365ers I need your opinion. I would like to purchase a cheap alternative to an expensive macro lens. I found a macro filter and a macro tube on Amazon both for around $10. Which would you recommend? Pros and cons? Thanks!
I haven't used any of these, maybe you should try both since they are not too expensive. If you search on the internet everyone recommends the tubes.
If you have a camera store in your area you might be able to test them
I would say it depends how comfortable you are with manual focus. It is possible to use automatic focus with the filters. I bought these filters about a year ago, and I have enjoyed the images I have been able to capture with them. I don't have any experience with the tubes, but you will need to use manual focus with them. For $10, you probably won't go wrong with either. Good luck!
Tubes first before filter. As tanja says, check out your local photo store and check 'em out.
There is a quick and dirty "macro" trick using a zoom lens. I used to use my 55-200mm zoom as a cheap macro. Set it up at 200mm with aperture as wide open as it will go and move back far enough to fill the frame with your subject and have the subject in focus. If you can get the background a bit far away from the subject, even better as it will result in more OOF area behind the subject. Note that you might have to crop the image depending on how well you can fill the frame with the subject.
I bought a set of filters (prettysimilar to this, it maybe the same sold under a different brand) about a month ago, and I'm happy with them. I don't like to focus manually, and with the filters you can use autofocus. These are some of the photos I took with them:
i'm a little indecisive because i agree that tubes are better since you aren't putting another piece of glass over your lens but the tubes also seem more difficult to use compared to the filters.
good idea checking a local camera store to test out...do those still exist though, haha!
I have the filters that you have only mine did not come with the +10 that is listed in yours (I want a +10). I use mine all the time. Though I have been super curious about the extension tubes and looking them up recently.
I usually use my +4 and I do have to manually focus - doesn't seem to work so well for me on AF. But Manual focus is not so bad.
I have a question and not trying to hijack the post - but do you order the extension tubes for a certain lens or will the extension tubes fit any lens? Like I know I had to order my filters for my 50mm...
I've just purchased the exact same macros tube from amazon and it's given me stunning results. The only downside is that you have to manually focus. If you're doing lots of macros shots your eyes might get tired. Other than that I can't fault them. And for $10 you can't really go wrong.
If you're doing macro shots, you need to be able to use manual focus, but you can use the lcd screen and zoom in on that to get more precise positioning of where you want to be in focus. I have a set of Kenko extension tubes that are great. You can also make your own using a pringles can ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGdE15Qj3iA) I haven't tried it yet, but I've been meaning to. @tanja_1211 Actually, it is the filter that would let in less light as there is another piece of glass there that the light has to pass through, while with the tubes, all you are doing is moving the lens further from the sensor.
All I can add to this is that I have those macro filters and I LOVE THEM!!! I am almost obsessed with macro shots! I have no experience with the tubes - but sounds to me you can't go wrong either way!
I have the macro filters and I love them! I use manual focus and sometimes it takes a while to get the focus right. You can have all of the filters on a lens at the same time which obviously makes it quite close up. I find that sometimes, the centre of the photo is very focused and the outer isn't quite as focused. I love playing with them though!
here are a couple that I have taken with the filters on
I just ordered these filters last week. They came friday and this is my second picture with them. they work pretty well I think, especially for $10 and a novice.
I would go with the tube over the filter because you are not adding glass to the lens. i have the Macro tube but I rarely use it since I also have a Reverse Macro Adapter which allows me to get much closer than either of the other two options.
I use the filters and I love them, I have not used the tubes though.
These are my results with the +8 close up filter, I use manual focus for all my macro.
I use the extension tubes and macro filters. they're awesome for the price. I'm like you, can't yet afford to splash out on a macro lens. These are photos I've taken using either just the extension, or just the macro, or sometimes even both.
Oh, I always use manual focus too. Sometimes the DOF isn't what I'd like it to be, but that's what you get.
@onarom thanks for the suggestion regarding the Reverse Macro Adapter i didn't really know those existed! i think i'm leaning towards that and possibly a macro tube but the macro filters are still tempting me because they seem soo much easier to use than the tubes and people have posted some incredible shots with them!
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If you have a camera store in your area you might be able to test them
There is a quick and dirty "macro" trick using a zoom lens. I used to use my 55-200mm zoom as a cheap macro. Set it up at 200mm with aperture as wide open as it will go and move back far enough to fill the frame with your subject and have the subject in focus. If you can get the background a bit far away from the subject, even better as it will result in more OOF area behind the subject. Note that you might have to crop the image depending on how well you can fill the frame with the subject.
They haven't been processed in any way.
i'm a little indecisive because i agree that tubes are better since you aren't putting another piece of glass over your lens but the tubes also seem more difficult to use compared to the filters.
good idea checking a local camera store to test out...do those still exist though, haha!
I usually use my +4 and I do have to manually focus - doesn't seem to work so well for me on AF. But Manual focus is not so bad.
I have a question and not trying to hijack the post - but do you order the extension tubes for a certain lens or will the extension tubes fit any lens? Like I know I had to order my filters for my 50mm...
And yes camera stores still exist that's where i usually buy my stuff =)
@tanja_1211 Actually, it is the filter that would let in less light as there is another piece of glass there that the light has to pass through, while with the tubes, all you are doing is moving the lens further from the sensor.
http://365project.org/discuss/general/5178/options-for-macro
http://365project.org/discuss/tips-n-tricks/7899/questions-about-extension-tubes
here are a couple that I have taken with the filters on
Here is a review/comparison with examples: http://365project.org/discuss/general/6447/cheap-macro-2-options-reviewed
These are my results with the +8 close up filter, I use manual focus for all my macro.
Oh, I always use manual focus too. Sometimes the DOF isn't what I'd like it to be, but that's what you get.