First attempt at macro.

[dougdarter]

My new Canon 500D close up lens arrived this morning. It's heavy... weighs as much as a kit lens!! It has two high quality glass elements.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/1163/500d58mf6.jpg

Mine is a 77mm dia model, to use with the 28 - 70 f2.8L. These shots were taken at 70mm handheld, no flash. When the step up ring arrives, I'll be able to use 200mm which means I'll be able to get in even closer.

They could be sharper if supported with a tripod and correct lighting, but as a first attempt, do they pass muster??

Orange slice from the pot pourri bowl:

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/566/macrorangeoo9.jpg

Red pepper:

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/7853/macropepperkt5.jpg

Tulip:

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/2229/macrotulipwa3.jpg

Tagua nut:

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/6/taguamacrokm6.jpg

Detail from an old water pump gland:

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/7438/pumpmacrooq3.jpg

Rhododendron:

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/7466/macrorhododendronec3.jpg

[PaulBoy]

Doug - They look pretty impressive to me & that 500D looks a decent alternative to forking out on a dedicated macro lens - How does it work in practice? like how close do you have to get to the subject etc ... Paul ;)

[photostar_1]

Doug, these are great. I didn't understand the bit about a step-up ring though....can you explain a bit more? (Sorry to be a numpty).

[dougdarter]

Doug - They look pretty impressive to me & that 500D looks a decent alternative to forking out on a dedicated macro lens - How does it work in practice? like how close do you have to get to the subject etc ... Paul ;)

Hi Paul,

The 500D is essentially a 2X diopter magnifier. It changes the closest focussing distance of the lens from infinity to 500mm (at 70mm). Having 'L' quality glass in the elements means that the quality of the lens is not compromised, nor do you loose any aperture stops.

These captures therefore were taken at a distance of 500mm from the subject. With my 200mm, or even 400mm lenses, I will be able to get up closer.

[dougdarter]

Doug, these are great. I didn't understand the bit about a step-up ring though....can you explain a bit more? (Sorry to be a numpty).

Hi Star,

Sorry, I should have explained better.

Because these fit onto the front of the lens, I ordered one in 77mm to fit the filter threads of my 28-70L, because this is the lens I carry around most.

I also want to use it on my 80-200L, which has a filter size of 72mm.

The step up ring has a 72mm filter thread which will screw into the front of the 80-200, and an integral 77mm accessory thread into which I can screw the 500D. Because the 500d is larger than the front element of the 80-200L, I can happily stack without having to worry about vignetting.

Here's a web page which explains it better than I can:

http://www.photosolve.com/main/product/rings/index.html

[photostar_1]

Ahhh ..... I understand now. Both my 24-70 and 70-200 are 77mm, so would be okay there. Definately going to get one of these next payday. Your shots have sold it to me ;)

[dougdarter]

Ahhh ..... I understand now. Both my 24-70 and 70-200 are 77mm, so would be okay there. Definately going to get one of these next payday. Your shots have sold it to me ;)

Good for you:D

The great thing about these, is that they are a lot smaller than a comparative dedicated macro lens, and they come with a case, so you ould just stick it in your pocket and take it everywhere.

Incidentally, you can buy the '500' non 'D' model, which has only one element, for about a third of the price. I don't know what the results would be, but I imagine, fairly respectable.

I've just looked on the Bay, and one UK seller has a load of used '500's, from 52mm up to 77mm second hand (probably ex contract), from £6 for the 52mm, to £24 for the 77mm.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Genuine-CANON-500-Macro-Close-up-Lens-77mm-fit-400D-30D_W0QQitemZ270110584639QQihZ017QQcategoryZ30042Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

:woot: