What to do: Wide-angle macro shooting?

[Hatem Eldoronki]

I was trying to look into shooting macro shots with wide-angle capability. In fact, I'm looking forward to have my shots showing moderate to heavy distortion (as an artistic way) to accomplish my goal.
I thought that by attaching extension tubes to my 17-40mm lens that I would achieve this, but even with the 12mm tube, I get nothing in focus.
So has anybody had any experience with this? Should I go for a Tilt-shift lens (although I know nothing about its macro capability), or get a wide-angle adapter and slap it on my 100mm macro lens? I am gonna shoot Matchbox cars, and similarly-sized objects..
All replies are appreciated.

[DaveG]

I was trying to look into shooting macro shots with wide-angle capability. In fact, I'm looking forward to have my shots showing moderate to heavy distortion (as an artistic way) to accomplish my goal.
I thought that by attaching extension tubes to my 17-40mm lens that I would achieve this, but even with the 12mm tube, I get nothing in focus.
So has anybody had any experience with this? Should I go for a Tilt-shift lens (although I know nothing about its macro capability), or get a wide-angle adapter and slap it on my 100mm macro lens? I am gonna shoot Matchbox cars, and similarly-sized objects..
All replies are appreciated.

As much as I dislike close-up filters, they sound like they might be a solution to your problem. You don't say what camera you are using but if it's a 20D then the 10-22 with a close up filter should give you plenty of close up AND distortion.

It does seem like a lot of effort for what is likely to be a one trick pony shot. Perhaps Free Transform in Photoshop would add the artistic distortion that you are looking for, and then you'd merely need a macro lens of some kind.

[Hatem Eldoronki]

I'm using a 20D. I'll be doing most of my work with that setup, so, it's not a one-shot deal. I've used PS Transform tool, and was not too excited about the outcome, and that's why I'm willing to spend as much as this setup would cost to get the perfect result. (I'm of course getting paid for this, so money is not an issue)
I thought about the 10-22mm lens, but don't want to buy it, since I'm getting a 1DS MkII soon.
Thanks for your reply.

[HKFEVER]

Try 15mm Fisheye.:confused:

[pcasciola]

I'm not sure about the macro capability, but what about the Sigma 8mm circular fisheye?

There are several pages of examples here, some with cars if you page through:
http://www.pbase.com/cameras/sigma/8_4_ex_circular_fisheye

[DaveG]

I'm using a 20D. I'll be doing most of my work with that setup, so, it's not a one-shot deal. I've used PS Transform tool, and was not too excited about the outcome, and that's why I'm willing to spend as much as this setup would cost to get the perfect result. (I'm of course getting paid for this, so money is not an issue)
I thought about the 10-22mm lens, but don't want to buy it, since I'm getting a 1DS MkII soon.
Thanks for your reply.

Same thing but 16-35.