My Macro Setup — Gear I Use to Get Started
Macro photography setup: OM-D EM-1X, Zuiko 60 mm macro, tripod
When you’re getting into macro photography, it’s easy to believe you need expensive equipment to capture amazing details. But that’s not true. I’m starting simple — and learning that the gear you have with you is the gear that matters.
This post is a quick look at what I use right now as I begin my macro photography journey.
My Camera
My Micro Four Thirds Camera for Macro Photography
OM-D EM-1X
I shoot with a Micro Four Thirds camera. The smaller sensor gives me extra reach, which is great when I’m trying not to scare away insects. A 60 mm lens on the micro four thirds system is like having a 120 mm on a full frame camera. Many people choose micro four thirds for their compact size. That was a consideration for me also. I however, chose to go in the complete opposite direction with the OM-D EM-1X from Olympus as my first camera. It looks like a square beast and performs like one as well, however, going with this camera also means that I gave up the smaller form factor. I figure that as I evolve and dive deeper into photography I might choose another path then micro four thirds or just opting for a smaller camera with less weight penalty. But then I will always have this square beautiful thing to look at if nothing else.
I love it because:
The awesome looks
Weather sealing
The stabilization helps a lot for handheld macro
The lens options are great and affordable
My Macro Lens
My Macro Lens
Olympus M. Zuiko 60 mm macro
My first macro lens is the M. Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 Macro. This macro lens allows me to get up close and capture fine details. It’s fast, sharp, and gives me the magnification I need to explore small subjects in nature. This lens is tiny, it looks funny mounted on to the beast OMD EM-1X. It delivers great image quality at an affordable price.
Some things I’m learning to master:
Getting the focus precisely where I want it
How the shallow depth of field affects the image
Working with light at close distances
It’s a challenge — but a really fun one.
Other Useful Accessories
I’m keeping things simple, but I do use a few small tools:
Tripod with reversible centre column — Use it all the time when photographing mushrooms in the forest.
Cleaning cloth — macro means getting close to dirt and dust
LED Lights - I did a mistake and bought some cheap portable led lights from amazon which are basically useless. (Don’t do that!) From what I’ve gathered there are two options to consider. Adaptalux package or Smallrig RM03. We can also use portable LED panels and flashlights.
Steel wool - For experimenting with background effects
Smartphone - When using OM system for macro and focus bracketing you can’t use a timer at the same time. A good work around for this is to use the OI Share App and connect it to your camera, so that your smartphone essentially becomes your remote shutter. This works fine for me until I get around to invest in a proper remote shutter.
As a next step I am looking forward to upgrading and investing in my light arsenal.
Room to Grow
Macro photography is a genre where the gear can evolve with you. Over time, I might upgrade, add more lenses, or experiment with flash setups — but for now, this is more than enough to learn and have fun.
And that’s the most important part.
If you have any questions about my gear or want to follow my progress, feel free to stick around.
Let’s keep exploring the tiny worlds together. 🪲🌱
Stay safe and take care of each other out there!