Close up lenses - advice needed

I'm considering buying a set of close-up lenses from B&H. I've never done any close-up or macro work before, and know little about it. I have a PK-12 extension tube currently and am not pleased with it. It's a hassle to use. I can buy a set containing a +1, +2, & +4 lens for about $90.

Is this worthwhile? Is the quality of something this cheap any good? What's a better alternative for someone who DOESN'T want to get really serious about macro stuff?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I don't know anything about extension tubes, but can tell you that the Canon 100mm macro is a great closeup lens. I've read all the reviews and just purchased it myself a couple of
months ago. You can use it for a walk around lens too.

Lisa

Skip them. You won't get the image quality you are likely after unless you only need the center to be sharp. What you want is one of the TWO element Canon 500D things. These really work and are basically what you are talking about, only with far better quality.


Kent in SD

I'll second the recommendation for the Canon 500d. I was actually turned on to the 500d by one of the Nikon Legends Behind the Lens photographers.

mike

Bill,
I just purchased the 500D a few weeks back and am getting good results. See my first Cineraria post in flora a couple of weeks ago. I'm using it with a 5D and a 180mm macro lens. I did a little cropping on the image, but the sharpness is there for me. I used f32 on that image. I don't know if Nikon has it's own version though, but it will fit most macro lenses (52mm). I'm very happy with it.
Jack

Bill, I'm going to hitch a ride on this theme. I too have heard that the Canon 2-element 500D CU diopter is a good solution. I've been thinking about getting a 77mm one to work with my 70-200 lens. I'm wondering if anyone has used that combination?

Thanks,

Carol

Thanks all for the info. Canon sounds like the way to go for sure. Thanks again.

I just looked on B&H at the 500D. Looks nice. there seems to be two versions - the 250D and 500D. The 250 is for lenses 30-135mm and the 500D is for lenses 70-300.

My question - is there a "better length" lens to use for this type of photography? My 70-200 is my sharpest lens, with my 28-70 being the next sharpest. Again, any advice is greatly appreciated.

I've used the 500d on my 70-200 with good results.

mike

Anyone know the Nikon equivalent to the 500 d ?

Thanks -

Sandy r

I'd probably favor the 500D with a longer telephoto, simply for the working distance. Attaching the 500D to a short zoom will have very little working distance and you will be too likely to scare things awary or block a lot of light.

FWIW, I've used the 500D with the Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS and found it to be a nice package to work with.

Bill: I'm going to be contrarian to some degree. I won't disagree that the 500D is a fine optic but the major drawback to it and the reason I never bought one for my digicam is that the maximum far point is 500mm, or about 19 inches. For flowers this may be OK but its useless for butterflies and some bugs/critters who won't let you get that close. I have a set of lenses like you were describing that I use with my Canon S2 and use the +1 a lot. I rarely use the +2 and almost never use the +4. Those close up filters attached to a 100-300 zoom were my first macro rig several years ago and they were and continue to be very servicable. But why do half measures, go get a Sigma 180 macro and enter macro nirvana. >=))>

PS: David Kelly has been using a +1 with a 55 mm lens and has gotten some spectacular results this spring.

Carol--

I think the Nikon version was the 5T. Not sure they still make them. I bought the 500D even though I have all Nikon system. It just screws on like a filter.


Kent in SD

I believe that Nikon discontinued all their achromat (two element) close-up lenses, though they still may be available at KEH.

I used the Nikon 5T and 6 T for years and was very happy until I got bigger lenses and needed the Canon 500D. Still happy since it is easy to carry up mountains without adding another lens. Also a great way to get started in macro, then you can get a real macro lens later. I have not done it with the Canon but i used to stack the Nikon ones for real close ups. I have heard the Nikon stopped making theirs but I am sure they are still around -- anything can be found on ebay :)
Joyce

I have both the 5T and 6T...I used them on a 70-300 for awhile until I purchased a 200mm macro about five years ago. Since then, on rare occasion, I have used them on the macro lens for extreme magnification (with very, very small wildflowers, for instance).