Macro Close Up Lens Kits?

[mantamark]

Had a quick search, but couldnt find anything on here, that might not be such a good thing...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MACRO-CLOSE-UP-LENSES-Canon-EF-50mm-F-1-8II-Brand-New_W0QQitemZ160222606449QQihZ006QQcategoryZ30070Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Are these any good?

I've got a 50mm lens on order, and these, if they do what they say, will add an extra angle to my new lens.

Funds are limited, but would it be better to leave these alone & save up for a decent macro lens?

Or is there something else on the market that would be better?

Many thanks.

Mark.

[John_B]

I've got a 50mm lens on order, and these, if they do what they say, will add an extra angle to my new lens.

Funds are limited, but would it be better to leave these alone & save up for a decent macro lens?

Or is there something else on the market that would be better?mantamark,
A true macro lens will always be better in quality and ease of use :)

I personally would rather have extension tubes for use with a 50mm lens then macro filters. Image quality would be better and they are usable with your future macro lens ;) They are higher in cost but some things are worth it, it was for me :)

[Woolburr]

Save your money...cheap "macro" filters are not the way to go. Save your cash for a set of extension tubes or for a dedicated macro lens.

[malla1962]

Filters are ok but you need to buy good ones.;)

[Sasquatch41]

Buy the Kenko extension ring set (3 rings) they will make any lens in your kit a macro lens. I use them regularly with my 70-200 f2.8 for very good macro pictures. I also use them on a macro rail bought off of ebay for $60 u.s., and a good tripod. Works great for me. Oh yes I also use them on the 85mm f1.8. Other than that, I would save up for the Sigma 150 f2.8 macro.

[gasrocks]

Yes, get ext. tubes instead of close-up lenses.

[mantamark]

Ok thanks, will look into the extension tubes instead.

Does quality differ with different tubes, and any recomended sizes i should get?

I assume they would be used with the 50mm?

Thanks for the advice.

Mark.

[gasrocks]

Build quality is the only issue with tubes, not IQ.

[Greg_C]

The Kenko tube set are very popular, I've got the set of three.

All you are paying for is the air inside them no glass so as gasrocks mentions the build is the important thing. The Canon tubes are very expensive compared to the thrid party versions.

There were some reports of dodgy release switches a while back. I've had the odd issue with my Kenko's with this but it has always been my fault - my hands had moved into a position where they bumped the release and the lens rotated slightly. Didn't fall off but I got 00 for a aperture.