Canon close up lenses

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I've been using the non-L 100mm f2.8 for some time now but can't get as close as I would like sometimes.

Anyone have any experience with the Canon close up lenses?

Was wondering if I could fit either a 250D or 500D on the end of my macro lens for some extreme close ups?

Or are they designed to be used with telephoto lenses only?

Also, I've seen the 250D labelled as x4 magnification, is that correct? What's the 500D then, an even higher magnification?
 
I'd like to add that I did Google things but the results were a bit of a mixed bag, hence asking on here. You know, where the experts are. :)
 
other options are a teleconverter, which will get you 40% closer, and not reduce dof, and extension tubes which do, but are fairly cheap
 
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Extension tubes are the way to go as a start. Can get non-branded ones very cheap, but you will lose AF. Unlikely that matters too much in macro mode at such short distances though, you'll have such a small DOF that you'll need to be focusing manually most of the time. They're very fun when you get used to them (if you have the patience), and there is no degradation in image quality as there is no extra glass added.
 
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So the Canon EF25 II or the EF12 II won't degrade image, but what sort of magnification increase can I expect by using them in conjunction with my 100mm f2.8 macro lens?

Will have a quick Google for a teleconverter as I've not come across one before.
 
The magnification varies according to the lens you fit the close up lens to. Raynox also make decent close up lenses for a lot less money- dcr 150 and dcr 250. I think my sigma 105mm with the dcr 250 gives an image about 2x life size iirc i.e. something about 1cm fills the sensor on my crop body.
 
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HRL said:
So the Canon EF25 II or the EF12 II won't degrade image, but what sort of magnification increase can I expect by using them in conjunction with my 100mm f2.8 macro lens?
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An EF12 will give you 1.17x whilst an EF25 will give you 1.38x (about the same as the 1.4x T/C but without any degradation in IQ). The T/C will maintain your working distance whilst the extension tubes will reduce it....you takes your choice.

Bob
 
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Looks like a pair of EX extensions would do the job then. Obviously far more expensive than an alternative brand, and not being able to rely on AF in all probability anyway, can anyone recommend a decent set of tubes?

If I were to use both the EF12 & EF25, would I have to go down 3 stops? Sure I read somewhere that it's 2 just for the EF25. Assuming it would be another for the EF12 too?
 
Your effective F-stop (light loss if you prefer) is governed by the change in magnification as you focus more closely and increase the image size relative to the object size.

The formula is Effective f-stop = f-stop x (1+magnification)

So with the lens alone, wide open at max magnification you'll be shooting at an effective f/5.6 (f/2.8 x 2). If you add a 25mm tube then it'll be about f/6.5 (f/2.8 x 2.4).

Of course, your TTL metering takes care of the exposure for you.

Bob
 
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I've taken lots of pics using 3 Kenko tubes connected to my 70-300mm L lens with excellent results, being able to get good close up pics without scaring off the various wasps, bees, hoverflies, spiders etc.

I also use a tall flash unit to avoid casting shadows from the front of my lens.

Auto extension tubes are always the way to go IMO because they fit all lenses and being just tubes cannot create any probs with CA etc.

I bought the Kenko tubes S/H on here for £75 but Amazon make a set of polaroid ones for £60 new:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polaroid-Fo...words=polaroid+extension+tubes#cm_cr_dpwidget
 
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Indeed those Polaroid extensions got pretty good reviews. Sold. :)

Thanks for all of the advice and explanations people. I've definitely got a better understanding of my options now and would agree, extensions seem the way to go.

Guess I was a little backwards in splurging out on the 100mm 2.8 macro lens BEFORE getting a set of extensions, however, I can't wait to play around with them now.
 
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well the 100mm gives you infinity to 1to1 magnification, and a longer working distance. Add on lenses don't, nor do tubes...
 
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And a combination of extensions and macro lens provides me with more flexibility for shots.

I'll be sure to post some photos on here once I've had a play. :)
 
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