I was reading an article about something in a photography magazine and it mentioned about close up filters. I had a look on Jessops to see what they were about and I quite like the sound/look of them. I see that they come in different fitting sizes and was wondering if anyone had any info to share. I have a canon 450 and at the moment I pretty much always use my f1.8 50mm but I do have other lenses (one of which needs to be repaired). Is it best getting one for this fitting or would it be better for my 18-55m lens which needs repairing. And which + number is a good one to go with?
Would really appreciate any feedback, advice etc on this. Thank you in advance.
I have a set of Kenco closeup filters +1, +2, +4. They can used individually, or combined, with the largest number close to your real lens. I usually use mine with my 50mm lens.
They're a cheap alternative to a macro lens. I think I paid $60 CDN. Once you learn how to focus with them, they work pretty good.
I own close-up filters 1x, 2x, 4x and 10x and I use them for my macro shots. I do not own a macro lens. I have used them on my 50 mm 1.4 lens and on my 18-55 mm kit lens because that one had the closest focus distance of my lenses (both have a 58mm diameter).
They are a lot of fun to use, cheap and easy to carry. Focusing is a little hard in the beginning and you can get some weird effects, mostly at the edges of the picture but for their price they can be quite useful, I say. The higher the x number, the more distortion you will get. You could consider extension tubes as well though I find I use my macro filters more because they just twist on. I have found myself walking by a nice set of flowers, just twisted a filter on and got some nice macro shots.
Not sure the macro filters hold up for blown-up detail shots, they are probably not as sharp as a real macro.
2 of my examples, I think both came out great. Both taken without a tripod so I had to keep the DOF rather narrow.
@coolgirlsar
i have them (+1, +2, +10) and enjoyed using them. they did their job well until i noticed that most of the photos i take using the close up filters aren't as sharp as other pics i took. since the close up filters are quite cheap, the glass isn't up to par as the ones on the lens so they actually cause the degradation in the images.
the more experienced photogs suggest getting an extension tube. they say ext tubes are better because nothing gets in the way of the image, the lens and the sensor, unlike a close up filter. i got the extension tubes (cheaper than the filters and work best with the 50mm f/1.8) and noticed that edges looked a lot better. with either, focusing can be frustrating so make sure to store some extra patience when experimenting. :)
I don't have a macro lens, but I have a set of filters up to x10 and they work pretty well . . . I'd love to get a lens someday, but these are a great, cheap alternative in the meantime! I ordered mine through Amazon . . .
Sarah I have the +1, +2, +4 and +10. They can all be combined too so I tend to use +17 a lot. Some of my pictures taken today used all 4 combined, the drop with Gemma in it was one of them. I bought mine off ebay. I love them. They are a bit fiddly though if you are out and about where a macro lens wouldn't be but they are nice and cheap if you don't have the money for that right now.
I just ordered some from the local camera shop. (Duh!! Never thought of Ebay or Amazon first! Oh, well....buying locally.) I'm glad people like them. I wasn't sure....what I WAS sure about is that I couldn't afford a macro lens!
I have 2x 4x 10x and something else somewhere in between and it just so happens that I left the 4x one on my camera before packing my stuff when I moved house last week, so most of my shots have been with it on lately... I can't find the case for it so I've left it on my camera :s
Thank you everyone for the feedback. After reading them and having a search around I found some on ebay for less than £9 for four so hubby kindly ordered them for me and now just got to wait. I'm really excited!!!
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I have a set of Kenco closeup filters +1, +2, +4. They can used individually, or combined, with the largest number close to your real lens. I usually use mine with my 50mm lens.
They're a cheap alternative to a macro lens. I think I paid $60 CDN. Once you learn how to focus with them, they work pretty good.
They are a lot of fun to use, cheap and easy to carry. Focusing is a little hard in the beginning and you can get some weird effects, mostly at the edges of the picture but for their price they can be quite useful, I say. The higher the x number, the more distortion you will get. You could consider extension tubes as well though I find I use my macro filters more because they just twist on. I have found myself walking by a nice set of flowers, just twisted a filter on and got some nice macro shots.
Not sure the macro filters hold up for blown-up detail shots, they are probably not as sharp as a real macro.
2 of my examples, I think both came out great. Both taken without a tripod so I had to keep the DOF rather narrow.
ive got a sony A230 , but i dunno if i can get them for that or if i can where id get them from (uk based)
i have them (+1, +2, +10) and enjoyed using them. they did their job well until i noticed that most of the photos i take using the close up filters aren't as sharp as other pics i took. since the close up filters are quite cheap, the glass isn't up to par as the ones on the lens so they actually cause the degradation in the images.
the more experienced photogs suggest getting an extension tube. they say ext tubes are better because nothing gets in the way of the image, the lens and the sensor, unlike a close up filter. i got the extension tubes (cheaper than the filters and work best with the 50mm f/1.8) and noticed that edges looked a lot better. with either, focusing can be frustrating so make sure to store some extra patience when experimenting. :)
+17