Please feel free to Contact us if you need recommendations or have questions about GEAR. 📸

Any camera model is welcome, but for some of the sessions utilizing computational technologies, you will place your SD card into a loaner OM SYSTEM camera.

A special thank you to our sponsors:

Required and Recommended Equipment 📸 for the Macro Retreat

  • While ALL camera models and all macro lenses can be used for some sessions, participants will use an OM SYSTEM loaner for in-camera focus-stacking (and for live composite and other computational technologies).

  • Lenses

    • A dedicated prime MACRO lens is required for macro retreats and recommended for the nature retreats 🐸 The 60mm is a good sharp yet inexpensive lens On sale $399.99 (Ends June 1, 2025) Regularly $549.99. If you do not have any macro lens and do not want to purchase one for the nature retreat, then purchase the Nisi closeup filter below.

  • Other useful lenses: 12-100, 40-150, 100-400 II, (8-25 for landscapes). Own a 40-150f2.8, watch this video.

  • For Birding: 100-400 II, 150-600, or the 150-400

  • Camera Equipment (Required)

    • Extra camera batteries, battery charger, memory cards (You will be taking a LOT when using focus bracketing and focus stacking! so bring ALL of your cards)

  • Photography Gear 📸

    • can share with a friend) Light Diffuser (round folds up small, see below)

    • Required A specific flashlight is required for our retreats that have a light painting session (could opt to share one with a friend):

      • MX75 Soonfire flashlight (remember it is being used during the day) with this Flashlight Snoot (see below) (both required for retreats that have a light painting session, could opt to share the pair with a friend and take turns light painting)

    • Required for macro retreats

    • Recommended:

      • Light Diffuser (can share with a friend) This light diffuser diffuses the SUN (round, folds up small, see below)

      • For light painting and landscape sessions, please bring either a Platypod or a tripod.

      • Remote (recommended for light painting, live composite, water drops, highly recommended for night photography)

  • Optional Gear

    • Tripod/Monopod

      • Most macro is done handheld, however, some people prefer a monopod or tripod

        • Articulating Arm Tripod for Macro and Still Life

          • Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod with SBH-100 Ball Head https://amzn.to/4mlr0si

            • This is aluminum, so it would not be a good travel tripod, purchase the Peak Design, below, for that

      • Most bird photography is done handheld, however some people like using a monopod

      • For night photography, landscape, travel, etc.

        • We love the Peak Design Tripod!!! The first tripod we LOVE, email us for details. We really appreciate you using our affiliate links to make your purchase https://tinyurl.com/lisatom-peakdesigntripod for the tripod or peak-design.pxf.io/lisatom-peakdesign for other peak design products. See us demonstrate the Peak design tripod and build in Peak Design ball head.

        • Best Birding Gimbal (can also be used for landscape, etc) FlexShooter https://amzn.to/4iO8CoN, you can easily mount this on a universal head and use the build in peak design ballhead for stars, landscapes, etc. and then the Flexi Gimbal for birds.

    • Plamp: https://amzn.to/44sHAzZ and https://amzn.to/4k6G4YD

    • Focusing Rail

      • NiSi - NM-180S Macro Focusing Rail, Precision Focus Slider for Macro Photography , Universal Tripod Mounting, 360-Degree Rotating Clamp with Quick-Release Plate, Detachable Feet, Arca-Swiss Compatible https://amzn.to/3YAzMbH

    • If you do not have a macro lens, or do not have the 90mm lens, or just want more magnification closeup filter may fit the bill.

      • NiSi - 77mm NC Close-Up Lens Kit, Close-Up Macro Lens Filter, 78mm Thread, +3-4 Diopters, NanoNiSi - NM-180S Macro Focusing Rail, Precision Focus Slider for Macro Photography , Universal Tripod Mounting, 360-Degree Rotating Clamp with Quick-Release Plate, Detachable Feet, Arca-Swiss Compatible Coating, (Includes Protective Case, 72mm and 67mm Adapter Rings) - Camera Accessories for Photography https://amzn.to/4k1UvNy

      • Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Snap-On Lens is also a possibility, more commonly used than the Nisi, as it is inexpensive but lower optical quality

        • To put a RayNox on the 60mm macro lens a step-up ring is recommended

  • CAMERA: 📸

For daylight light painting 

AK Diffuser for the

https://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com/detail_page.cfm?productid=1021PP&mfg=Platypod

This Snoot, plus one of these flashlights is needed. If you are signing up with a friend you purchase one set and share.