Going macro ?

[RobStubbs]

I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions or advice as to how best to take macro photographs. I have used extender tubes in the past and they worked pretty well, but I see there are now some lenses which screw on like filters that can do the same thing.

 

So I guess what is best without the added expense of getting a real macro lense - i.e. that focusess down to 5-10cm or so ? It will only be used every now and again so I don't need the absolute best option (and couldn't afford it anyway).

 

Oh and it's for the canon EOS.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Rob.

Edited June 12, 2009 by RobStubbs

[Janet]

A quick bump to the top for this one as I would be very interested in the replies.

 

I'm using a compact - Samsung S850, which will focus down to 1cm, but I could use some help and advice. I've taken one or two shots that I'm really pleased with, but hints and tips for getting better results would be good.

 

I'd love to get results like the dragonfly that Ayjay posted on the Photo of the Day thread, but I suspect I need better equipment for that!

 

Janet

[ayjay]

The simplest way is with a reversing ring but I doubt they will fit on a dslr, other options include the screw on filters you mention (some here) or a Raynox converter (here) which is similar but they are adaptable to fit different lens sizes, the Raynox will definitely produce sharp pictures, I've got no experience of the newer type screw on filters so can't comment on them. The Raynox has a fairly fixed focusing distance of about 100mm

 

Extension tubes are still fairly popular, the big advantage of them is that you are adding no more glass to the system. Do extension tubes l give you true macro or do they just reduce the minimum focusing distance?

 

This moth pic is a 100% crop taken with a Raynox on a Panasonic FZ8.

 

 

 

Janet: the dragonfly pics were taken on a tripod with a second hand Canon 350 (£200) and a Sigma 135-400, no longer widely available as it's been superceded, but if you found a new one it would be about £500, I got mine second hand for £230.

Edited June 14, 2009 by ayjay

[medwaygreen]

I use a reversing ring on my Nikon, the good thing about it is you can then use any( in my case 52mm filter thread) lens which means you can pick up some good old lens bargins. I use a Yashica 28mm and 50mm lens with mine.

 

Very good results can be achieved, not necessarily by me.

[RobStubbs]

Cheers for the replies folks, I may have to take a proper look on ebay and see what the price differentials work out as.

 

Rob.

[Alnath]

These were taken with a reversed old (and broken) M42 mount 50mm lens which i bought from a car boot sale for 2 quid.

 

Eye of a needle

 

 

Ball in a ballpoint pen

 

 

Grains of Sugar

 

[Andrew]

Belters John mate

[Alnath]

Tar fella

[RobStubbs]

Well I went for a set of extension tubes, and I'm laid up sick today, so I might have to have a little play with them on the camera in the garden, purely on health grounds of course

 

Rob.