Macro Close Up Lenses

carolthomasburns

carolthomasburns

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Carol
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I'd just like a bit of advice please on these items. I bought a set of 4 - 1x, 2x, 4x and 10x and thought that they would be better (and cheaper) than buying a normal macro lens
The main problem I have is which lens to use them with. I have 18-55mm, 35-80mm and 80-200mm. Whichever one I use them with it seems to be quite blurry and doesnt give a sharp image. I have only used them in Auto mode
Is there something I am doing wrong? Should I use Manual mode and manual focus?
Any advice at all will be much appreciated :)
 
I so wish you'd asked this before buying.

Those macro attachments are really not the way to go - sorry.

IMHO there is no substitute for a macro lens except, possibly, a Raynox put on your 80-200.

Macro is a challenge and takes practice. I found, after much experimenting, that manual everything is the way to go.

Be warned though, it is highly addictive.
 
I know :( But I bought them when I first got my camera and wasnt with this forum :( Thought it was the best way without shelling out for a proper Macro lens. Oh well lesson is well and truely learnt :(
Raynox? never heard of it so could you explain a bit more please
I would love to do some images with macro - hopefully will have a macro lens (proper one) in a couple of months :)
 
and they are compatible with any of my lenses or just the 80-200mm?
No piccy came through
 
As long as the filter thread size of the lens is between 52 and 67mm, you're good to go.

Piccy should be there now.
 
wow that is good :) may have to invest in one - looked at amazon link and they are cheaper than ebay :)
Thanks for the help Simon :)
 
Thanks :)
 
Just like to say thanks for Carol for starting this thread and Simon for the info! Spent much of my day at work looking at macro lenses! Very helpful, ta!
 
Thanks for commenting Mark - hope Simon saved you some money with the Raynox idea :) I know I am quite interested and the amazon link seems to be a lot cheaper than Ebay :) Hope to see some photos from you if you decide to get one :)
 
The best size close up lenses would be ones for your 18-55mm lens since physically larger lenses will introduce a lot of aberrations.

In fact the sets off Ebay can give surprisingly good results but like everything else you have to spend time getting the best out of them, especially if you have not done any macro before.

Or you could go with a set of automatic extension tubes - a lot more expensive but will work with any lens you have and give excellent results.

.
 
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Thanks Pete - I have been trying them with the 18-55mm and have managed to figure out what to do with them though I am getting a very shallow DOF - maybe its just with the 10x - will try the others another day :)
 
tubes and such are primarily for use on PRIME lenses - 35mm 50mm 85mm 105mm = ie fixed focal length lenses - without zoom

I use a set sometimes on my 105mm when I want to get really close in

Les :thumbs:
 
Lez325 said:
tubes and such are primarily for use on PRIME lenses - 35mm 50mm 85mm 105mm = ie fixed focal length lenses - without zoom

les :thumbs:
Click to expand...

Not at all - I use them regularly on my 70-300mm L IS USM zoom lens where they work perfectly and give excellent results.

It does feel a little odd at first because it's easier to use the zoom ring for focusing rather than focusing normally.

.
 
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carolthomasburns said:
Thanks Pete - I have been trying them with the 18-55mm and have managed to figure out what to do with them though I am getting a very shallow DOF - maybe its just with the 10x - will try the others another day :)
Click to expand...

All macros have a very small DOF which is why I usually use a small aperture and a flash even in daylight.

.
 
Hi Carol,

I paid £8 for 4 close up lenses for my 18-55 kit lens. The 10x lens is a waste of time, but the x2 and x4 are both pretty good, for the money (they cost £2 each!)

You will need to use a flash, and where possible a tripod.

Here are two examples
IMG_6347.jpg

025.jpg



They may not be as good as a Raynox, and definately not a proper macro lens, but for the money I think they are worth trying to get to grips with.

If you find you really like macro photography then go and buy something better. :)
 
Thanks Mike :) Great images there and Macro is something I want to get a go at :) I think they might just be the same as I bought :) Yes I have worked a bit more with them and found the 10x is pretty useless :lol: but the others seem to be ok ..... I also have a macro lens arriving in the next day or so, so looking forward to trying that out as well as them :)
 
Mike C said:
Hi Carol,

I paid £8 for 4 close up lenses for my 18-55 kit lens. The 10x lens is a waste of time, but the x2 and x4 are both pretty good, for the money (they cost £2 each!)

You will need to use a flash, and where possible a tripod.

Here are two examples

They may not be as good as a Raynox, and definately not a proper macro lens, but for the money I think they are worth trying to get to grips with.

If you find you really like macro photography then go and buy something better. :)
Click to expand...

Great shots and thanks for the info.
 
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