Macro -- Do you have to have a Macro lens?? Basic question

[MTHall720]

This may sound ignorant on my part, but I am unclear about this. For example, if I wanted to take a real close up shot of the nib (the writing tip) of a fountain pen would it require a dedicated macro lens?

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

 

[480sparky39 38]

No. You can use 'close-up' lenses, extension tubes, a bellows, a reversing ring.........

 

[Derrel]

You could even try free-hand holding of a reverse-oriented lens against the camera's mount...

 

[480sparky39 38]

Peruse this thread.

 

[480sparky39 38]

Close-up lenses:

Extension tubes:

Reverse a lens:

Reverse a lens on extension tubes:

Bellows:

 

[petrochemist115 140]

There's also mounting a wide angle lens in front of a longer lens. I've managed 6x life size with this trick

All the above techniques can produce excellent images, but even with a macro lens good results can be tricky to get.

 

[Jeff1546 46]

I do not do much macro so when I do I use extension tubes.....

 

[Call_me_Tom]

Depending on the lens have a look at the Canon 250D and 500D filters.

 

[MTHall720]

Thanks so much everyone.

 

[snowbear114 46]

What pen?

Macro lens

DSC_6613.jpg by Charlie Wrenn, on Flickr

 

[MTHall720]

That fountain pen looks great! I enjoy writing with a fountain pen a lot.

 

[Rinderart]

First question. How close do you wanna do? wanna Just Play around?....or do it as good as you can?

 

[MTHall720]

To be honest I haven't decided how close yet but want to be fairly close.

 

[480sparky39 38]

You don't want to get too close. You'll run into lighting problems.

 

[Rinderart]

One of My clients Is the French Government. I shoot The Parts for the Hadron Collider. these are 1/8 in to 2 Inches. Made of precious metal. what subjects do you see yourself doing?? a Normal distance would be a Old version Tamron 90 2.8 One Of the sharpest Made. And If ya wanna get serious?. you need a Micro focusing Rail system.there are many versions and Options.
Choosing the Best Focusing Rail for Macro Photography - LensVid.com