getting started in macro photography

[Ihatemymoney]

Hey everyone, I look forward to diving into photographing insects and small frogs.
I plan on using my Canon 5DII canon 100mm macro and mp-e 65mm macro.
I have a Wemacro motorized focus rail.
I have a table top Gitzo tripod

I was going to buy some insects on amazon. I plan on stacking the photos,

I am not sure what lighting I should use ?
Any suggestions would be apprecate

 

[Ihatemymoney]

I was hoping someone could give some advise on macro photography using the canon MP-E 65mm macro lens

 

[smoke665]

I've only used a heavy standard tripod on macro, not sure how stable the table top ones are. Even the slightest of vibration can wreck a focus stack macro, and when you are stacking a lot of images, the opportunities are many. For lighting I've used everything from speedlights, to ring lights, to LED Pen lights (light paint), to little adjustable goose neck LED spots. For cross polarization the speedlights are a better option.

There's a ton of information on Google, rather than everyone sending you links, I'd suggest looking at some of it, then coming back with specific questions.

 

[snowbear]

I once tried using reflectors to better light a line of ants. The "new" direction of the sun apparently confused them and they started going the other way.

Like @smoke665, I've never tried using a tabletop tripod, only a full size aluminum.

 

[smoke665]

@snowbear As a mean kid I tried a magnifying glass but they kept vaporizing before I could take the picture

 

[snowbear]

Ayuh

 

[davholla]

Are you planning to take photos of live insects or dead insects or both?

 

[Rickbb]

For lighting I have begun to really like my Godox ring flash. It has split power so you can set one side to lower or higher power. Increases side light from one side and helps bring out textures. More of a "studio" like lighting effect. I shoot mostly live, in the field. A tabletop tripod indoors, would be useful for inanimate objects, (picked flowers, dead insects, parts, products, etc.).

 

[dstreetphoto]

Isn't buying insects online cruel? Surely the role of a photographer is to observe and document rather than interfere? This article highlights some of the unethical practices present within the field of macro photography.