The best accessories for macro photography can be an easy, inexpensive way to make your life easier when shooting close-up images – and improve your hit rate! Keeping your camera steady, giving you a burst of light when you need it, softening the quality of your light – all these things can make a big difference when it comes to getting super-sharp images of super-tiny subjects.
Macro accessories don't have to be expensive, and we've kept this list as affordable as possible, including plenty of inexpensive accessories that can make a real difference. You may not need everything on this list for your specific bran of macro photography, so feel free to mix and match our choices to craft a setup that works for you. Scroll to the bottom of this page for our FAQs section, which provides a little more help on how these accessories are used in macro shooting.
This guide consists of supports, lights, lighting modifiers and more – but if you're still building the fundamental blocks of your macro setup, we also have guides to the best camera for macro photography and the best lenses for macro photography. Also, bear in mind that we have included examples for each of our picks, but you may need to sub them out for a different brand or fit to suit your setup – read the full entries for details.
Best Macro Accessories
Pros:
- Availability for multiple lens mounts
- Can be stacked to increase effect
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Reduces light intake, which impacts focusing and depth of field
- Not available for some mounts
A low-cost alternative to a macro lens, extension tubes slot in between the lens and the camera body (just like teleconverters) and allow you to reduce the minimum focal distance of a lens, meaning you can get even closer to your subject. An extension tube can be used in conjunction with a lens that already has macro capabilities, further enhancing the effect.
Unlike teleconverters, extension tubes don’t contain any optical glass elements – they are literally just increasing the distance between the lens and the sensor. This means they won’t introduce any optical flaws into your images or reduce the quality. They will, however, reduce the amount of light that comes into the lens, which can both make it harder to focus and restrict the use of narrow apertures to increase depth of field. For both reasons, a tripod is your friend when using extension tubes.
Also, remember that you will of course need to get the correct extension tubes for your lens mount – the extension tube above is for Canon EF DSLR mount, but you can find our full range of extension tubes here.
Pros:
- Mounts directly onto a lens (multiple rings available)
- Generous battery provides 660 flashes per charge
- Compatible with multiple systems
Cons:
- Quite macro-specialised – generalist photographers may prefer something more versatile
If you’re serious about macro photography, it’s pretty much essential to at least have the option of using flash. Getting enough light for a correct exposure is often a pressing concern for macro shooters, whether it’s because you’ve had to stop down your lens to get enough depth of field, or because you’re using macro accessories like reversing rings or extension tubes that have decreased your effective aperture – or, potentially, all of the above. The best way to get more light is to inject a burst of it yourself, and the best way to do that is with a flash unit.
The Godox MF-R76 Macro Ring Flash uses a ring design to provide uniform, even light on your macro subject. Compatible with multiple camera systems, it mounts directly onto the front of a lens, with eight adapter rings included for various thread sizes. Its power level can be manually tuned to your precise requirements, and the integrated battery can be topped up via USB-C when needed.
Pros:
- Useful, affordable, versatile flash unit
- Fast-charging via USB-C
- Easy to mount in different configurations
Cons:
- May require extra-purchase accessories to get the most out of it
If you would prefer a more standard flashgun rather than a specialised ring light, then there are plenty of suitable options for macro photography. Ideally you want something that isn't too large or expensive, and this dedicated Macro Flash Light from Godox should fit the bill.
The Godox MF12 Macro Flash Light isn’t just a speedlight – it’s designed from the ground up to be useful for macro photographers. As such, it’s lightweight and made to work at close distances. With an optional adapter, it can be mounted directly onto the lens for an intense, ultra-close burst of light, and the slim profile of the flash means it’s easy to mount it in other ways too (using a GorillaPod, for instance). The rechargeable battery is good for 500 flashes, and once you’ve drained it you can quickly charge it up again via USB-C.
Pros:
- Ultra-affordable
- Very lightweight and compact
- Constant light allows for real-time adjustment
Cons:
- No rechargeable battery (runs on AAs)
- Not as much lighting power as more expensive LEDs
While flash is hugely popular in macro photography, many shooters prefer constant LED lighting. Flash is great for freezing movement, and you’re definitely better off using it for subjects like live insects or falling water droplets. However, if you’re fine-tuning a studio setup for a macro still-life shot, you may find constant LED lighting more useful. A constant light allows you to fine-tune your settings in real-time and get the exposure correct before you hit the shutter. This can be especially useful if you’re shooting on film, and don’t have the luxury of being able to fire off dozens of test shots.
We’ve opted for an outrageously affordable LED unit here, the Godox LED36, to show you how cheaply this kind of thing can be done. There are plenty of excellent LED lighting units available with more power though, so don’t be afraid to shop around to find one that works for you.
Pros:
- Folds down for easy transportation
- Multiple reflective surface options
- Easy way to soften light
Cons:
- May require an extra pair of hands
Once you’ve got yourself acquainted with using flash for your macro photography, the next step will be learning to control and enhance the light it creates. An easy, cost-effective way to do this is with a reflector, such as this 5-in-1 example from Godox. A cheap and simple device, a reflector does just what it says – lets you bounce the light back at your subject. This creates a much softer and more diffuse effect than you’d get from simply firing the flash directly at the subject, which makes for a more pleasing image without harsh contrast and shadows.
The ‘5-in-1’ aspect of the reflector refers to the different surfaces it offers – black, silver, gold, white and shoot-through translucent. These allow you to easily modulate the tone and intensity of your light, depending on what your subject calls for. A gold surface, for instance, creates a much warmer light which can be great for evoking a feeling of sunset. Lightweight and folding easily, the Godox LED36 is a wonderfully inexpensive addition to any macro kit – though at times you might find yourself wishing you had an extra pair of hands to hold it!
Pros:
- Simple, inexpensive way to soften light
- Lightweight but durable construction
- Very affordable price tag
Cons:
- Lacks extra features of larger softboxes like honeycomb grid
Another classic way to soften your light for pleasing results, a softbox is a time-honoured friend of the macro photographer. Small enough to easily mount onto a flash unit, a little softbox like the Godox SB2030 spreads out the beam of your flash through a translucent surface, producing a much softer effect (hence the name).
Larger softboxes can be a little unwieldy when you’re working at close distances, so picking a smaller option like the Godox SB2030 to mount directly onto your flash unit (which you can't do with reflectors) is immensely useful if you’re working solo. This particular softbox is designed with velcro for quick attachment and removal, and it folds flat for easy storage and transportation.
Pros:
- Brilliantly portable softbox for flash heads
- Can be mounted in multiple positions
- Part of a modular system
Cons:
- Requires separately purchased adapter
For another light-diffusing option, we really like the MagMod MagBounce 2. A slim light modifier constructed from silicone, the MagBounce 2 simply attaches to your flash head, and can then be angled and manipulated for soft, directional light as you please. Sleekly designed, it folds down when it’s not in use, and its textured surface ensures that light is diffused without being reduced. The silicone rubber is rated for 99% elasticity even after repeated use, meaning it won’t deform or harden over time.
The MagBounce 2 is part of a modular system from MagMod – get hold of the MagGrip 2 adapter and you can use the magnetic attachment system to easily swap in other accessories like the MagMod MagSphere 2 (also a good option for macro photography). It’s a cleverly designed system.
Pros:
- Fantastic for holding subjects still
- Inexpensive and easy to use
- Length and height can be extended
Cons:
- Quite a specific use case
The humble hero of outdoor macro photographers everywhere, Wimberley’s Plamps hold a special place in our heart. If you’re wondering what on earth a ‘plamp’ could be, it’s quite simply a portmanteau of ‘plant’ and ‘clamp’, and that’s exactly what these clever things do – clamp onto plants (or similar subjects) and hold them still to be photographed.
For outdoor macro photographers, wind can be a real problem. It’s nigh-on impossible to work with precise focusing and shallow depth of field if your subjects are blowing all over the shop. With a Wimberley Plamp, you can fix the plant in place without damaging it, get the shot, and then remove the Plamp without having damaged the plant.
From the original positional arm, the Plamp system has expanded to include a version with a spiked base you stick in the ground, as well as extension parts to add length to the arm. You can find all Wimberly accessories here.
Pros:
- Reversible central column for ground-level shooting
- Lightweight, with significant load capacity
- Fast to set up
Cons:
- More affordable tripods available
We’ve banged on about tripods a fair bit already, as they really are a non-negotiable for the majority of macro photography. However, it’s important you get the right kind of tripod rather than just buying the first one you see, as there are a few features that will make your life much easier when shooting macro images. For our money, the 3 Legged Thing Pro 2.0 Winston Carbon Fibre Tripod is a great shout for macro photographers.
One of the most important features for a macro tripod is a reversible central column. This allows you to essentially flip your camera upside down to get it very close to the ground, which is perfect for capturing macro images of plants and insects. The Winston tripod is quick to deploy and set up, and its carbon fibre construction means it strikes the optimal balance between light weight and payload capacity. The legs are also easy to set at different angles for use on uneven ground.
This is a more expensive tripod, and if it’s beyond your budget there are plenty of other tripods available – just remember to look for that reversible central column, as it really will make things much easier.
Pros:
- Enables remote triggering without touching the camera
- Can be used from distance (so as not to spook live subjects)
Cons:
- You need to get the specific one for your camera
- You may be able to achieve the same thing with your phone
A remote release can be very useful for macro photography, and given how small and inexpensive they are, it’s well worth finding space for one in your kit bag. A remote shutter release is just as it sounds: a device for triggering the shutter of your camera from a distance. Remote releases used to be wired physically into cameras in the old days, but now, they offer wireless functionality (though wired ones are still available for those who prefer). There are loads of remote controls available for all different brands of camera, both from camera manufacturers themselves and from third-party brands like Hahnel. We've included a Canon-specific remote above, but there are options for all brands.
A release is useful for macro for a number of reasons. First, eliminating any risk of camera-shake. For macro photography, you’re going to be positioning your camera very precisely, and working with a thin plane of focus. Even the slight movement of the camera caused by the physical depression of the shutter button could be enough to throw off your image. A remote release negates this risk.
Also, if you are working with live subjects like insects, your physical presence might spook them. Having a remote release will allow you to maintain some distance from your subject, and trigger the camera when the time is right.
You may be able to achieve the same effect using your smartphone and your camera’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. However, we think a remote release is the more reliable option, as it's less reliant on a phone’s battery, and less likely to drop connectivity at a pivotal moment. Browse our full range of remote controls for cameras.
FAQs
Do I need a tripod for macro photography?
While not strictly necessary, a tripod can significantly improve the quality of your macro shots by providing stability and reducing camera shake. It's especially useful when shooting at higher magnifications or in low-light situations.
What is a macro ring flash and why is it used in macro photography?
A macro ring flash is a specialised flash unit that fits around the front of your lens. Having the flash around the lens provides even lighting for close-up subjects. It's commonly used in macro photography to eliminate harsh shadows and evenly light small subjects for more balanced and detailed images.
How does a macro extension tube work?
A macro extension tube is a hollow, light-tight tube that fits between your camera body and lens, effectively increasing the distance between the lens and the camera's sensor. This extension allows you to focus much closer than the lens's normal minimum focusing distance. This means that you can take macro photographs without a dedicated macro lens.
What are the benefits of using a focusing rail in macro photography?
Focusing rails provide precise control over the distance between your camera and the subject, allowing for fine adjustments to achieve the desired focus in macro photography. This is particularly useful when shooting at high magnifications, where even the slightest movement can result in a significant change in focus.
Can I use a lens filter for macro photography?
Yes, you can use certain types of lens filters for macro photography, such as close-up filters or diopters. These filters screw onto the front of your lens and decrease the minimum focusing distance, allowing you to focus closer to your subject and achieve macro-like results. However, they may not offer the same image quality as dedicated macro lenses or extension tubes.
What is a diffuser and why is it important in macro photography?
A diffuser is used to soften harsh light. It reduces the appearance of shadows and highlights on your subject. This helps create a more natural and pleasing lighting environment, resulting in better-looking macro images with enhanced details and textures.
Do I need a remote shutter release for macro photography?
While not essential, a remote shutter release can be beneficial to minimise camera shake caused by pressing the shutter button manually. This is particularly important when shooting at slow shutter speeds or using a tripod, as even slight movements can result in blurry images at high magnifications.
How do we decide?
Our in-house photography specialists, store staff, and industry partners work together to review our buying guides and advice articles. We also monitor emerging trends and listen closely to customer feedback, ensuring our recommendations stay current and relevant to what photographers and filmmakers are actually looking for.
By carefully curating the products we recommend, our guides are designed to offer clear, trustworthy advice that helps customers choose the right kit with confidence.
If you would like further advice, our contact centre team are here to help. You can also reach us via email or social media. And remember, if you purchase based on our recommendations, your order is covered by our full returns policy.
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