Originally posted by DJSponge How do you like the Hoya Close up filter? Does the lens lose any sharpness or contrast?
In my experience, yes. Anytime you add more glass, especially glass that bends light you lose sharpness. Do not worry about contrast though, it can be corrected in PS.
However, everything being equal you can get some great shots with add on close up lenses as long as you do not go too strong. I notice a color red fringe around the objects when I get much above a factor of 3. Would I recommend them, yes. Especially if you only plan on using close up filters occasionally. If you plan on using them a lot you may want to purchase a used macro lens, or a new one if budget is not a problem. I use a K mount 50mm f2.8 Pentax macro lens that is about 20 years old. It only goes to 1:2, but the shots are great. You can get one of these in the hundred dollar price range. Other options are bellows or extension tubes on older manual lenses with f-stop rings. The attached shot was taken with my lens. The flower is about the size of a quarter, or even smaller.