Close Up but not Macro

[wibbly]

I'm trying to do some close up pics of various objects, but not macro, so for instance a pen nib or some crayons, or a pair of glasses. Mainly everyday householdy type things.

The problem is I just don't seem to be able to get 'close enough' to the items as I want to :| I have an 18-105mm lens, a 50mm nifty fifty, and I've tried them both on manual and other settings but just can't get them close enough for what I want!

Can anyone tell me if I am trying to do the impossible here! Maybe I am

 

[Phillip Mac]

Hi well you need a macro lens ,that doesn't mean you can only do macro with it, you can use it for anything, it's exactly the same as a normal lens but has a closer minimum focusing distance, therefore a bit more expensive. . A cheaper soloution is to add a close up ring between the camera body and the lens.
Hope this helps
Phillip

 

[Scarecrow]

Another option would be to buy a set of extension tubes. These will allow you to get closer and still be able to focus.

 

[pete.rush]

I'm trying to do some close up pics of various objects, but not macro, so for instance a pen nib or some crayons, or a pair of glasses. Mainly everyday householdy type things.

The problem is I just don't seem to be able to get 'close enough' to the items as I want to :| I have an 18-105mm lens, a 50mm nifty fifty, and I've tried them both on manual and other settings but just can't get them close enough for what I want!

Can anyone tell me if I am trying to do the impossible here! Maybe I am

Both lenses have a minimum focus distance of 0.45m, if you want to get closer, you'll need a macro lens or extension tubes, but not sure the extension tubes will work on the 18-105mm, you need to check.

You can reduce the minimum focal distance of your lens by moving the lens further away from the camera body with the addition of an extension tube.

Additional Magnification = (Extension Tube Length)/(Lens Focal Length)

Remember that not only is minimum focus distance reduced, but maximum focus distance is reduced as well when using the Extension Tube.