500D close up filter + 100-400mm L

[lensmen]

It has been a loooooong time since i setup the combination. Totally forgotten how it works and resulted in a frustrating afternoon at the flowershow.

I wanted close up, a la long macro prime style, with lots of blur back ground. But could not get it to focus anything sharp at all...

Appreciate a refresher here.

[Jon]

With the 500D mounted you won't be able to focus on anything over 500 mm (about 19") away, with the lens at infinity. Zooming will change magnification without changing focus, same as the lens does without the 500D in place and unlike extension tubes where zooming will change focus as well.

[c2thew]

a monopod would have worked pretty well for that situation since the 100-400 is sizeable lens, especially if you are going to use it for macro work. What you want to do is practice foot zooming your shots as the 500d is a fixed diopter filter. therefore, focusing relies on your feet.

[lensmen]

So the 100-400mm with the 500D has a very close minimal focusing distance ? and it is fixed ?

so I need to use foot to fine tune the focus . Yup. Will try that again at the flowers exhibition.

thanks

[Jon]

Any lens with a close-up lens attached has a maximum focusing distance equal to the focal length of that close-up lens. With the 500D on a 28 mm lens, you still wouldn't be able to focus further away than 500 mm. You can focus closer, but not further away.

[lensmen]

Any lens with a close-up lens attached has a maximum focusing distance equal to the focal length of that close-up lens. With the 500D on a 28 mm lens, you still wouldn't be able to focus further away than 500 mm. You can focus closer, but not further away.

Thanks Jon. I still can't remember how I was using the 500D like this, but it makes sense. Will try again today.

Cheers ^-^

[lensmen]

Retried the close up shots with flowers this afternoon.

It felt really good with the 500D on the 28-135mm, working properly.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/Snoopy88/Flowers/IMG_5060-1.jpg

Thanks for your help