Are you sure that you need a 'real' macro lens? Have you spent much time looking at inexpensive macro options like extension tubes, reverse rings, or close-up lenses? Most of these run under $20 and can work quite well if you have a 50mm lens (around $100). Definitely a saver if you don't have the budge to blow on a real macro lens. (Not that I wouldn't want a macro lens, if I had the money, but if you are looking to save and haven't tried any of the above, you might want to play with them first ...)
What Katie said. I have Extension tube set for my Canon and a reverse mounting ring (RMR) for my Nikon. Both options cost me less than $15 each.
The RMR is great so long as whatever lens you are putting it on has an aperture ring.
They are both great inexpensive tools to satisfy a macro desire without the expense of a true macro lens. A macro lens would be so awesome but it is nowhere in our budget for a good while yet.
I encourage you to investigate and give them a try.
@hopess13 The 'slice of focus' is definitely a problem for macro in general. With the orange shot, above, I used an aperture of f/22 and the table for balance to keep it steady.
I find the close-up lenses much more user-friendly, as they screw onto the front of your lens, like a filter, and you can still use autofocus, change the aperture, etc. Definitely worth giving a go, if you haven't yet.
If you click the link above, I have separate articles linked on each one, and you can see my extension tube, reverse, and close-up lens shots to see if you see similar issues to what you're having.
I use extension tubes for my Nikon D7000. They are the auto focus type. Most often macro will give you a very narrow DOF so I use focus stacking in Photoshop.
This is the12 and 20mm extension tubes from my set without focus stacking
This was taken today with the 12 and the 36 mm tubes stacked and I used the focus stacking technique.
Here is a link to the tutorial that I used for the focus stacking:
http://www.learn.scottshephard.com/?p=82
I also have a macro attachment for my iPhone that has taken some macro shots but I can put my finger on them in my project in a hurry.
@darylo Does that macro conversion clip work the Canon Rebel DSLR (half frame) camera lenses? or only with the mirrorless cameras? If so, I think I might get one of those until I can afford a "real" macro lens. I have a set of "Close-Up" lenses that I've been using, but even if I put all three of them together (+1, +2, +4), I still can't get as close up as I really want to get.
I bought a macro lens a year or so ago and I absolutely love it, it's the Tamron 90mm and sells for just under $500 on Amazon but can be purchased used for between 300-400. Before I saved up all my pennies to buy that baby I used what I think it great budget lens that has a macro feature (not really macro but lets you get closer). That lens is a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens, it sells for $155 on Amazon. It is a budget lens but gets great reviews and I absolutely loved it on my Rebel.
I took this macro shot using that lens and a Canon 500d close up lens:
and this non-macro photo with that lens as well. I personally think it was a great investment although it doesn't respond as well on my 7D because it can't handle the burst mode but does fine with everything else.
Look into extension tube, close up filter and reverse lens. I use a combo of extension tube and close up filter for my 365 project, It's a small world.
@k1w1 Christine I spent some time trying to figure out what your second photo was... I was imagining all sorts of gross things like nits and bed bugs. But now I think I have it... A zester and citrus skin. Great shots by the way.
I did this with a 55-210 zoom and then cropped the images. I would love to have a macro lens but just can't spend the money either ATM.
Enjoying reading this thread to get ideas.
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Here's an article I wrote comparing the different varieties, along with links to articles about them: http://www.boostyourphotography.com/2013/04/cheap-and-easy-macro-comparisons-and.html
Here's an example of a snowflake shot that I got with my 50mm lens and a +4 and +10 filter ...
Or an orange slice and bubbles using the same set up
The RMR is great so long as whatever lens you are putting it on has an aperture ring.
They are both great inexpensive tools to satisfy a macro desire without the expense of a true macro lens. A macro lens would be so awesome but it is nowhere in our budget for a good while yet.
I encourage you to investigate and give them a try.
I find the close-up lenses much more user-friendly, as they screw onto the front of your lens, like a filter, and you can still use autofocus, change the aperture, etc. Definitely worth giving a go, if you haven't yet.
If you click the link above, I have separate articles linked on each one, and you can see my extension tube, reverse, and close-up lens shots to see if you see similar issues to what you're having.
This is the12 and 20mm extension tubes from my set without focus stacking
This was taken today with the 12 and the 36 mm tubes stacked and I used the focus stacking technique.
Here is a link to the tutorial that I used for the focus stacking:
http://www.learn.scottshephard.com/?p=82
I also have a macro attachment for my iPhone that has taken some macro shots but I can put my finger on them in my project in a hurry.
I will try the macro lenses for my 50mm first and then see if I still need to spend $400+ on a true Macro lens
Thanks everyone
I took this macro shot using that lens and a Canon 500d close up lens:
and this non-macro photo with that lens as well. I personally think it was a great investment although it doesn't respond as well on my 7D because it can't handle the burst mode but does fine with everything else.
I did this with a 55-210 zoom and then cropped the images. I would love to have a macro lens but just can't spend the money either ATM.
Enjoying reading this thread to get ideas.