On Wed, Apr 11, 2001 at 10:01:56AM -0300, John Mac wrote:
> I have been getting into macro lately.
What kind of macro? Insects, stamps, what?
> To start Equipment I currently have is; Elan II, standard 28-80mm f4-5.6,
> and 75-300mm f4-5.6, 420EX Flash and Manfrotto Tripod 055B with 222 joystick
> head. I have the Kenko Extension Tube set on order, the 12mm, 24mm, and
> 36mm.
> 1. I only have zoom lenses and how will the extension tubes react with these
> lenses and what are the best techniques to use, and what suggestions can you
> make for me to get the most out of my average lenses?
Extension tubes won't work well with the long zoom - if you are into
butterflies or some such, a closeup lens would've been better.
With the short zoom they should be OK (given that you find the
zoom sharp enough otherwise).
> 2. Is it worth buying a canon 50mm 1.8 ($149 Canadian)to use for macro?
> Would this lens be any better optically or just a waste of money since my
> working distance will be quite minimal and I could use my 28-80 at 50mm?
It would be much better optically, even though it isn't a macro lens either.
It would also let through much more light than your zoom, although you'd
probably want to stop it down somewhat anyway.
> 3. What suggestions do you have, and if I were to upgrade to a lens,
> new or used, without breaking the bank what would it be.
Start with your current gear, using the tubes with the short zoom.
Perhaps it will be sharp enough for your use.
If not, the cheapest upgrade would be the 50/1.8 - but use the
zoom at 50mm first to determine if the working distance is
acceptable for your work.
Beyond that, look for used macro lenses. I would want
a 90-100mm one, but they tend to be rather expensive.
If you need more working distance, consider a closeup lens.
They should work well with the longer zoom.
If (or more likely when) you discover you don't have enough
light and want to use flash, get the Off Shoe Cord 2
(or ST-02 if you feel rich at the point). If you are after
insects, rig yourself a flash bracket, too.
If you find you need more magnification, get a reversal ring that
allows you to mount the 50 reversed on top of the short zoom
(or just tape it in there).
That'll give you huge magnifications cheap.
Hope that helps. If you could be more specific about your
interests you could get more specific answers, too.
--
Tapani Tarvainen
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