Step by step how to use canon’s macro lite lens

Canon’s new macro lite lens lights up a tiny seashell in our simple home studio arrangement

01 Macro set up

Even though this macro lens has Hybrid IS, we used a tripod for perfectly sharp shots, and also to make it easier to compose and make fine adjustments more accurately – which you need to do with close-ups. We set up on a table next to a large window.

04 Light it up

Unscrew the metal cover on the front of the lens to reveal the Macro Lite. Press the ‘light bulb’ button on the side of the lens to switch on the built-in ring light; this subtle light is good for lighting subjects up close, pressing the button again dims the light.

02 aperture settings

Shooting in Av mode is best with this lens as you set the aperture, while your camera can adjust the shutter speed to suit the Macro Lite’s variable brightness. Depth of field is reduced up close, so we shot at f/4 for a little blur to the back of the seashell.

05 bright Light

The Macro Lite’s full beam creates a fairly harsh light, with two thin strips of light either side of the lens – ideal for close-ups of shiny stuff like jewellery if you want to make it sparkle, but a bit too bright for some macro shots, like our seashell.

03 compose and expose

Live View is great for composing, setting your exposure, and for focusing as well. On the 77D we used, we could touch the screen to focus on the part of the shell we wanted. Plus pinch-zoom and swipe to zoom in and review images on the LCD.

06 subtle side Light

Hold down the light bulb button to switch to one light, which creates a more subtle side-light, adding depth with shadows while brightening up darker areas. Press the button again to dim it, and again to switch to the other side light.