zoom filters and macro filters

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Hi, I've been looking at wide angle filters for my 18-55 along with the.macro versions. Are they any use?only seem to cost about £20 but wondering if they are worth it at all?
 
if that's a Nikon 18-55...i can comment

unless you get really ''into'' it, a 18mm focal length is more than adequate for 80% of your landscapes images

a 10-20 or a 14-24 is specialised - and expensive

have a read of ''Ken Rockwell' dissertation on UWA.....''link''...

..© 2008 KenRockwell.com. All rights reserved.
 
I got 2 of the lens extenders (1 Wide angle and 1 zoom) as part of my kit for Christmas last year. If it's that type you're on about forget it. If it's a set of 4 macro filters then it's not brilliant but better than nothing. Can't comment on a set of wide angle filters cause I've not tried them but as John says 18mm should be enough. My widest lens now is a Canon 18-55mm Mk2 and that does for me.
 
if it is the nikon 18-55, then don't bother with the macro filters. That lens has a pretty good close up range (though not macro) and it isn't long enough to benefit from macro filters. I've tried it with mine and it just isn't quite there.

The 55-200 on the other hand is a good choice. It has a decent reproduction ratio as it is (1:4.3) and with a 4x macro filter will get you to 1:1. I think the close focus distance is around 36", which puts you around 9" at 1:1, which is a workable distance for a lot of things. I find that the 4X macro filter I have (cheapie bought on here) is good enough quality for a lot of things. A 2X is even better IQ and good when you don't need quite as close focusing. They are a good intro to macro and give you a cheap way to focus a bit closer.

Thanks,
Rick
 
From what I'v read most zoom/wide angle filters won't give you great quality however macro filters can be very worthwhile provided you pay for good ones.
 
Got a set of fox macro filters on ebay and must admit the 4x is the most useful
Cheers for all the advice!!
 
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