Spring Time Macro

[D Boone]

Ok, well its getting warmer, so I am trying to get ready to do some macro photography of wildflowers and bugs. Has anyone flipped their kit lens like this?

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=007m6Z

Should I buy an extention tube and close up filters? Should I just buy a 65mm Canon macro lens for $$$800? Or the 100 for less and extention tubes? I would really like to get into extreme close ups, mostly of insects. Whats the best route to go?

[jacob]

Get the 100mm macro. You dont need an extention tube becauce the 100mm is 1:1 (as is the 65mm). With the 100mm you get a better working area. I plan to buy one soon.

[D Boone]

I don't mind having a dedicated macro lens... I keep thinking with the 100, I will get 1:1, but the 65 says it goes from 1:1 - 5:1!

[sid]

I dont own a macro lens yet, but from all the reading I've done on this forum it appears to be the best choice for a decent amount of money. (Of course, if you can afford it, the MPE-65 that Canon makes is probably as good if not better)
Now, with the 100mm macro, you can always use Kenko extension tubes as well as the 250D closeup filter for a greater magnification.

[gasrocks]

But the 65 is hard to use and you don't really need that power. Start with some extension tubes first - you will use those anyway. Try them on the lenses you have. The 100 macro is really the way to go though. Using extension tubes, close-up lenses, tele-extenders and the 100 macro you can get all thepower I think you'll ever need.

[D Boone]

Will the close up lenses hurt the quality of the image? What brand to get? B&H didn't seem to have a huge selection?

[sid]

Will the close up lenses hurt the quality of the image? What brand to get? B&H didn't seem to have a huge selection?
The Canon ones shouldnt. I'd suggest getting the 250D or the 500D. (Canon also makes the 250 and 500). The 250D is intended for lenses from 50-135mm and the 500D for 75-300mm.
Here's an excellent review:
http://www.rogercavanagh.com/helpinfo/18_500d-1.stm

[eosster]

I would buy EF 100mm F/2.8 Macro, my next choice of lens.