Macro noob advise

[HSC]

Hi All
lurking for a while but my first post on this forum

I want to try macro shooting without buying a macro lens (yet!). So that means an accessory for my existing kit.

currently I use a crop body (Canon 450d) and I have three lenses:
18-55mm IS kit
24-105L IS f/4
70-200L IS f/2.8
EFII Extender x2

currently I get the best macro results with the kit lens (closest minimum focus distance)


but what should I buy to give me better macro with my the kit I already have?

- Extension tubes (Canon/Kenko)
- Canon 500D Close Up Lens


My current understanding is that extension tubes would work better with the kit lens and the 500D would be better for the 70-200.

But what would be better for the 24-105?
or which would be my best bet all round - extension tubes or 500D?


appreciate any advise

 

[Deleted member 34016]

Buy a dedicated Macro lens is my advice- you'll get a lot better results

failing that tubes on your 24 to 105mm come a close second @ 105mm obviously

Les

 

[odd jim]

Welcome to TP!

If you cant afford a macro lens, buy a Raynox DCR 250 which fits in front of any lens with a filter thread size between 52 and 67 mm.

They are less than £50 from Amazon, and very high quality. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Raynox-RAD...SZ2Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306146246&sr=8-1

I use one with my 50mm and 55-250 lenses and have some reasonable results;

 

[HSC]

hmm - not familiar with Raynox, thanks for the suggestion
dont think it would fit my L lenses though (77mm thread)

I'll do some investigation

thanks for creeping me out too...i hate spiders...

 

[odd jim]

No I dont think they'll fit the L's at 77mm but would fit your kit lens. You can still get good macro shots with it at 55mm, the last one of the Wolf Spider was shot with my 50mm.

Lol, sorry for creeping you out! I have some non spider ones I can replace them with!

 

[HSC]

Buy a dedicated Macro lens is my advice- you'll get a lot better results

failing that tubes on your 24 to 105mm come a close second @ 105mm obviously

Les

yep - but I'm saving up for a new body and I only want occasional macro at this point. Unless I get into it...

 

[odd jim]

Raynox and kit lens is an ideal solution then! Try it at a cost of £44, if you dont like Macro, nothing lost and you can sell it for as much as you paid!

(no I dont work for Raynox!)

 

[HSC]

Thanks for the advise so far
given me something to think about

anyone with experience of the 500D close up lens like to offer any further input?

 

[odd jim]

Thanks for the advise so far
given me something to think about

anyone with experience of the 500D close up lens like to offer any further input?

No used one, but apparently those arnt good, and they are expensive for what they are...

 

[HoppyUK]

Thanks for the advise so far
given me something to think about

anyone with experience of the 500D close up lens like to offer any further input?

The pecking order runs like this:

- Best quality, pukka macro lens. Expensive.
- Almost as good, extension tubes. £100.
- Cheap, easy, can be surprisingly good - close-up lenses like the Canon 500D (mild effect, pricey) or Raynox DCR-250 (strong effect, £40).

In your position I would get a set of Kenko tubes and use them with the 70-200. That's what I use and they're very versatile on a zoom - I then sold my two macro lenses. Everyone should have a set of tubes anyway Take it from there.