close up lens info for macro shooters

[KerryPierce]

I just realized that I have probably mislead some people with my use of the Canon 500d on some of my lenses, specifically the 80-400vr. My use of the Canon 500d is primarily due to the fact that it is the only diopter available in a large size, specifically 77mm thread. I also have the Canon 250d and 500d in 58mm thread, that I used on my Sony.

Several people have asked me questions and advice on the use of closeup lenses and I've given the info that I had, but failed to take into account the other closeup lenses that are available.

OnePutt once asked me about using the 500d on his 70-200vr, stating that his photos were different, meaning less magnification.

My answer to him was that the 500d would only give 1:2 magnification at 200mm. That is correct.

However, Canon also makes a 250d, (+4 diopter) which is twice the magnification of the 500d (+2 diopter). Anyone that wants to get 1:1 or higher magnification with a 200mm lens should use the 250d 58mm thread or the Nikon 6T 62mm thread (+2.9)

For higher magnifications, you can also stack these lenses. The highest diopter should go closest to the lens.

The pitfalls are that you have much less working distance with the shorter lenses and/or stacking the diopters. Of course, the higher the magnification, the more shallow the DOF.

My sincere apologies to any of you who I may have misled. I have to obtain some step down rings to 58mm to show you some examples with the smaller sized lenses that I have. I don't know how much vignetting there might be on the larger teles with 77mm threads, but I'll do tests on several different lenses. Of course, the 70-200 will be the f/2.8 Sigma, since I don't have the Nikkor VR.

For those of you that would be happy with the same or less magnification and smaller lenses, the Nikon 5T is a +2 diopter and the 6T is a +2.9 diopter, that are cheaper than the Canon lenses.

[leek]

My use of the Canon 500d is primarily due to the fact that it is the only diopter available in a large size, specifically 77mm thread. I also have the Canon 250d and 500d in 58mm thread, that I used on my Sony.

Hoya makes diopters for the 77mm thread too (+1, +2 & +4)... I'm not sure how they rate quality wise against the Canon filters, but I've been having a lot of fun with them...

[KerryPierce]

My use of the Canon 500d is primarily due to the fact that it is the only diopter available in a large size, specifically 77mm thread. I also have the Canon 250d and 500d in 58mm thread, that I used on my Sony.

Hoya makes diopters for the 77mm thread too (+1, +2 & +4)... I'm not sure how they rate quality wise against the Canon filters, but I've been having a lot of fun with them...

Yes, I also have a set of the Hoya lenses in 58mm, I think, maybe 52mm. The Nikons and Canons that I mentioned are apochromatic (IIRC) lenses, meaning they are dual element lenses and have magic stuff in them to reduce flare, aberrations and other nasty stuff.

The Hoya lenses are single element and do exhibit flare and CA, blooming issues more than the dual element lenses do.

That said, they do work and I think the full set can be had cheaper than the Canon 500d. They are certainly good enough to set the hook for birddog to sell you a true macro lens at some point in the future.

[birddog114]

My use of the Canon 500d is primarily due to the fact that it is the only diopter available in a large size, specifically 77mm thread. I also have the Canon 250d and 500d in 58mm thread, that I used on my Sony.

Hoya makes diopters for the 77mm thread too (+1, +2 & +4)... I'm not sure how they rate quality wise against the Canon filters, but I've been having a lot of fun with them...

Yes, I also have a set of the Hoya lenses in 58mm, I think, maybe 52mm. The Nikons and Canons that I mentioned are apochromatic (IIRC) lenses, meaning they are dual element lenses and have magic stuff in them to reduce flare, aberrations and other nasty stuff.

The Hoya lenses are single element and do exhibit flare and CA, blooming issues more than the dual element lenses do.

That said, they do work and I think the full set can be had cheaper than the Canon 500d. They are certainly good enough to set the hook for birddog to sell you a true macro lens at some point in the future.

Thanks Kerry!!!!!

[Digidegs]

Hi guys

I am looking to satisfy the lust bug once again, this time for a macro lens.
What would be a nice lens for a start in some macro work?

Cheers
Albert

[cameraguy21773]

Hi guys

I am looking to satisfy the lust bug once again, this time for a macro lens.
What would be a nice lens for a start in some macro work?

Cheers
Albert

The two best macro lenses I've ever used were the Pentax A* SMC 200 f4 Macro and the Kiron 28-85 f2.8-3.3 Macro until ... I moved to Nikon when I went digital and discovered the Sigma EX 150 f2.8 Macro last fall. It's an excellent mid-range telephoto too.

[Oneputt]

As Kerrie said I also have the Canon 500D close up lens, and whilst it works well with the 80-400VR it is still not a substitute (in my opinion) for a dedicated Macro lens with a decent focal length. However if you have this lens and cannot afford a decent macro it is a good substitute.

[leek]

I have the Nikkor 105mm Micro and have been very happy with the macro shots that it can take... As you may have seen, I have also started playing around with close-up filters both on the front of the 105, but also on the 80-400VR... While the Hoya close-up filters may not be the best - I have had some fun with them and have captured many great images so far...

[birddog114]

John & John,
Do you know what is next should both of you get for macro?

A fresh brand new Nikkor 75-300 micro! that's top!!!!!!

[KerryPierce]

Hi guys

I am looking to satisfy the lust bug once again, this time for a macro lens.
What would be a nice lens for a start in some macro work?

Cheers
Albert

Hi Albert,

There are lots of solutions, depending on how much money you want to spend and what type of subjects you want to shoot.

For insects, the longer the working distance, the better, so the 150mm to 200mm range would be best.

Otherwise, it just depends on your tastes in glass, budget and how much work you want to put into it.

[Oneputt]

Birddog Maxwells do not even list that lens