8 replies to this topic

[Ants_Dakota]

Hello!

I have been wanting a nicer camera for some time, and i would like to know what everyone else has. Thanks!

[M_Ants]

I use a Canon Rebel. I highly recommend a reversal ring as shown in CatsnAnts tutorial since macro lenses are very expensive. Also I think the quality of glass in a lens is more important than a super expensive camera.

Edited by M_Ants, October 9 2020 - 11:22 AM.

[Froggy]

I have a Sony A6000 body with a Laowa 65mm macro lens

[Dry_Twig]

Most dslrs will provide pretty good pictures, but the quality generally goes up with the price; a crop sensor camera is probably good for your needs, while also keeping the price down. Canon also offers some refurbished cameras on their website, which I would guess to be just as good based on the reviews. Lighting and lenses are probably more important, as they will make a much bigger impact than camera quality. Dedicated macro lenses are pretty expensive (the least expensive one offered on Canon's website is $300), so you can try the lens reversal technique mentioned by M_Ants - the only downside is that you loose electrical connection between the camera and the lens(no easy aperture control). I recommend extension tubes, which allow for electrical connection, but can be a little more expensive. Both of these options just allow for a closer focusing distance for your lens and maybe so extra zoom(not sure) so you have to be almost touching your subject if the lens you are using has a small (under 55mm) focal length. This is all from my very modest amount of experience, so don't take me too seriously.

 

Link for lens reversal info:

https://photographyl...cro-photography

 

Link for extension tubes info: 

https://www.digitalp...xtension-tubes/

[M_Ants]

I found the reversal ring gave me much higher quality. 

[AntJohnny]

https://www.amazon.c...o_lJ2IFb0D5ST6Z

I found this for $20 on Amazon and for the price I think it's the best way to go. I just used mine to photograph thief ants and worked great.

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[Barristan]

If You just need a camera for taking ant pictures, I'd get a super zoom camera. Make sure that it has a filter thread and a standard flash hot shoe. You will also need an external flash + softbox and a close-up lense (not the cheap ones, for example Raynox DCR-250 or DCR-150).

Than you can do quite nice pictures, like these:

 

Album: Canon Powershot SX 50HS

9 images

0 comments

[Ants_Dakota]

If You just need a camera for taking ant pictures, I'd get a super zoom camera. Make sure that it has a filter thread and a standard flash hot shoe. You will also need an external flash + softbox and a close-up lense (not the cheap ones, for example Raynox DCR-250 or DCR-150).

Than you can do quite nice pictures, like these:

 

i know. your pics are the best

[ConcordAntman]

I’d frame this question just a bit differently. I’ve found that one’s area of interest drives their desire to improve in that area. As an example, I became interested in the birds at our backyard bird feeders. We had an old DSLR camera body and I borrowed my wife’s telephoto 70-300 lens and I was hooked. Soon, getting the picture wasn’t the goal, I wanted to get the best shot and then make it even better! Ants_Dakota, you already have demonstrated a clear interest in doing the job and doing it right. With that in mind, I agree with Dry_Twig and would recommend you consider a new or used entry or pro-consumer DSLR or mirror-less camera with a macro lens. Something that would give you a decent photographic base that you could build on. Add or exchange lenses, trade up camera bodies for improved sensor, or whatever you want. Give yourself a good tool to start with. 
My setup:

Nikon D500

AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO (wish list thanks to Froggy)

Nikon SB-700
Manfrotto Lumimuse 3