Quick Macro Question

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statonb

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Hi all,
A quick beginners question:
I read in a photo magazine that there is a relatively cheap gadget you can fit to the end of your lens that allows you to take closer macro photos if you don't want to fork out for a proper macro lens. I looked for the article again the other day but I can't find it. I don't know what this gadget is called - please would you enlighten me?
Many thanks.
 
I don't know the thing in question, but if you've got a kit lens or similar, you could always try a reversing ring from Ebay??
 
I use the Raynox DCR250 with my 55-250, it vignettes at anything under about 75-80mm on that lens and the kit lens (58mm filter threads), but works a treat on the nifty fifty. The Raynox is a triplet so ought to have pretty good CA correction. There are others that are singlet's but I don't know anything about them, and the Canon D500 (I think) which is a doublet. The Raynox is a little more expensive but it works great.
 
There is such a thing as a close up filter that will screw on the front of your lens, which allows the lens to focus closer than normal. Some filters are of dubious optical quality though, and unless you use a Cokin type filter holder, you will need a separate filter for different lenses if you intend to use more than one lens and they have different filter sizes.

Another relatively cheap alternative, that doesn't introduce any more glass in to the equation, are extension tubes. These usually come in a set of three of differing sizes, and can be used individually or stacked together to give differing levels of magnification. The other advantage of tubes is you only need one set as they can be used with all your lenses.
 
Another vote for the Raynox DCR-250. It's cheap as chips, gets you very close, absolute doddle to use, and can produce some amazing results :thumbs: For the money, it's a rare bargain.

Edit: it's just a good quality, high power close up 'filter' (+8 diopters) fitted in a handy adjustable clip mount that fits most lenses. (They are not filters at all, but supplementary lenses that screw in to the filter thread.)
 
This is good stuff - thanks all! The links were very useful too - I saw some impressive Raynox M250 macro shots that I would be very happy with indeed.

Any idea if the Raynox M250 will be any good with a Canon D500 (kit EF-S 18-55mm IS lens, or Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS zoom lens)?

That raises another question too - is there a rule of thumb about the best focal length to use with one of these filters? For example, should I zoom in as much as possible to get the best results, or are these filters capable of producing good results at any focal length? (I hope I'm using the right terminology there!?) My novice assumption would be to zoom in as much as your lens allows, and to adjust the cameras position from the subject as necessary to compose the shot. It's never that simple though - I bet the answer will be 'depends on the lens'!
 
I use my raynox with my 55-250 and it works great. At about 100mm you get 1:1 and so on from there. So at 250mm you're gettin about 2.5:1 (if I've got the ratio the right way around or at least 2.5x magnification. I use whatever fl gives me the image I'm trying to achieve.
 
Just ordered a Raynox DCR-250. Thank you everyone for all your advice. :thumbs:
 
statonb said:
This is good stuff - thanks all! The links were very useful too - I saw some impressive Raynox M250 macro shots that I would be very happy with indeed.

Any idea if the Raynox M250 will be any good with a Canon D500 (kit EF-S 18-55mm IS lens, or Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS zoom lens)?

That raises another question too - is there a rule of thumb about the best focal length to use with one of these filters? For example, should I zoom in as much as possible to get the best results, or are these filters capable of producing good results at any focal length? (I hope I'm using the right terminology there!?) My novice assumption would be to zoom in as much as your lens allows, and to adjust the cameras position from the subject as necessary to compose the shot. It's never that simple though - I bet the answer will be 'depends on the lens'!
Click to expand...

It's not a filter ;)

Works fine with either lens. Prolly best on the 55-250 as you can get most magnification, or if you don't want ultra close, get a bit more distance between the lens and the subject, to let some light on it.

When super close, set focus to manual and rock your body back and forth for the sharpest point. Depth of field is miniscule, like a couple of mms, so you'll need to use a higher f/number to increase that a bit, which also helps with overall image quality, but means a longer shutter speed, which means maybe a tripod, or flash. Macro can be tricky... :)
 
There is a trick you can use to help with getting focus, have a look at http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=166850 My only concern with it, as the lens starts to hunt a little as it gets near focus is if there is any risk to the AF motors, but it works superbly well between 100 and 150mm, the DOF is so small at 250mm that I think I've not worked out the best motion speed for moving the camera as yet cos I keep missing even with this.
 
Hi all. Resurrecting this thread just to say that I bought the Raynox 250 and I was not disappointed! Really easy to use and excellent results. Can't complain, especially for the price. Thank you to everyone for the advice.
 
statonb said:
Hi all. Resurrecting this thread just to say that I bought the Raynox 250 and I was not disappointed! Really easy to use and excellent results. Can't complain, especially for the price. Thank you to everyone for the advice.
Click to expand...

That's good to hear :) :thumbs:
 
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