I've come to the end of my four-part series on inexpensive macro and close-up photography, and I wanted to share the links in case others are interested. These were guest articles on the web site Photokonnexion, www.photokonnexion.com, with descriptions posted on my photography blog, Archaeofrog Photography, www.archaeofrog.com.
Your thread gave me just the motivation I needed today! So, I went out to the shop, tinkered around with the woodcarving tools, and produced some "cheap macros!"
Lens Coupler (device that allows you to attach two lenses together, face-to-face); kind of like a reversing ring.
No. 4 Close-Up Filter on 50mm f/1.4 Super Takumar (what this seems to do for me is allow me to get a lot closer to the subject, thus allowing me to get a larger image onto the sensor):
Extension tubes (one medium and one short together):
Taken using reverse macro last spring. I have a reverse ring and I use my kit 18-55 lens. I LOVED but I've only just recently got a Canon 100mm macro lens, so I don't see me using it much anymore.
@kazlamont Thanks...I had it down pretty good! I'm so used to getting closer with the reverse that the lens was a bit frustrating...but the quality is WAY better. Winter is neverending this year...I'm patiently waiting for bugs!
@dlaxton Thanks, Dave, that's an excellent question, and actually one I will likely answer in more depth in an upcoming blog post. My shorter answer would be that close-up lenses (or filters) are the easiest to use, but extension tubes are the most versatile and get you more detail (at the expense of light).
For those of you who have bought close-up lenses, or extension tubes - can I ask which ones you bought, and if you'd recommend or not? There just seem to be so many out there, and I always like to see peoples results using them!
Wow! These are all amazing shots! I was looking at the 105mm Sigma lens for my Pentax k5 but currently unavailable. Now I'm wondering if I need it at all!
Which of the above options do you guys recommend as the best? I have a manual focus 50mm f/1.7 lens that I would want to use for macro. I have seen manual extension tubes (no electrical connections) for about £10 and reversing rings for even less. I'm not sure about the close-up lenses.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. You have all inspired me to do this. If I can avoid having to buy a macro I can buy myself a decent walk-around zoom lens to replace my kit lens :D
@archaeofrog I have had a look at the reviews for the extension tubes you use. Overall they look very good. I was, however, a little concerned by the number of people who found they got stuck. Is this a result of incorrect use? I guess I just need a little reassurance before buying ;)
@shinypanda Hmmm. I have had a problem getting the 7 mm tube off of the part that mounts to the camera, but since I always start with the 7 mm anyhow and just add on, I really haven't tried too hard. I will say that they didn't come with any instructions, so I spent a long time feeling like a fool before realizing the little silver knob was a release that pulled down, not a button that pushed in, to release them from the lens.
As for which, closeup lenses are more user friendly but extension tubes get you closer and work with all your lenses right away. The reverse mount is more for fun than practicality.
@archaeofrog In the set you get +1, +2, +4 and +10 and you are able to stack them... I mostly just stick to +10 though as I feel it is normally enough :)
Thanks again for your interest in cheap and easy macro photography. I've posted a new article about it, which includes my head-to-head comparisons about all three techniques, including how close-up you can get. Cheap and Easy Macro on Archaeofrog.com
I've been trying to figure this out myself. Did you look at tele-extenders or achromatic close-up lenses? I saw them in this book I have, David Busch's Close-Up and Macro Photography Compact Field Guide.
Not exactly "cheap" really.
I think this is my favorite one of mine so far. It's a 2x close-up filter.
I have extension tubes but haven't quite gotten the hang of them.
Nice job on the articles, I think you hit on my issue with the extension tubes in that I can't get them in focus if I have them all on my lens. I'll try them with my 50mm and see what happens.
@aponi Thanks Kathryn, I'm glad you found it useful, and I'll be interested to hear what you find on your 50 mm instead. I don't have direct experience with tele-connectors or achromatic close-up lenses. I was trying to focus on the low-end of macro experimentation.
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Just a couple of examples :)
Lens Coupler (device that allows you to attach two lenses together, face-to-face); kind of like a reversing ring.
No. 4 Close-Up Filter on 50mm f/1.4 Super Takumar (what this seems to do for me is allow me to get a lot closer to the subject, thus allowing me to get a larger image onto the sensor):
Extension tubes (one medium and one short together):
Thanks again for the kick in the pants Katie! :)
@skatied Those are incredible, Katie! Is yours a +10 then?
@grizzlysghost Thanks, Aaron; I'm super flattered! Really like how you used a similar subject in each but with such different effects.
@swilson004 Great clarity in those drops, Sharlene!
@kazlamont Hee hee, definitely counts. I've done it hand-held before, without even tape, but I don't recommend it!
@shutterbugger Thanks for sharing, Jenn; those are great!
@paula1 @siobhn Macro filters (or close-up lenses) are great and very easy to use. Hope you enjoy!
Which of the above options do you guys recommend as the best? I have a manual focus 50mm f/1.7 lens that I would want to use for macro. I have seen manual extension tubes (no electrical connections) for about £10 and reversing rings for even less. I'm not sure about the close-up lenses.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. You have all inspired me to do this. If I can avoid having to buy a macro I can buy myself a decent walk-around zoom lens to replace my kit lens :D
Many thanks :)
As for which, closeup lenses are more user friendly but extension tubes get you closer and work with all your lenses right away. The reverse mount is more for fun than practicality.
Thanks again for your interest in cheap and easy macro photography. I've posted a new article about it, which includes my head-to-head comparisons about all three techniques, including how close-up you can get. Cheap and Easy Macro on Archaeofrog.com
Not exactly "cheap" really.
I think this is my favorite one of mine so far. It's a 2x close-up filter.
I have extension tubes but haven't quite gotten the hang of them.