Canon EF 85 + tubes for macro?

Carter64

Carter64

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Mike
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I'm enjoying macro at the moment but there's no way I can stretch to a dedicated macro lens. I'm currently using an EF 50mm on Canon-fit auto tubes, but this is limiting me as far as having to be too close, sometimes. Especially to things that crawl/fly off if you so much as blink!
Using the tubes on my kit 55-250 at around 80-100mm, the working distance seems to be pretty good. It's a little unwieldy, though, as is reversing the 50mm on the 18-55. A straight reversal of the 18-55 has aperture control issues and my eyes struggle with focusing stopped-down past around f9 unless it's quite sunny.
Looking at the 85mm, I'm thinking it's a decent compromise. They're going for under £100 used/refurbed and most reviews rate them. IS isn't an issue: I use flash mostly if it's likely to move, tripod if not :)
£100 at the moment is very much still a stretch so I'd rather not spend it if I won't get a fair bit return, photographically, compared to what I have now.
I'd be grateful for any thoughts/experience!
 
is this the 85 f1.8 - if so where are they going for that little ?

too answer your question though yes they'll work well with tubes - I use tubes on my tamron 90m macro when i want even more magniifaction ( I have been known to use tubes ant teleconverters with it for getting onto 2:1 )

That said if you've been bitten by the macro bug you arent going to be happy until you buy a true macro lens , so you might want to save your hundred notes towards that (you can get one s/h for £200 ish)
 
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You might not quite get the advantage you're looking for Mike. The 85/1.8 has a lower native magnification than the 50/1.8 and you also need to factor in that the tubes will make a smaller increase due to the additional focal length.

Bob
 
Thanks! Just the info I was looking for guys.
Looks like I'll hold my horses for a while.
Do this summer with what I have, then if it's still a passion, wait until I can afford a macro lens........
.......And maybe weigh up if my RB67 is surplus ;)
 
put it this way MPB have got a tamron 90mm 1:1 macro for 229 notes - take the hundred or so you were going to blow on the 85mm , sell your tubes, and you are within spitting distance - lay off the beer for a week or so , et voila one shiny macro lens, sorted.

alternately if you want new kerso is doing them for £299 so you'd need another 70 nicker - maybe sell the nifty as well.
 
Richard, yeah, I've been looking very closely at those too. I've came very close to buying one. Pics from them look really great but (and maybe I'm being too picky) I want to up my game a notch?
My concern is that sticking one on a decent but not fantastic to start with lens won't give me any further quality, which is what I'm after. Still very tempting, I have to say.
On the occasions where I think I've hit focus dead-on with my reversed Pentax SMC-A on tubes, it's superior (barely but it's there) even to the nifty. Shame it's an absolute PITA to use, where I agree the Raynox will at least give me an easier ride.
 
There's a tamron 90mm macro in the classifieds for under £200.. a real bargain as they're a fantastic macro lens.

It also doubles as a really good portrait/med telephoto lens as well, the IQ will blow you away.
 
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Damn, damn and double damn :(
Really can't do that amount right now. Appreciate the heads up, though, ta :)
(there'll probably be a very nice RB67 there in a few weeks....;) ) But not for £200 :p lol.
 
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