Alternatives to macro lenses

I use a Raynox DCR 250 which is a high quality lens attachment which is very good, though it carries the same vary shallow DOF characteristics you have with extension tubes but you do have full control of your aperture as it sits in front of the 'host' lens.

In general this is a Macro photography trait even with dedicated lenses though the dedicated lenses themselves make the job a bit easier.
 
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If you're only an occasional macro photographer, I'd echo Jim's recommendation of the Raynox. For only £40 it's worth giving it a try before splashing out on a dedicated macro lens.

For the money it's a very impressive little bit of kit and far, far easier to use than extension tubes.
 
odd jim said:
I use a Raynox DCR 250 which is a high quality lens attachment which is very good, though it carries the same vary shallow DOF characteristics you have with extension tubes but you do have full control of your aperture as it sits in front of the 'host' lens.

In general this is a Macro photography trait even with dedicated lenses though the dedicated lenses themselves make the job a bit easier.
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Agree with Jim, the Raynox is very good. Another possible option would be the more expensive extesion tubes that actually connect the lens to your camera, allowing for AF, I would assume this would maintain aperture control?

I think nothing will beat a good macro lens though
 
Rowee said:
Agree with Jim, the Raynox is very good. Another possible option would be the more expensive extesion tubes that actually connect the lens to your camera, allowing for AF, I would assume this would maintain aperture control?

I think nothing will beat a good macro lens though
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Extension tubes are excellent and I have the Kenko DG AF set which retain all the automatic functions of the camera.

Used properly they can give excellent results with almost any lens including telephotos.

.
 
Once you get a lens setup, the next challenge will be light.

I've got a 17-70mm sigma which does macro (and very well) and I've got extension tubes I can use with my 55-300mm. Both options lack light. The 55-300mm has to use f/22 or so to get a good enough DOF, the 17-70 is better, but still not good enough.

A softbox for my flash is on its way from Hong Kong (£15 off ebay) and I will hopefully be able to make a proper start in macro photography.
 
If you want a quick fix and know what Fstop you can get away with, on my old canon you could push a button near the lens that would make the lens close to the selected Fstop, turn the camera off while it's pressed and the lens stays at that Fstop. Take it off then put the tubes on :)
 
Raynox 150.

I had a 250 but found it gave too greater magnification and minimal working distance.

The 150 I find gives adaquate magnification with increased working distance, and the image can allways be pulled-up during PP.

All depends on the lens, this was with a 55-200.

D in W
 
why not consider reversing a prime lens???

Les :thumbs:
 
Why not use tubes

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Img_5635.jpg
 
Steeps said:
If you want a quick fix and know what Fstop you can get away with, on my old canon you could push a button near the lens that would make the lens close to the selected Fstop, turn the camera off while it's pressed and the lens stays at that Fstop. Take it off then put the tubes on :)
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Aha, didnt know that - will give it a go, thanks!

Thanks for the info folks, the next stop will be a Raynox.
 
odd jim said:
I use a Raynox DCR 250 which is a high quality lens attachment which is very good, though it carries the same vary shallow DOF characteristics you have with extension tubes but you do have full control of your aperture as it sits in front of the 'host' lens.

In general this is a Macro photography trait even with dedicated lenses though the dedicated lenses themselves make the job a bit easier.
Click to expand...
Hi Jim can i ask you for advice, Hi I'm new to photography And just bought a Pentax k-5, I have an old Manual sigma zoom 72mm 18mm 200mm macro lens, I'm interested in macro work do you think i can put a macro close up lens on this. Any help would be appreciated ...
 
Hi Mark, welcome to TP! Unfortunately with the Sigma 18-200 you have a filter thread of 72mm which is slightly too wide for the Raynox as IIRC the adaptor fits any lens up to a thread size of 67mm so the circumference of your lens is slightly too wide.

Do you have any other lenses?
 
odd jim said:
Hi Mark, welcome to TP! Unfortunately with the Sigma 18-200 you have a filter thread of 72mm which is slightly too wide for the Raynox as IIRC the adaptor fits any lens up to a thread size of 67mm so the circumference of your lens is slightly too wide.

Do you have any other lenses?
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Although he could use a step down ring so it could fit.
 
Davec223 said:
Although he could use a step down ring so it could fit.
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Yes that might be an option, though it would give pretty bad vignetting even zoomed in (my 18-135 'sees' the edges of the Raynox adaptor at 135mm with a 67mm thread) but that would be a good option.
 
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