I currently use Canon 7D and 60D camera bodies.
For macro photography I use a Sigma 150mm macro lens, a Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens and a Canon 60mm macro lens. Generally, I use the Sigma 150 for larger insects (e.g. dragonflies, butterflies) or fungi, using natural light. I use the MP-E 65mm lens and the Canon 60mm lens with a Canon MT-24EX macro flash gun with lots of home made diffusion. Since the MP-E 65mm has a minimum magnification of 1:1, any insect larger than a Bluebottle fly (for example!) will struggle to fit into frame. I therefore use the 60mm lens in those situations since that lens has a maximum magnification of 1:1 yet still has the short working distance of the MP-E 65 which suits the MT-24 flashgun.
Other very useful bits of equipment include;
- a sturdy tripod, I currently use a Manfrotto 055XB and for macro I use a Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head, great for fine adjustments
- a Canon Angle Finder to allow a better view for low-level macro shots
- a remote shutter release
For non-macro subjects I use a Canon 400mm f5.6 L prime lens
and virtually all of my bird and mammal images were taken with this lens.
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