Options for macro(or near macro) photography

dinneenp · 05-08-2010, 04:01 PM

HI,
What are my different option for macro/close up (doesn't have to be 1:1) photogrpahy?
1. macro lens
2. prime (e.g. FA 35mm that also does macro)
3. I've heard of 10X adaptors or something like that
4. anything else?
5. are they all good/effective?
6. which is easiest (besides dedicated macro lens)
7. which is cheapest?

What kind of price are each (new & 2nd hand)

Cheers,
Pa.

Last edited by dinneenp; 05-08-2010 at 04:46 PM. Reason: details

TOUGEFC · 05-08-2010, 04:22 PM

You can also use your lens mounted backwards for macro's with a reversing ring.

EDIT-
These reversing rings come in all different sizes and can be had for a few bucks on ebay, others just use some duct tape.

Have a read of this-
http://stephenelliot.com/2007/05/15/reverse-lens-macro-photography-tutorial/

MikeW · 05-08-2010, 04:25 PM

Extension tubes and/or bellows.

Marc Sabatella · 05-09-2010, 01:12 PM

First, a macro lens *is* a prime - your options 1 & 2 are the same thing. In fact, it's *zooms* labeled "macro" that should be removed from consideration, because they are virtually never particularly close to macro.

Second, I'd recommend getting a good basic beginning book on photography - or even just a website - to explain the various options. The basic options are macro lens, closeup filters (like the Raynox 150 and 250 discussed in the Raynox Club thread - stay away from the extremely poor quality filters often sold in sets), extension tubes, and reversing rings - listed in approximately reverse order of how easy to use they are.

Blue · 05-09-2010, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by dinneenp

HI,
What are my different option for macro/close up (doesn't have to be 1:1) photogrpahy?
1. macro lens
2. prime (e.g. FA 35mm that also does macro)
3. I've heard of 10X adaptors or something like that
4. anything else?
5. are they all good/effective?
6. which is easiest (besides dedicated macro lens)
7. which is cheapest?

What kind of price are each (new & 2nd hand)

Cheers,
Pa.

#1 and #2 on your list describe the DA 35mm ltd macro lens to a Tee! It is an excellent lens. I can't say much about Irish and UK prices on new and used versions of this lens but they do show up in the PF market place from time to time.

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05-08-2010, 04:01 PM	#1
dinneenp Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: ireland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 166	Options for macro(or near macro) photography HI, What are my different option for macro/close up (doesn't have to be 1:1) photogrpahy? 1. macro lens 2. prime (e.g. FA 35mm that also does macro) 3. I've heard of 10X adaptors or something like that 4. anything else? 5. are they all good/effective? 6. which is easiest (besides dedicated macro lens) 7. which is cheapest? What kind of price are each (new & 2nd hand) Cheers, Pa. Last edited by dinneenp; 05-08-2010 at 04:46 PM. Reason: details

05-08-2010, 04:22 PM	#2
TOUGEFC Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,561	You can also use your lens mounted backwards for macro's with a reversing ring. EDIT- These reversing rings come in all different sizes and can be had for a few bucks on ebay, others just use some duct tape. Have a read of this- http://stephenelliot.com/2007/05/15/reverse-lens-macro-photography-tutorial/

05-08-2010, 04:25 PM	#3
MikeW Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 437	Extension tubes and/or bellows.

05-09-2010, 01:12 PM	#4
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	First, a macro lens is a prime - your options 1 & 2 are the same thing. In fact, it's zooms labeled "macro" that should be removed from consideration, because they are virtually never particularly close to macro. Second, I'd recommend getting a good basic beginning book on photography - or even just a website - to explain the various options. The basic options are macro lens, closeup filters (like the Raynox 150 and 250 discussed in the Raynox Club thread - stay away from the extremely poor quality filters often sold in sets), extension tubes, and reversing rings - listed in approximately reverse order of how easy to use they are.

05-09-2010, 01:26 PM	#5
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by dinneenp HI, What are my different option for macro/close up (doesn't have to be 1:1) photogrpahy? 1. macro lens 2. prime (e.g. FA 35mm that also does macro) 3. I've heard of 10X adaptors or something like that 4. anything else? 5. are they all good/effective? 6. which is easiest (besides dedicated macro lens) 7. which is cheapest? What kind of price are each (new & 2nd hand) Cheers, Pa. #1 and #2 on your list describe the DA 35mm ltd macro lens to a Tee! It is an excellent lens. I can't say much about Irish and UK prices on new and used versions of this lens but they do show up in the PF market place from time to time.