Beginner Macro set-up

[tomso]

Hey all, I've got a Canon T3i and about $1000 to spare, I was wondering what you all would recommend by way of a set-up to get for an introduction to macro photography? I'm not buying this set up right away, but first getting some reversal rings and extension tubes to make sure I'm willing to make the commitment to a real set-up. However, it's a field that's interested me since I first started photography and I'd like to know what I should be on the look out for in case any good deals crop up. I already have a light weight tripod and a single speed light if that helps at all.

Thanks!

 

[GDHLEWIS]

If you find your happy with macro once you have had a play around with reversal rings etc... Then a dedicated Macro lens should be on the top of your list, there are a fair few around for a decent price depending on what area of Macro your interested in. Bugs and other moving objects will require the longer focal length lenses 100+ but stationary object such as flowers you can get away with the 50mm lenses (but lighting become a little more tricky). 1000$ will get you a decent 100mm lens from Cannon, sigma and tamron and you seem to have just about everything else to start with. Things like stacking rails can probably wait till your more comfortable with the macro world.