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OK guys have ordered the Sigma 150 macro. Also keen on the Canon 500D closeup lens.

Firstly, I figure used on the 80-400VR it will give me the reach I won't get from the Sigma 150 and allow a little more flexibility if trying to pack light by taking just the closeup lens with the telephoto to still give me macro capabilities.

Secondly I can attach the Canon 500D with a 77 to 72mm thread stepdown to the sigma 150 to give me some very closeup capability?

How's this logic and what are the pitfalls?

A further quandry I'd like to get some stepdown adapters to use the canon 500D and other 77mm filters I have with my 35-70 f/2.8 (62mm thread) and if possible the 500D with my 55mm micro nikkor (52mm thread or is this stepdown 77 to 52mm too much of a jump. My thinking is stepping down you are using the sweet spot of any lens?

Anyone tried any of the above before i go ahead and order?

cheers
marco

Oh dear. Sounds very complex!

What about a set of extension tubes? They will work on any lens (including your macro and your 80-400) and will give you closer focus, and better quality than a diopter in front of the lens. Saves you carrying a tonne of step-down rings (they would also probably mean you wouldn't be able to fit your lens hoods anymore).

You can pick up a set of Kenko ones for under $200.

marcotrov wrote:Firstly, I figure used on the 80-400VR it will give me the reach I won't get from the Sigma 150 and allow a little more flexibility if trying to pack light by taking just the closeup lens with the telephoto to still give me macro capabilities.


Secondly I can attach the Canon 500D with a 77 to 72mm thread stepdown to th2 sigma 150 to give me some very closeup capability?

It works on the 80-400Vr but I don't think, it'll give you more benefits on the Sigma 150, or you're asking too much

How's this logic and what are the pitfalls?

A further quandry I'd like to get some stepdown adapters to use the canon 500D and other 77mm filters I have with my 35-70 f/2.8 (62mm thread) and if possible the 500D with my 55mm micro nikkor (52mm thread or is this stepdown 77 to 52mm to much of a jump. My thinking is stepping down you are using the sweet spot of any lens?

How many stepdown ring do you need to bring the 77mm down to 52mm?
Like your ideas but it doesn't work.

OK it was a cunning plan when I imagined it
cheers
marco

marcotrov wrote:... Firstly, I figure used on the 80-400VR it will give me the reach I won't get from the Sigma 150 and allow a little more flexibility if trying to pack light by taking just the closeup lens with the telephoto to still give me macro capabilities.... cheers marco

G'day Marco,
I use the canon 500d on my 80-400 and I think the maximum focussing distance is only about 500mm... I assume a dedicated macro lens will allow you more distance than that? Dunno, never used a macro lens For that bee shot I posted the other day, I was only about 400mm away from the bee and @400mm focal length (I think).

Cheers mate...

Great shot it was too I believe the 150 macro minimum focus is 38cmm or so so the 50cm with the 500D and 80-400 combo, given the quality is also worth considering not to mention the fact that in 'go light' situations, as i said earlier the benefit of just humping a closeup lens as opposed to .5 kg macro might be worth the money.
cheers
marco