Newbie Seeking Advice on Macro Attachments for My Lense

[bretthickman]

Hello, I am interested in achieving some higher quality macro shots. I shoot with the eos350. My lenses include the kit lense (EFS-18-55), the Sigma (APO DG 70-300mm 1:4-5.6) and my favorite, the (Cannon EF 50mm 1:1.8 II). I want to take some fantastic macro photos of insects per se. I believe my best lense is the cannon 50mm 1.8, although my sigma isn't bad. I hear there are attachments to add to my lense to make it macro? Can anyone suggest some nice quality macro attachments, without an insane price? Also, if I am not using a telephoto, am I likely then to scare of the creature I wish to take a photo of?

Thanks
Brett

[Jon]

Best bet would be a set of extension tubes - around $150. They'll get your 50 to about life-size (1:1). But you'll be awful close to them and will probably spook them, especially the smaller ones.

[AirBrontosaurus]

Put the tubes on your Sigma 70-300, and set the sigma to 70mm and focus at infinity. You'll get a little over 1:1 magnification, and 3-4 inches working distance, which is OK for most bugs.

That is the setup I learned on, and you can get some great macros with it. Eventually, you'll want to get a dedicated macro lens, but until then extension tubes are a great middle-ground.

[angryhampster]

If you get tubes, look on ebay. I got mine from some company based out of Hong Kong for $90. They were brand new and in perfect condition.