Close up filters

NikonD40 · Apr 22, 2012

Hey. I'm wanting to get into macro photography but I don' want to spend a lot of money and find that I don't like it. I was thinking of getting some close up filters just to try it out and see if I like it. How much would a single element degrade the quality of my picture? Two element? Also if any of you who have experience in macro photography could you please share some advice and tips you have picked up over the years. Thank you for any input.

480sparky · Apr 22, 2012

How much the image will degrade depends on the quality of the lens. Also, as a general rule.....the 'stronger' the magnification, the higher the IQ loss. There's cheap close-up lenses, and there's expensive close-up lenses.

NikonD40 · Apr 22, 2012

Could you recommend a good close up lens for a good price. Thanks.

480sparky · Apr 22, 2012

Hoya comes to mind. I'm sure there's others.

NikonD40 · Apr 22, 2012

Thanks. I'll check them out.

480sparky · Apr 22, 2012

I found out B+W makes 'em too.

NikonD40 · Apr 22, 2012

I can't see whether these are one or two element. Are there any markings that show which they are? If so which are they?
Used Hoya 52mm +4 Close Up Lens (Sold Separately) | eBay

480sparky · Apr 22, 2012

Beats me. I can't speak for ebay. Contact the seller and ask.

Overread · Apr 23, 2012

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/macro-photography/281132-how-shoot-macro-photos-budget.html

^^ have a read of that thread. If you want even more info scroll down further and STM has posted a link to a more in-depth answer on his own website.

Bukitimah · Apr 23, 2012

If your place sell Raynox, do give it a try. I am using Raynox DCR 250 and I am very please with the result.

TheFantasticG · Apr 23, 2012

IMO, the Canon 250D and 500D close up filters are top of the line. 250D is for the shorter lengths and the 500D is for the longer lengths. That's why I purchased the (a used) 500D close up filter. I got my use out of it but have since stopped since I got the Canon 65mm MP-E.

Overread · Apr 23, 2012

TheFantasticG said:
250D is for the shorter lengths and the 500D is for the longer lengths.

I'm confused by this statement since the only difference between the units is their diopter rating and the rating itself is simply a reflection of the power of the magnification they give.

Derrel · Apr 23, 2012

Canon 250D and Canon 500D are good, two-element achromatic close-up lenses (screw-in filters for those who are not familiar). Nikon's older out of production 5T (52mm) and 6T filters (62mm) are also good.

Raynox makes some good ones too, and I have seen a lot of fine work that was done with the Raynox products in on-line macro galleries. One if the nice things about using close-up filters on APS-C cameras is that the weaker-performing edge areas are NOT imaged by the crop-sensors!!!

Overread · Apr 23, 2012

*makes a note to dig his raynox out when/if/when he gets fullframe to test

*

TheFantasticG · Apr 23, 2012

Overread said:
TheFantasticG said:

250D is for the shorter lengths and the 500D is for the longer lengths.

Click to expand...

I'm confused by this statement since the only difference between the units is their diopter rating and the rating itself is simply a reflection of the power of the magnification they give.