Shooting macro

[smag4life]

Hi,
I'm really interested in doing some macro work, but at the price I'm seeing for macro lenses, I simply don't think I can justify spending that much on a lens to SWMBO, especially considering I just dropped $900 on my camera, lenses and accessory pack. So can I do macro shots with standard lenses or do I need a dedicated macro lens? Thanks.

-AJ

 

[Jarmo]

Well you could buy extension tubes. They are not too expensive.

 

[Edsport]

Extension tubes for your existing lens as suggested is a good cheaper way to go. You can get them without electronics which will let you choose aperture settings etc or with electronics...

 

[oldmacman]

Ditto on tubes and bellows. Ebay is a great source for cheap stuff that lets you try out whether macro is for you.

 

[eccs19]

Tubes are a definite yes as suggested. If you really want to blow some money, get some tubes & a 50mm lens. This was taken with a $30 50mm F2 and $15 tubes. If you've got a tripod, you may also want to consider at some point a set of focusing rails. Using just a tripod is good, but focusing macro can be challenging.

 

[Ron Evers]

A set of 3 extension tubes will give you 7 different levels of magnification with one lens.

 

[table1349]

As others have said, a set of these: Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG for Canon EOS Lens AEXTUBEDGC are an excellent way to get into macro at a reasonable price. If you find you love macro then save the money for a good macro lens. If you don't the Kenko tubes hold their value very well, since there is really nothing screw up with them, and you can sell them and recover your money.

You can also use them on a dedicated macro lens once you have one. It is amazing how close you can get with the 100mm f2.8 Macro lens attached to a set of tube. DOF is hair thin, literally but can be very fun.

Get the ones that fit your body. I posted the Canon because they are what I have and you didn't list your system.

 

[smag4life]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll definitely look into getting some tubes. eccs19, where did you get a 50mm lens for $30? I can't seem to find on, at least not one for my camera, for under $150.

-AJ

 

[Ron Evers]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll definitely look into getting some tubes. eccs19, where did you get a 50mm lens for $30? I can't seem to find on, at least not one for my camera, for under $150.

-AJ

I think I can answer that. Correct me if I am mistaken Mark. I think he is actually speaking of a Helios 44-2 a 58mm f2.0 in M42 screw mount. They can be had on eBay for under $40 & are a very sharp Soviet lens. You would need a M42 to whatever camera adapter to use it. I have one & can attest to its sharpness. One of my favs in the 50mm range.