I want to learn Macro, where/how shall I start?

[Sagar]

I want to seriously take a stab at macro photography. But before I buy a macro lens in near future I would like to know where to start, how useful closeup lenses are and alike basic things about macro.

About my setup, to start with I will mostly have XSI+kit lens and 50/1.4. Shall I buy some closeup filters? which ones?

Please guys give me some good pointers :)

[HSK]

You could try close up filter, use a reversing ring or extension tubes.

Providing you get some Kenko tubes, you can still control the aperture, you lose that with cheap tubes.

and you lose control also with reversing rings, so that can become fiddly. And the light fall of with rings is immense, i found it more trouble than it was worth.

Filters, I'm not sure about...I've never tried, i'd like to myself... Raynox do a nice one a think, the 250? Not sure

[LordV]

Agree with above- I'd get a set of Kenko ext tubes and use them with your 50mm lens. Will give you slightly more magnification than a standard macro lens and you can use them with any macro lens you may get later.
Brian V.

[rrdjserv@earthlink.net]

Macro is not for everybody. Crawling on your belly, trying to approach, just to have the insect fly away a split second before you press the shutter button, can be frustrating. Extremely limited DOF, equipment cost, problems lighting your subject, are challenges you will have to overcome. Do not expect results like you have seen by some of these great photographers- certainly not right away.
Macro is fun and exciting, but you must pay your dues. Good luck. --Rick

[Sagar]

Thanks for the inputs Guys. I just ordered 60/2.8 macro an very excited to get it soon. Any tips on using this great lens most welcome :)