Do you need a Macro lens to shoot macro?

viper_biker

viper_biker

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Gareth
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One type of shot that I have some serious difficulty in doing is a Macro shot. I don't know if it's just me, the kit, how I compose the shot or all of the above, but it just doesn't work. On my K100D when I first started out with D-SLR's it had a Macro mode and the Tamron lens had a Macro option on it too but I never used these options. Now with a D300, 18-70, 50 f1.8 and a 70-300VR should macro be possible? Should I use the 18mm or do you need the long reach of the 300 or is it something in between.

Looking at some of the pics on here in the 'Macro and Close-Up' section there are some amazing photos, but I'm no good at finding out what settings people are using (I'm OK at finding my own out, but not pics that are uploaded onto host site) wether a long shutter speed is required, or a low/high aperture. Can you help point me in the right direction and I'll hope for better results.
 
You need to get a macro lens mate :)
 
or a set of kenko extension tubes for use with your 50mm - that would give you 1:1
 
True macro is when the image on the sensor of the subject is the actual size of the subject in real life. i.e a ratio of 1:1

many lenses state they have macro capabilities but at best you are lucky to get 1:3 and many lenses have lower magnifications than that.

To increase the magnification you have various options:

You can buy a true macro lens not cheap but should give you the best image quality.
You could buy a set of extension tubes, these fit between the camera body and the lens and allow you to focus closer. They normally come as a set of 3 and the more extension the closer you will be able to focus. (Downside is you lose a bit of light as the light has to travel further to reach the focal plane).
Cheapest and easiest option is to buy a few Supplementary Close-up lenses (sometimes called close-up filters). These fit in front of the lens and do not cause any light loss, but may degrade the IQ a bit. Buy the biggest size you can afford and then use step down rings to fit your other lenses.

Good luck!
 
EdBray said:
True macro is when the image on the sensor of the subject is the actual size of the subject in real life. i.e a ratio of 1:1

many lenses state they have macro capabilities but at best you are lucky to get 1:3 and many lenses have lower magnifications than that.

To increase the magnification you have various options:

You can buy a true macro lens not cheap but should give you the best image quality.
You could buy a set of extension tubes, these fit between the camera body and the lens and allow you to focus closer. They normally come as a set of 3 and the more extension the closer you will be able to focus. (Downside is you lose a bit of light as the light has to travel further to reach the focal plane).
Cheapest and easiest option is to buy a few Supplementary Close-up lenses (sometimes called close-up filters). These fit in front of the lens and do not cause any light loss, but may degrade the IQ a bit. Buy the biggest size you can afford and then use step down rings to fit your other lenses.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Or consider a reversing lens mount, it's probably cheaper still, has no reduction in image quality too - but you do lose both autofocus (not really a big deal anyway) and exposure reading - again not a big deal if your subject isn't moving as with digital it costs nothing to experiment and get it right

Reversing the lens is the most awkward, but cheapest for decent quality, and it was quite common in film days too when a 'guess' took days to come back from the developer !!!

OMG do newbies have it sooooo much easier today :lol:

DD

PS - I won't mention bellows units as they are probably quite expensive still (mine was about £100 25 years ago :eek:)
 
Just bringing this one back to life again. I took ownership of some extension tubes and they are great. Everything works perfectly with the 50mm lens, but I get f0 with the 18-70 DX lens regardless of the tubes being used. Now, do these only work with prime lenses, or have I done something wrong?
 
I would be interested in this as I have tried a reversing ring, but it only fits my manual 50/1.8 - the DOF is about 10mm! LOL

Where did you source the extension tubes from and how much? Do they work with your 70-300?
 
I bought them from another forum member for £45 delivered. I've not bothered with the 70-300 as I'm having aperture problems on the 18-70. I'll have a try tonight with the 70-300 and see what comes of it.
 
Sticky tape!?
I used to just hold the lens to the camera body back in the film days :D
 
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