Reasonably priced animation software for iMac

I am retired and while not at all well off, I am appreciative of being in the position of not having to earn money any more.
I am currently absorbed in putting together several generations of family photos, movies and keepsakes in as interesting and historically as possible, using iMovie. Unfortunately, iMovie is ok for fairly mundane taskes, If you can overcome it's restrictive/protective baises and malfunctions.
Anyway, I am looking for a reasonably priced animation software to use as a general purpose interfacer for movies and stills and explanations were necessary.
I have spent hours searching and testing softwares but found most lacking in facilities of one sort or another. Enough to make them not worth taking up room on my computer. I have deliberately avoided high end stuff costing many hundreds of £/$. Especially Adobe. I find their software very difficult to even get started with.
Xara exteem pro 5 was my first choice but their animation software will not run on a Mach and in any case you cannot convert their Pro 5 animations to anything usefull format so I am stuck and pleeding for help.
Can anyone recommend a animation software for iMac with broard facilities, similar to Xara Extreme Pro 5. up to, say $200 ?

What kind of animation do you want to do?
For animated humans is Poser Pro quite nice:
Poser 3D Animation & Character Creation Software - Official ...
A professional application would be Cinema 4D CINEMA 4D Studio - Everything You Need for High ... - Maxon
or Maya: http://www.autodesk.com/products/autodesk-maya/free-trial
I nearly forgot: A very powerful animation tool is the free Blender, see: Download - blender.org - Home of the Blender project - Free ...

Similar Messages

Animation software for iMac users

Good afternoon:)
Recently I was looking to purchase both Muvizu and iClone5 software, but both are ONLY available on the windows platform.
Does any one know of excellent equivalents for Mac users?
I'm happy to pay for the software.
Thanking you,
Peter

What kind of animation do you want to do?
For animated humans is Poser Pro quite nice:
Poser 3D Animation & Character Creation Software - Official ...
A professional application would be Cinema 4D CINEMA 4D Studio - Everything You Need for High ... - Maxon
or Maya: http://www.autodesk.com/products/autodesk-maya/free-trial
I nearly forgot: A very powerful animation tool is the free Blender, see: Download - blender.org - Home of the Blender project - Free ...

It is should be installed an antivirus software for iMac product?

Hi dear Apple..
I would like to ask about an antivirus software for iMac product. It is should be installed for virus protection, for example Kaspersky Antivirus?
Thanks..

OS X versions 10.6.7 and later have built-in detection of known Mac malware in downloaded files. The recognition database is automatically updated once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders. In most cases, there’s no benefit from any other automated protection against malware.
The most effective defense against malware is your own intelligence. All known malware on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of trojans, which can only work if the victim is duped into running them. If you're smarter than the malware attacker thinks you are, you won't be duped. That means, primarily, that you never install software from an untrustworthy source. How do you know a source is untrustworthy?
Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown site, merely in order to use the site, is untrustworthy.
A web operator who tells you that you have a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with your computer, or that you have won a prize in a contest you never entered, is trying to commit a crime with you as the victim.
“Cracked” copies of commercial software downloaded from a bittorrent are likely to be infected.
Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. No intermediary is acceptable.
Disable Java (not JavaScript) in your web browser(s). Few websites have Java content nowadays, so you won’t be missing much. This setting is mandatory in OS X 10.5.8 or earlier, because Java in those versions has bugs that make it unsafe to use on the Internet. Those bugs will probably never be fixed, because those older operating systems are no longer being maintained by Apple. Upgrade to a newer version of OS X as soon as you can.
Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can reasonably be.
Never install any commercial "anti-virus" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use the free software ClamXav — nothing else.

Download Animated cliparts for iMac

What are the best animated clipart software for iMac to download either free or purchase? So far, what I found free always comes with a lot of virus warnings or other unrelated downloads. Please advice - I want to use it only for my home videos.
Thank you
D.

Depends what OS you're on but but for animated GIFs try Gif Fun...
http://www.stone.com/NewDownload.html#GIFfun

Who can recommend a functional anti virus software for imac and macbaook

Alarm! Great problems with Internet Banking!
Access closed by bank because of "Trojaner" on my imac. Can't believe.
Who can recommend a good anti virus software for imac, macbook and even ipad?
Thanks for helping
Eva

ClamXav.
You will find this User Tip on Viruses, Trojan Detection and Removal, as well as general Internet Security and Privacy, useful:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2435
The User Tip (which you are welcome to print out and retain for future reference) seeks to offer guidance on the main security threats and how to avoid them.
More useful information can also be found here:
http://www.reedcorner.net/mmg/

I just updated my software for imac air then it crashed. now it only lets me use it as a guest

i just updated my software for imac air then it crashed. now it only lets me use it as a guest

everytime i log in as myself, it would not start, i did a soft reboot and it only lets me use it as a guest

What is the best virus protection software for imac

Can someone suggest the best anti virus software for an intel based iMac?

If you are really running OS X "Leopard", you should be aware that Apple stopped providing updates for it years ago. On the other hand your profile also indicates you are using a Power Mac, and they do not use Intel CPUs. The good news about that is that the PowerPC platform has become so uncommon that they are extremely unlikely to be the target of any sort of malware or virus attempts. So, more information is required, but lacking that most of the following principles apply equally well to any computer.
There will always be threats to your information security associated with using any Internet - connected communications tool:
You can mitigate those threats by following commonsense practices
Delegating that responsibility to software is an ineffective defense
Assuming that any product will protect you from those threats is a hazardous attitude that is likely to result in neglecting point #1 above.
OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple.
A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
Never install any product that claims to "clean up", "speed up", "optimize", "boost" or "accelerate" your Mac; to "wash" it, "tune" it, or to make it "shiny". Those claims are absurd.Such products are very aggressively marketed. They are all scams.
Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources.
Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
"Questionable sources" include but are not limited to spontaneously appearing web pages or popups, download hosting sites such as C net dot com, Softonic dot com, Soft pedia dot com, Download dot com, Mac Update dot com, or any other site whose revenue is primarily derived from junk product advertisements.
If you need to install software that isn't available from the Mac App Store, obtain it only from legitimate sources authorized by the software's developer.
Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email:
Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that attempt to convince you to disclose personal information.
Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for it.
Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iCloud, iTunes, or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are unable to.
Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose. Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.
Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it:
Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility.
Java can be disabled in System Preferences.
Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
The same precaution applies to Adobe Flash Player. Newly discovered Flash vulnerabilities appear almost weekly.
Beware spontaneous popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > check "Block popup windows".
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but unsolicited popups are commonly used to deceive people into installing unwanted software they would never intentionally install.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever receive a popup window indicating that your Mac is infected with some ick or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
The same goes for a spontaneously appearing dialog insisting that you upgrade your video player right this instant. Such popups are frequently associated with sites that promise to deliver "free" movies or other copyrighted content that is not normally "free".
The more insistent it is that you upgrade or install something, the more likely it is to be a scam. Close the window or tab and forget it.
Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself against them:
The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. Most of these attempts are pathetic and are easily recognized, but that hasn't stopped prominent public figures from recently succumbing to this age-old scam.
OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is nothing new.
Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.
If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarize yourself with its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the principle immediately preceding this one.
Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilize your Mac while they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, based on verifiable facts.
Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.
Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind.

Software for Imac 10.3.9

Hi everyone
I must say only having my g3 indigo iMac for around 3 months, I am so happy. It's a little beast!!! I am even thinking of scrapping Windows altogether, and when I update my laptop (which will be soon)I may go for a apple laptop.
My reason for my post is, I was wondering if there are any sites out there that you know of that contain free/trial software for Macs? Would like to get a few programs on it just to play around with and to keep my child occupied for a few hours. Any help would be great. Thanks

software downloads
VersionTracker Mac Software
VersionTracker.com - Software downloads, reviews and updates for all types of commercial software, shareware and freeware for Macintosh, Windows and Palm.
http://www.versiontracker.com/macosx/
MacPorts
http://www.macports.org/
SofoTex Mac Downloads - Download free mac os x software and freeware
Mac OS X software, freeware and shareware downloads with reviews and rated descriptions, in categories such as audio, multimedia cd dvd burners, mac utilities, games, networking, business software, screen savers, internet, security and more!
http://mac.sofotex.com/
Fink
The Fink project wants to bring the full world of Unix Open Source software to Darwin and Mac OS X. We modify Unix software so that it compiles and runs on Mac OS X ("port" it) and make it available for download as a coherent distribution.
http://finkproject.org/
Robert

Anyone know a calendar creator program / software for iMac/MacBook that works with Maverick?

Looking for a Calendar Creator type software that works with Maverick for iMac / MacBook. Please help.

Quicken 2007
Quicken 2015 information

Project/Task Management Software for iMac, iPad and iPhone

Hi,
I work at a Espresso Bars company in Sydney and we have a small but busy Design & Marketing department. We're looking for the best, yet simplest software so we can manage all the marketing and design projects.
I've seen a few good Online Management Software but they are quite expensive ($25+ per month per user). The good thing about those systems is that you can access it from anywhere and people can collaborate, ask questions about a project, give feedback about a design, enter a new task or tick as completed, etc... And you can use it on an iMac, an iPad and an iPhone.
I came across Projector for iMac and iPad, but it is not online, if you want to share the project from iMac to iPad you have to conect your iPad to your computer and sync it. It also works by projects, so there is no way for you to see in a single screen all the projects you're currently working on and the process of them. So, although it being very user friendly and excellent UI, not sure if it is what we want.
I wanted to ask you if you know about another Project/Task Management Software that we can use on an iMac, iPad and perhaps and iPhone as well. Something that you either buy the app once or if you have to pay a monthly fee it needs to be very low. If it is online it would be much better! but everything would work I reckon.
User friendly and good UI software are preferred.
Thank you so much for your help!
Cheers
German D Salamanca

Open > http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipad/ipad_accessories/printers You need Wi-Fi to use it with the iPhone and iPad > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4356

Wireless network management software for iMac?

Hello all
I am running a home WLAN via a cable modem + Belkin N Wireless Router, with my Intel iMAc wired to the router, and 3 PC's with wireless connections.
All running perfectly!
However - I would like to be able to control the network from the Mac, specifically as follows:
- have visibility of all machines connected at any time
- have visibility of the bandwidth consumption of each machine
- be able to "bandwidth throttle" each machine, ie allocate maximum "shares of bandwidth"
- be able to schedule bandwidth throttling per machine, as well as set manually
Is there any software that does this for the Mac, and that is recommended by users on this board?
Note that I have zero understanding of router functionality and therefore accept that this question may or may not make sense!
Thanks in advance for any help / recommendations

Rick - thanks for the reply, much appreciated.
Yes there are controls in the router to manage internet access for each client on the network but they are simply of the yes / no variety - allowing the admin to just turn access on or off.
My teenage kids use Internet access for a variety of (legitimate!) purposes but my ISP (Virgin Media) imposes automatic "traffic management" bandwidth throttle on my connection (from 10 MBPS to 1 MBPS for 5 hours) if our overall bandwidth consumption exceeds 1,200 MB between 4pm and 9pm (http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html/internet/traffic.html)
Needless to say, getting my kids to monitor and limit their own traffic during this period is impossible - so I would like to be able to automate the policing of traffic levels fairly amongst 3 concurrent users during the trigger time slot 4pm - 9pm without having to resort to a blunt "on/off" policy.
From your reply I guess that my router provider (Belkin) would be the best source of information regarding available software for this - assuming it exists ...?
Thanks
CJE

Best reasonably priced macro lens for a 70d

Hi i have got a canon 70d and have just started doing alot of macro photography (Flowers bugs etc) i've been using the the 18-135mm kit lens but now i know im enjoying it im going to get a mocro lens. Cant afford nothing to major as saving for wedding and house. Was just looking for some advice on reasonably priced macro lenses. Any Advice welcome..
Thanks in advance
Darren

amfoto1 wrote:
Actually, it's hard to go wrong with macro lenses... Most give excellent image quality, so it tends to be the other features that are deciding factors. I have no idea what you consider "reasonably priced".... To one person that might be no more than $100, while to another it might be anything under $1000.
Canon EF 50/2.5 Compact Macro is currently about $270... As an EF lens, this can be used on both your crop camera and on full frame cameras. But this is a micro motor focus drive lens (slower, hunts more), and on it's own it only goes to 1:2 or one half life size magnification. To get full 1:1 magnification with it, there's a separately sold converter that costs another $270. You also could use macro exension tubes - that sell for between $70 and $200 for a set - to increase the lens' magnification. All the other macro lenses listed here are able to do 1:1 without need for any adapter. 50mm is fairly short focal length, putting you relatively close to your subject. This lens' closest focus is about 4 inches (with 1:1 adapter... compare to 12 inches with a 100mm lens). Personally I use shorter macro focal lengths mostly in-studio where they can work well.... but prefer a longer focal length in the field. Uses 52mm filters. No lens hood offered or supplied, it doesn't really need one because the front element is deeply recessed into the lens.
SIgma 50/2.8 Macro lens sells for about $350. I don't know much about this lens, it's been around for a while. I know it's 1:1 capable, both crop and full frame capable and has a micro motor focus drive. Comes with a lens hood. Uses 55mm filters.
Canon EF-S 60/2.8 USM Macro is on sale at the moment for $420. It's an EF-S lens, which will work fine on your 70D, but is not usable on a full frame camera. USM focusing drive is a bit faster, quieter and more precise (see below about focus speed). It's full 1:1 capable, a little longer focal length than 50mm, but not a lot. It's relatively compact and it is "internal focusing" or IF, which means it doesn't change length when focused. It uses 58mm filters and the matched lens hood sells separately for $24 (third party hoods are available for less).
Tamron SP 60/2.0 "Di II" Macro/Portrait lens is selling for about $525 and, like the Canon 60mm Macro, is a "crop only" lens. Fine for your 70D, but not usable on full frame cameras. It's also IF, but using a micro motor type focus drive. I've been working with one of these lately, giving it a try. I find it's focus slower than Canon USM, but generally plenty fast for most macro/portrait usage. The main attraction of this lens is its f2.0 aperture... fully a stop larger than most other macro lenses (Zeiss makes a couple f2.0 macro lenses, but they are manual focus only and quite expensive). This is nice particularly when using the lens for portraiture. It uses 55mm filters and comes with a lens hood.
Canon MP-E 65mm is not a lens I'd recommend to anyone just starting out shooting macro. This is an ultra high magnification lens... actually can do no less than 1:1 and goes as high as 5:1. That's a range well beyond what many people shoot. It's also about $1000 and stricly manual focus. It's a superb lens, usable on both crop sensor and full frame cameras, and one I use personally. But it's still not something I'd recommend to anyone just starting to shoot macro. It's rather challenging to work with, pretty much a "tripod only" lens. Comes with a tripod mounting ring, uses 58mm filters and an odd little lens hood sells separately for around $40.
Sigma 70mm f2.8 EX DG macro lens.... is another I don't know a whole lot about. Like their 50/2.8 macro, it's been around a long time and uses a micro motor type focus drive. It is the first lens in this list that has a Focus Limiter (2 ranges), which is a feature that can be helpful speeding up auto focusing. It sells for about $470, uses 62mm filters and comes with a matched lens hood.
Tamron SP 90mm f2.8 Di is another excellent design that's been around a long, long time. I've still got and use manual focus versions of this lens dating back to the 1980s. The currently available micro motor version sells for $500 and, as a Di lens is usable on both crop and full frame cameras. It's got a focus limiter (2 ranges), uses 55mm filters and includes a matching lens hood. It is not an IF lens.
Tamron SP 90mm f2.8 Di VC USD is an updated version of their venerable 90mm, now with both an improved AF system (USD is similar to Canon's USM) and image stabilization (Tamron calls it VC). It is said to be better sealed against dust and moisture, and also uses an aperture with 9 curved blades to make for smoother background blurs. This lens is Internal Focusing (IF), has a Focus Limiter (4 ranges!), was introduced within the last year or so selling for about $750, uses 58mm filters and comes with a matched lens hood.
Canon EF 100/2.8 USM is another excellent lens I use personally. This is the older version of this lens without IS (and not L-series, but you would be hard pressed to tell any difference in build quality, comparing it to some L-series such as the 180/3.5L macro). A key feature here is that it can optionally be fitted with a tripod mounting ring.... something that's not possible with most of the other lenses mentioned here. For macro work, I consider a tripod mount a very important feature, though some of the smaller lenses might be fairly usable on a tripod without one. This lens has USM focus drive, is IF, has a Focus Limiter (2 range), sells for about $550 presently, and uses 58mm filters. A matched lens hood is quite large and sells separately for about $40. Tripod Ring B to fit it sells for about $140 (there are cheaper third party hoods and tripod rings).
Canon EF 100/2.8 L IS USM is a newer model that primarily is upgraded with the addition of Image Stabilization (IS). Now designated an L, it includes a matched lens hood. Like the older model, a tripod ring can be optionally fitted. It has an improved Focus Limiter (increased to 3 ranges). It uses 62mm filters and is currently on sale for $900. Tripod Ring D sells for $172 (cheaper 3rd party ring is avail.).
Tokina 100/2.8 ATX is both crop and full frame compatible and sells for about $400. I haven't used it, but it's another venerable design that's been around for a lot of years. It has a Focus Limiter (2 range), uses 55mm filters and comes with a matched lens hood. I don't believe it's IF.
Sigma 105/2.8 OS HSM is currently on sale, heavily discounted, for about $670. I suspect Sigma is about to introduce a new version and that's why they are blowing out the current model with a large instant rebate. It is both crop sensor and full frame camera compatible. The current version has OS, which is Sigma's version of image stabilization, as well as HSM which is similar to Canon's USM focusing drive. This lens has a Focus Limiter (3 ranges), uses a 9 blade aperture, 62mm filters and comes with a matched hood. It cannot be fitted with a tripod ring.
Canon, Sigma and Tamron all offer longer macro focal lengths... 150mm and 180mm. In general I'd say those are pretty long to use on a crop sensor camera such as your 70D or my 7Ds. They all come with tripod rings, which is good because longer macro lenses can be difficult to keep steady. But they all are also considerably more expensive, so I won't go into the details about them.
Regarding auto focus speed... All macro lenses with AF are slower focusing for a couple reasons. One is that they have to move their focusing mechanisms a long, long way to go all the way from infinity to 1:1 magnification. Another is by design, they use "long throw" focus mechanisms that emphasize accuracy over speed, which is necessary because depth of field can be quite shallow at high magnifications. So, in general, don't expect a macro lens to offer the same AF speed as a non-macro lens with similar focus drive mechanism. What can help a lot are the type of focus drive and if the lens offers a Focus Limiter. Canon's USM, Sigma's HSM and Tamron's USD all will give faster focusing than micro motor drive systems on other lenses. Properly used, a Focus Limiter can really speed up focusing performance, too.
When shooting macro, auto focus speed usually isn't all that critical. In fact, I often just focus manually. Accuracy often is more important, due to the shallow depth of field. So AF perfomance might be a bigger consideration if planning to also use the lens a lot for non-macro purposes.
Image Stabilization (Canon OS, Sigma OS and Tamron VC) is offered on a few premium models. Canon's is a special hybrid version developed just for macro purposes, which most feel is a bit more effective than other forms of stabilization. Nikon actually was the first to put stabilization (they call it VR) on a macro lens, but most agree that while it's useful for non-macro shooting, it is of little practical assistance at 1:1 magnification. The Canon hybrid IS is considered to be a bit better at higher magnifications, but even it will be of limited effectiveness at 1:1. In other words, there may be times when you want to use a tripod or at least a monopod. And in those cases, particularly on some of the larger lenses, a tripod mounting ring can be a very nice thing to have (among all the above, only the Canon 100mm macro lenses can be fitted with a t'pod ring).
There are other options to "do macro", too. For example, you could simply get some Macro Extension Tubes to use with your current lens, to make it focus closer. Canon offers quality individual tubes in 25mm and 12mm lengths ($84 and $140 respectively). Kenko does too, but also offers a set of three that includes 12mm, 20mm and 36mm lengths (set sells for $200). The Kenko are very close to the Canon in design, quality and performance.
There are also less expensive sets (under $100) from Zeikos and Opteka. The Zeikos set includes 13mm, 21mm and 31mm and sell under a bunch of different brand names (Vivitar, Bower, Dot Line, ProOptic and many more). The Opteka set was just recently introduced and includes 12mm, 20mm and 36mm. All these sets are more plasticky than the Canon and Kenko tubes, but they do support autofocus and direct control of the aperture.
AFAIK, all the currently sold macro extension tubes for Canon mount are compatible with both EF and EF-S lenses. (If you were shopping used you'd have to be careful because some of the older tubes were EF only and could not be used with your EF-S 18-135mm lens).
Canon's TS-E 45mm and TS-E 90mm lenses also are usable for near-macro and, with extension tubes added, macro shooting. These are Tilt-Shift lenses that give additional control over the plane of focus which can be used to good effect with macro and shallow depth of field. I use a TS-E 45mm a lot for table top studio shots of small products. However, these are manual focus only, largely tripod-only and rather pricey lenses, so I just wanted to mention them here. They are probably not something I'd recommend for a first time macro shooter or general purpose, outdoor, walk-around macro work.
Personally, my two most-used macro lenses are a Canon EF 100/2.8 USM (the older model) and a Tamron SP 60/2.0. When I'm planning to shoot a lot of outdoor, walk-around macro shooting, the Canon lens is my first choice. However, it's rather large so when I'm not planning macro, but want to have a macro lens just in case, I'll substitute it with the much more compact Tamron lens. (Which also can replace two portrait lenses in my camera bag, so reduces my load by one lens serving in place of three.)
Another key consideration is flash. Often when shooting macro it's a challenge to get enough light to allow a stopped down lens, desirable ISO and adequately fast shutter speed. So you probably will find yourself wanting to use flash sooner or later. Canon offers two macro-specific flashes: the MR14 EX Ring Lite and the MT24EX Twin Lite. I use both for different purposes. I prefer the Twin Lite for macro shots up to about 1:1, maybe 2:1 (double life size) magnification. The Ring Lite I mostly use for very high magnification shots with the MP-E 65mm lens.
All the Canon lenses above have provision for, or can be adapted to allow for direct mounting of the two Canon macro flashes (Note: I believe there is a new "Mark II" version of the Ring Lite coming out soon). There also are adapters available to mount these flashes on non-macro Canon or onto third party lenses. It also is possible to use a single "standard" flash, along with an off-camera shoe cord and some sort of diffusion to hold back the flash, when shooting macro. I do that often with 550EX and 580EX II flashes.
There are other macro-specific accessories you may want to consider eventually. Often I'll use a diffusion panel and/or a reflector when out in full sun, to reduce too extreme contrast and help fill too-deep shadows. A focusing stage is another useful thing, when shooting macro with a tripod.
Finally, I recommend you pick up some books on macro photography. John Shaw's "Close-Ups in Nature" is perhaps the "Bible" among them and likely the most comprehensive. I also found books about macro by Tim Fitzharris and Joe & Mary MacDonald very helpful and interesting. I'm sure there are others, but those came immediately to mind.
Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif., USA
"Walk softly and carry a big lens."
GEAR: 5DII, 7D(x2), 50D(x3), some other cameras, various lenses & accessories
FLICKR & PRINTROOM
Almost 2,400 words to answer a macro lens post? Alan, nobody can believe you can write so much (except TCampbell, ha ha) but you risk nobody wanting to read. See the link that follows for the sort of difficulty readers have with this sort of post, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Too_long;_didn't_read

Require all in one kodak ESP7250 printer software for iMac

require all in one kodak ESP7250 printer software for iMac

The software for that printer is available from this Kodal web page:
http://support.en.kodak.com/app/home/src/gosupport/selected/true
You do not say which of the four families of iMacs you own nor the Mac OS version, so that about as far as I can point you.
This forum is for iMacs made before 2006

What is the best Book Cataloguing software for iMac. I have about 5000 books I would like to bar-code scan into my iMac. Thanks

What is the best software for cataloguing a large book collection into my iMAc. I would like to use a hand-held scanner, and scan bar codes, entering ISBN numbers only when necessary. Currently using Book Collector (www.collectorz.com) on a PC. desktop

I did something similar and used an application for my phone (Android OS at the time), which I can't recall the name of, to bulk scan the bar codes and subsequently upload the list to my mac in the form of an excel spreadsheet (it was a csv file). When I migrated to an iPhone, the application "Bar code scanner" performed in the same manner. Using my phone was by far the easiest method of bulk scanning (and subsequently cataloguing on my machine) in both instances.

Best free partition software for imac

I'm looking for the best free partition software for my imac. I need to partition an external drive.
TIA

Thanks. Just what this newby was looking for. Need to create a 2nd partition for an image in prep for installing the new drive.
Ron

Reasonably priced animation software for iMac

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for