> There is a lot of macro topics being thrown about recently so I thought
you macro experts could help. I know that there are special macro lenses
which enable high magnification, But they are expensive. With exisiting
lenses, one could either add extension tubes (Canon makes a 12 mm and a 25
mm tube) or close-up lenses (I believe Canon makes 3 different ones). The
price of extension versus close-up lenses seems similar (but dependent on
size of filter), so that shouldn't be too much of a concern.
>
> What are the pros and cons regarding those two approaches? Canon versus
3rd party?
>
> Tom D
There is a third option - it is called a Teleconverter. They come in 2X
and 1.4X magnification. This means if you have a 100mm macro, you can focus
at the same distance with a 2X magnification (if lens goes to 1:1)
Even on a non macro lens you can get some good closeups.
Combine with an extension tube and you can get really close, with a good
working distance, just like an expensive 180 or 200mm macro lens.
I don't have an extension tubes nor any close up lenses. I don't even
have a macro lens. But I do have a 2X converter and it allows me to do some
macro work with my tele-zooms.
For example, the 75-300 allows you to focus to postcard size. With the
2X converter, you are down to about 1:2, which is a great thing. (closer I
think, cause at 600mm at 5 feet, I was shooting what seemed like almost life
size. It's nice sometimes to be able to shoot small things at a nice
distance. Things like small butterflies will more than fill your viewfinder.
Naturally, the things you do lose are 2 stops of light, and a bit of
quality. But, the versatility is much greater than a dedicated closeup lens.
Now many is the time you won't be carrying your closeup lens or
extension tube, but with the converter on hand, you can carry a camera, one
lens, and the small converter, and have many more options on a longer lens,
plus double sized closeups. (like a walking around town kit)
As for the more dedicated macro choices you listed, I'd prefer the
closeup ring set. I believe that Tokina makes a good set pretty cheap. Not
only do you not get two more glass surfaces, but you don't have the same
hassles mounting and unmounting them. It's too easy to scratch, get dirty,
or drop a closeup lens in the field, but an extension tube is easier to
change than a lens, since there's no glass to worry about.
How closeup do you want to go?
Jim Davis
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