Please be gentle

[niner]

I am wanting to get into macro photography without spending too much. Right now I only have the 17-85 kit lens that came with my 40D. I have read that it is not the best lens to use extension tubes with, but I never found any reasons as to why.

Also, what would, say, the 100mm f/2.8 macro lens offer me. I always thought that macro allows to be focuses at very small distances, that lens (per B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/194451-USA/Canon_4657A006_100mm_f_2_8_USM_Macro.html#specific ations)) minimum focal length is 1 ft, I can get closer that that with tubes.

I am not opposed to getting the 100mm f/2.8 macro lens as it seems to be highly recommended, but just not right now.

I don't think I am more into the 1:1 ratio as I am to making really small things big in my photos. I figured the tubes would help with that but I am not sure.

I think those are enough questions for now, I am sure I will have more in the future.

[El_Coyote]

The MP-3 65m is the best lens for getting really up and close to the subject, without having to fiddle with tubes and such. The problem with that one though, is the price tag.

[John_B]

niner,
A true macro lens usually has more sharpness with less aberrations then most other types of lenses. They are also better for flatter subjects. Also prime lenses are usually better then zoom lenses.

However extension tubes are cheaper and can give you true 1:1 life size macro with certain lenses. The negative with tubes is you will have less room between your subject and lens which could make it more difficult to get light to your subject.

If you go for tubes make sure they work with EF-S mounts if using it with your 17-85 ;)

[niner]

niner,
A true macro lens usually has more sharpness with less aberrations then most other types of lenses. They are also better for flatter subjects. Also prime lenses are usually better then zoom lenses.

However extension tubes are cheaper and can give you true 1:1 life size macro with certain lenses. The negative with tubes is you will have less room between your subject and lens which could make it more difficult to get light to your subject.

If you go for tubes make sure they work with EF-S mounts if using it with your 17-85 ;)

I have already been looking at tubes and trying to make sure they are EF-S compatible. I've read/heard the newer Kenkos are, but the older ones are not. :confused:

[LordV]

You are right about the Kenkos- I think some of the stock in WEestern countries is still the non-EF-S compatable versions. Kenkos from Hong Kong via Ebay will be EF-S compatable. If you are in the US then the pro-optic set from Adorama is compatable.
Another thing you could try is a body reversing ring for your lens. This will give you a zoom macro lens but with the disadvantage that you have to preset the aperture on the lens before reversing it (which results in a slightly dim viewfinder).

Brian V.

[phantelope]

also look at the 60mm macro, I really love that lens. It's a lot smaller and lighter than the 100mm too, which is nice as I practically only use it for macro. though it does fit nicely between my 17-55 and 70-200, I've yet to encounter a moment where I'd "need" to have 60mm instead of 55 or 70 :-)

If you do have an old 50mm lens (does not have to be Canon) sitting around, you can also play with reversing that (or any other lens in the 50-100 or so range). A route I might take before getting the MPE-65 - which is definitely on my shopping list. Just got displaced by some cooking gadgets for now~~

[Mike]

I have a really cheap setup. An old Pentax 50mm f/1.7 lens with a manual aperture ring (given free)converted to a canon mount by way of an ebay ring which cost a couple of quid and then mounted onto some ebay tubes that cost about £5. Everything has to be done manually - focus and aperture settings - but the results it gives are pretty good.

[niner]

Would those old/cheap lenses usually found in a box at the camera stores be a good way to get started for a reversed lens? Since they are mostly manual anyway I can set the aperture on them right?

[howzitboy]

diff between 50mm macro and 100mm macro is the "working" distance. with the 100mm, u wont be 1" away from your subject trying to shoot.

[LordV]

Would those old/cheap lenses usually found in a box at the camera stores be a good way to get started for a reversed lens? Since they are mostly manual anyway I can set the aperture on them right?

As long as they are in good condtion then yes they would be great for reversing :). I was using a 30 year old 50mm pentax lens when I was using one
Brian V.

[motleypixel]

I would say if the investment is minimal, then by all means try other methods before buying a dedicated prime macro but then if you can, rent a macro lens, say the EF-S 60mm macro or the 100mm 2.8 macro and compare...9 of 10 chance you'll never look back :)

-Roy