What do I need for macro shots

[CarbonGoodies]

Hi guys, I could do with being able to take extreme close up shots of products. I have a 550d with the 18-55 lens and the nifty fifty. What else do I need to be able to take extreme close ups?

Thanks in advance guys.

Rick

 

[Phil789]

Macro lenses can be quite expensive.

I would try looking at a Raynox DCR-250 to start off with and see if macro is something you really want to go in to. You could get one of these for ~£40 and good results can be had with them

The DCR would attach to the front of either of your lenses. Would work well with the nifty fifty as it is a very sharp lens.

 

[Just Dave]

How small are the items your shooting?

 

[tezmed]

you could get a designated all singing and dancing macro lens, or acquire some extension tubes for about 10 quid (manual focus)/ 50 quid (auto focus), or just zoom right into what your taking with a tripod.... depends ultimately on what your trying to achieve and how much money you want to spend achieving it!!

 

[CarbonGoodies]

How small are the items your shooting?

The items vary quite a lot, some are tiny but others are quite large.

you could get a designated all singing and dancing macro lens, or acquire some extension tubes for about 10 quid (manual focus)/ 50 quid (auto focus), or just zoom right into what your taking with a tripod.... depends ultimately on what your trying to achieve and how much money you want to spend achieving it!!

It's more about getting the look of the carbon weave in detail which is quite small, even if it's a large item.

 

[modchild]

If you got a set of good extension tubes on your nifty fifty you will get some pretty good close ups, but you'll have to get right up close to your subject. You can also use the tubes with the 18-55 as well, though I've never tried it, you should get some good photos with that as well. It's worth spending the extra on the AF tubes as they are much easier than the manual ones.

After that you really need a dedicated macro lens which can cost anything from around £250 right up to £800, depending on how close you want to get. I've got a Canon 100 2.8 L macro and used to have the MP-E65 and with that I could get the eye of a sewing needle to about 12". It's not a cheap style of photography to be in to but it is very rewarding and you get to see things you never though possible.