level of magnification is possible, but it usually goes beyond a standard lens plus tubes. Common approaches include a dedicated macro lens, a reversed wide lens (for very high magnification), or sometimes an achromatic close-up lens. A reversed lens around 17mm can produce extreme magnification, and extension tubes can increase it further.
Lighting is a major challenge at these distances. You typically avoid blocking light by using artificial light very close to the subject, especially a ring flash, or by adding controlled backlighting.
For images with both high magnification and good depth of field, focus stacking is usually important. That generally requires the insect to remain still for many frames. In practice, that means either photographing an insect that is inactive/asleep, chilling it so it stays still temporarily, or working with a non-living specimen. Dead insects are often less ideal if they’re damaged.
So yes, this can be done in the field, but it’s much easier with controlled lighting and a very still subject. Studio-style results often rely on artificial light and stacking.
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