Macro setup - tubes or filters?

[Jonny]

Over the past few dark months here in the UK i have messed about with Macro shots with my 28-135MM lens and +4 close up filter. I hav enot been getting the real close up look that some guys on these forums get and i am now beginning to question my kit.

So my question is this: Extension tubes or Close Up Filters?

Which one will yeild the best results and get you real close? The kinda close where you can see flies eyes! Can you use both filters and tubes at the same time?

I am thinking that the 28-135 is not the best for this type of work so which of my lenses do you think would be best suited from my current stock listed in my sig at he bottom. i really don't want to spend anymore cash for a long while as i have spent nearly 4 grand in the last year!!!

Thanks guys

[RbnDave]

You might want to try the a Canon 500D close up filter on your 70-200 L. I used a 500D last summer on my Sigma 70-200 and got some nice macro shots. I am not sure of the exact magnification factor with that setup, but it gets close enough for large bugs like grasshoppers, dragonflies, and butterflies. I'd link a few examples, but pbase isn't working right now.

[iwatkins]

Kenko Extension tubes, set of 3 is about £80. In addition, it doesn't affect the image quality as there is no glass invovled unlike filters. Give em a pop. :)

Ian

[RbnDave]

i never used extension tubes so I can't comment on how well they work. Pbase is back up. Here are a few taken with Canon 500D

http://www.pbase.com/rbndave/image/29537809
http://www.pbase.com/rbndave/image/29968097
http://www.pbase.com/rbndave/image/29968110
http://www.pbase.com/rbndave/image/31350469

[billsh]

I've had good success with the extension tubes on my 70-200 2.8L. The only downside is the loss of light, but if your outside or using a tripod, that can be overcome. I purchased Kenko's since they were much cheaper and have had no problems.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Tubes first.

Actually the biggest plus for the 500D over the tubes IMHO is the ability to just screw the 500D to the front of your lens at anytime without having to remove the lens...

It not a huge deal.. but it seems a pain at times if your switcheing back and forth with the tubes.

Another advantage to tubes.. they are durable.. no glass. so when your swapping them around you can drop em in your pocket etc.. and not worry about damaging them. (of course you want to keep dust out of them though as it will eventually end up in your camera lens)

Agan. back to 500D.. another of it's advantages is portability. Definately smaller than a set of rings ...

[Scottes]

I love tubes, even though they're a bit of a pain when swapping them around. I like using them on long lenses (100-400L and 400L) which doesn't get me to 1:1 but the setup is great for butterflies or dragonflies and such.

I find the 500D very limiting in that you are "stuck" with needing to be between 18 to 22 inches from the subject. It just won't focus any closer than 18" or further than 20". Not very good for butterflies/dragonflies - but I've seen people do some absolutely incredible BF/DF pics with the 500D. So maybe I need to learn how to get closer.

Be aware that the 500D is made for longer lenses - it'll be fine on the 70-200 but the 28-135 would warrant a 250D.


My recomendation would also be tubes though. They don't magnify but let you get very close. Since the 28-135 already focuses quite close you should easily be able to get 1:1 - though you will probably have to be 5" from the subject...

[Jonny]

Thanks guys for some very helpful replies, it is much apprieciated.