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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Cheapo Macro Options
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 08/24/2007 02:09:10 PM · #1
Howdy all,

I'm thinking about getting a close-focus lens for my 50mm 1.8. The two options I'm looking at are a hoya close-in kit and the canon 250 closeup lens. The Hoya is about $50 cheaper, but I don't know if that will mean anything IQ-wise.

Anybody out there have opinions on either of these?
canon

hoya
08/24/2007 02:12:35 PM · #2
Try this :)
 08/24/2007 02:15:28 PM · #3
Or these.

I really like mine.

Message edited by author 2007-08-24 14:15:36.
 08/24/2007 02:18:43 PM · #4
Originally posted by larryslights:
Or these.

I really like mine.


Hmmm... very interesting. Forgive my ignorance, but what advantage would I have with an extension tube as opposed to a close up lens?
 08/24/2007 02:19:26 PM · #5
i'd say extension tubes are the way to go
 08/24/2007 02:21:24 PM · #6
extension tubes can used on all lenses (although, not EF-s lenses unless you go with the more expensive canon tubes).

some close up lenses have poor optics, tubes have no optics

Originally posted by benee:
what advantage would I have with an extension tube as opposed to a close up lens?
08/24/2007 02:24:50 PM · #7
Originally posted by hopper:
extension tubes can used on all lenses (although, not EF-s lenses unless you go with the more expensive canon tubes).

some close up lenses have poor optics, tubes have no optics

Originally posted by benee:
what advantage would I have with an extension tube as opposed to a close up lens?


Thanks for the advice hopper - looking at your macro pics, seems like you've gotten excellent results with the extension tubes. must now justify slightly higher cost of extrension tubes to the wife! :)
 08/24/2007 02:28:25 PM · #8
I've used the 18-55mm kit lens with a +3 Quantaray close-up adaptor with some pretty decent results:




That's a LOT of bang for the buck $10.99

Message edited by author 2007-08-24 14:32:05.
 08/24/2007 02:28:59 PM · #9
yep, they work great ... check out this little dude (50mm 1.8 and 36mm extension tube ... with an external flash)

Originally posted by benee:
Originally posted by hopper:
extension tubes can used on all lenses (although, not EF-s lenses unless you go with the more expensive canon tubes).

some close up lenses have poor optics, tubes have no optics

Originally posted by benee:
what advantage would I have with an extension tube as opposed to a close up lens?


Thanks for the advice hopper - looking at your macro pics, seems like you've gotten excellent results with the extension tubes. must now justify slightly higher cost of extrension tubes to the wife! :)
08/24/2007 03:32:04 PM · #10
I use reversed lenses for my macro needs. A reversing ring is inexpensive as it contains no optics.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 on my D200


Asahi 55mm f/1.8 on my Sony DSC-W5
08/24/2007 03:43:55 PM · #11
Originally posted by hopper:
extension tubes can used on all lenses (although, not EF-s lenses unless you go with the more expensive canon tubes).

some close up lenses have poor optics, tubes have no optics

Originally posted by benee:
what advantage would I have with an extension tube as opposed to a close up lens?


There are disadvantages with using extension tubes: it will involve a stop or more's loss in light and will exaggerate any flaws in your primary lens and change the operative depth of field (they effectively force the lens to cast a bigger image onto the sensor, the centre portion of which will be captured - similar to how the 1.6 crop factor works), and cheap extension tubes can prevent autofocus working. Close up lenses are more portable.

As I understand it, extension tubes tend to be better for non-telephoto lenses, and close up filters for telephoto lenses.

Edit to add: I get excellent results from my 500D close up lens on my 70-200mm lens.

Message edited by author 2007-08-24 15:44:51.
 08/24/2007 03:46:23 PM · #12
I took the following shot with my 18-70 and a Quantraray +3 filter that I got for free. :D



Message edited by author 2007-08-24 15:47:03.
 08/24/2007 04:23:24 PM · #13
I am an extension tube fanatic. I use them on all my lens from 300mm down. One tube or two or three together. In combinations. Around $100.00 for a set of three.

three tubes on 70-300mm at 200mm

two tubes on 70-300mm at 300mm


two tubes on 35-70mm at 50mm

08/24/2007 08:40:21 PM · #14
Originally posted by Matthew:
Originally posted by hopper:
extension tubes can used on all lenses (although, not EF-s lenses unless you go with the more expensive canon tubes).

some close up lenses have poor optics, tubes have no optics

Originally posted by benee:
what advantage would I have with an extension tube as opposed to a close up lens?


There are disadvantages with using extension tubes: it will involve a stop or more's loss in light and will exaggerate any flaws in your primary lens and change the operative depth of field (they effectively force the lens to cast a bigger image onto the sensor, the centre portion of which will be captured - similar to how the 1.6 crop factor works), and cheap extension tubes can prevent autofocus working. Close up lenses are more portable.

[i]These are good points, I think for me though, the extension tubes would have a longer life span, as I could use them with whatever lenses I get down the road. I read about losing light, but with a 1.8 I think the lens should be fast enough to compensate for the loss. Thanks all for your help - extension tubes it shall be!

As I understand it, extension tubes tend to be better for non-telephoto lenses, and close up filters for telephoto lenses.

Edit to add: I get excellent results from my 500D close up lens on my 70-200mm lens.
[/i]

Message edited by author 2007-08-24 20:41:26.
 10/19/2007 10:46:56 AM · #15
Originally posted by hopper:
yep, they work great ... check out this little dude (50mm 1.8 and 36mm extension tube ... with an external flash)



Nice hopper hopper!

I'm dredging up this older thread because it's relevant to the questions I have:

What would be the best way for me to utilize one (or both) of my lenses, for macro, in the $20 - $40 range?

Canon EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 USM
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III

I get consistently terrible shots with the 75-300 and am considering unloading it. Would I be wasting my time trying to use it for macro?

Is there an extension tube in this price range? Any suggestions on where to buy?

Thanks!
Roxanne
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