Two questions

[Dagwood56]

1 -- I presently have only one lens, a 50mm and I have a set of closeup filters, +1, +2, +4. What is the best magnification I can get using the +4 or stacking the filters on the 50mm? In other words, in relation to actual macro lens mm size [example: 85mm, 100mm etc.] I'll be trying to capture butterflies which I know will prove difficult and flowers.

2-- I'm finding myself limited now to doing a lot of tabletop photography, still life, [fruit, flowers in a vase, seashells] I need lighting, CHEAP lighting and wondered about how to convert two old desk lamps for table top use. Should I invest in a special type and watt of bulb, or will good old standard light bulbs work?

Thanks for your help.

 

[KVRNut]

You might try looking on this web page and that might help you find your answer.
Close-Up Lenses
I've tried using a 50 mm lens and magnifying diopters on insects with dismal results. Floral shots using this combination work but one has to be careful of blocking light due to close working distances. One problem I've found with using diopters is having the DOF hammered. Stacking diopters makes things worse and can soften hell out of a shot but then there are times when having a soft floral shot looks quite nice....

As far as lighting is concerned, I've used daylight balanced incandescent bulbs to get a nice warm antique color look on some desktop florals. Some low wattage (75 watt) halogen lights work fairly well too. Keeping in mind that most desk top lamps peak out at a maximum of 60 watts, you might be further ahead and safer if you got something like this 401011 Smith Victor 100-UL Economy Adapta-Lights and a photo flood. I think you'd be spending about the same amount of money after converting your desk lamps and you'd be using fixtures that are rated to safely handle the wattage of a photo flood.

Hope this helps you.

 

[Dagwood56]

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.