Sigma 180 macro + (Closeup diopter or Ext. Tubes??)

[NikonUser]

Hi there everyone,

I've decided that I haven't shot nearly enough macro lately (macro insects are one of my favourite subjects and I only have a handful of shots to show for it)...

I'd like to go closer than the 1:1 that my sigma 180mm macro offers... Can anyone offer me any advice as to weather I should go with extension tubes or a closeup diopter (5t,6t...etc)

I will be getting both eventually as I need the extension tubes for my 500mm f4 (closer focusing).

Sample shots of a 180mm macro (or the 200 nikkor) with either diopters or tubes would be greatly appreciated (uncropped so I can guage properly).

Any advice?

Thanks
Paul

[spartikus]

Try PM'ing KerryPierce - he's posted a stack of macro shots here with Sigma macro lenses (can't remember if it's the 180mm specifically)..

[fozzie]

This is one of Kerry Pierce's latest shots with the [url=http://www.d70users.net/viewtopic.php?t=8881&sid=e1530740407da4d99bfc42aefc559658]Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX APO Macro IF HSM
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He uses the closeup filter ie. [url=http://www.d70users.net/viewtopic.php?t=8725]Canon 500D on the Nikon AF 80-400VR f/4.5-5.6D
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[KerryPierce]

I'd like to go closer than the 1:1 that my sigma 180mm macro offers... Can anyone offer me any advice as to weather I should go with extension tubes or a closeup diopter (5t,6t...etc)

Sample shots of a 180mm macro (or the 200 nikkor) with either diopters or tubes would be greatly appreciated (uncropped so I can guage properly).

Hi Paul,

I've posted a number of Sigma 180 macro samples in the image review section, using both the Canon 500d closeup lens and the Sigma 1.4x TC. None of those shots are cropped other than for aspect ratio. My "New Stuff" gallery has more samples.

Using either of those will get you to approximately 1.4:1 magnification, IIRC. Combining them gets you close to 2:1.

I have the Kenko extension tube set, but haven't used it on the Sigma. I prefer to use the TC and/or the 500d.

[pippin88]

Or you could use a reversed lens on the front.