i use a standard kit lens on my cannon 500d but wanted to take closer shots. a macro lens can be quite pricey so i was wondering what you guys thought of the screw-on close-up lenses?
I have a Tamron macro lens and love it. I would suggest checking Amazon for Tamron and Sigma macro lenses. I have the 60mm f2 and use it constantly. It also doubles nicely for portraits.
Somewhere in this discussion I wrote about how to do reverse lens macros, which would prevent you from buying a new lens, and will also allow you to get really close. All you need to do is turn your existing lens around. If you don't wanna skim through the discussion, just google it. http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/11415/show-me-your-favorite-macro-shot
Unfortunately, I never used the screw on things or extenders, so I can only vouch for the insanely awesome quality of the Canon 100mm USM ƒ2.8 macro lens.
I have two close up filters (+4 and +8) and I think they are great. I would love a macro lens but a little beyond my budget currently.
Here is on shot with the +8 (SOOC)
I have just bought the canon macro extension tube set for my 600D, has 3 rings that can be used individually or any combination of 2 or all 3 together depending on how close you want to get. my photos today were taken with them as was the one on the 3rd of this month. cost me about $12 NZ dollars, a quick search on amazon just now has them for $10 USD. I am very happy with mine so far, have to use manual focus with them thou but its fine
@shadesofgrey AF... I haven't figured out MF yet..LOL.. it's a new camera to me. Scratch that. I put the 10x on and switched to MF.. I think I got this now. :-) thank you!
For a cheaper macro the Sigma 50mm EX f/2.8 is incredibly sharp, but reversing a 50 is probably better value. I use the Nikon 60mm 2.8, but would love to have one with a longer focal length
I have a screw on macro + fisheye filter. Cost me about £30, but I assume it would be cheaper for just the macro part. It's not as good as a proper macro lens, but if you play around and try to get the right distance away and the right focus, you can make it work. Here's one I've taken with mine
There are several cheap ways to play with macro. I have used the reverse adapter, the cheap extension rings, and the close-up filters that screw on the front. Each of those were around $10 USD on Amazon.
With the reverse adapter (I use it mostly on my 50 mm f/1.8) and the extension rings, you will need to manually focus. You also lose the ability to adjust the aperture. However, you can do it beforehand. With the lens on your camera the proper way, adjust the aperture to what you want. Then, hold down the 'depth of field preview' button (on my Canon it is right near the lens) and, with that button still depressed, release your lens. It will stay at that aperture until you screw it back (alone) on to your camera.
Here are a few examples of each.
Reverse mount of the 50 mm:
50 mm lens with a 7 mm extension tube, f/22 forced using depth of field preview:
7 mm extension tube on my Vivitar 70-150 close focus
I've only just gotten the close-up filters (set of 4, +1, +2, +4, and +10), but they seem to work really well. I have also noticed that they don't seem to have the same loss of light as when using the extension tubes. I took a series of shots of a Lego figurine and a scale to judge the changes. This is at +10 ...
And, if you really want to be cheap, you can also just handhold your lens on backward. Here's one ...
If I were making a recommendation, I would say definitely get the reverse adapter (if you have a 50 mm lens in particular) and a cheap set of close-up filters. They are very fun to play with!
I bought the cheapest less than $12 set of 4 on amazon and they work great. I use them whenever I feel like magnifying something. In the faux macro world, you just have to find what works for you.
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http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/11415/show-me-your-favorite-macro-shot
Unfortunately, I never used the screw on things or extenders, so I can only vouch for the insanely awesome quality of the Canon 100mm USM ƒ2.8 macro lens.
Here is on shot with the +8 (SOOC)
With the reverse adapter (I use it mostly on my 50 mm f/1.8) and the extension rings, you will need to manually focus. You also lose the ability to adjust the aperture. However, you can do it beforehand. With the lens on your camera the proper way, adjust the aperture to what you want. Then, hold down the 'depth of field preview' button (on my Canon it is right near the lens) and, with that button still depressed, release your lens. It will stay at that aperture until you screw it back (alone) on to your camera.
Here are a few examples of each.
Reverse mount of the 50 mm:
50 mm lens with a 7 mm extension tube, f/22 forced using depth of field preview:
7 mm extension tube on my Vivitar 70-150 close focus
I've only just gotten the close-up filters (set of 4, +1, +2, +4, and +10), but they seem to work really well. I have also noticed that they don't seem to have the same loss of light as when using the extension tubes. I took a series of shots of a Lego figurine and a scale to judge the changes. This is at +10 ...
And, if you really want to be cheap, you can also just handhold your lens on backward. Here's one ...
If I were making a recommendation, I would say definitely get the reverse adapter (if you have a 50 mm lens in particular) and a cheap set of close-up filters. They are very fun to play with!