best cheapest way to macro photography. too many options! help

[pkim1230]

Hi, I am looking into trying macro photography, and I have these gear:

T2i
10-20mm
18-55mm
55-250mm

using these, i wanted to do a cheap macro photography, but there are a lot of options I can do this, and I wanted to know what the best way is.
here are some options i've ran across:
1. Macro Coupler Ring using two lenses.
2. Macro Reverse ring using a single lens.
3. Cheap third party extension tubes such as: Link

Which way should I go about? I want some insect, flower macro photos.
And can I use the 10-20mm lens for macro photography in any way? Right now I'm assuming the only lens I can use for macro photography is the 18-55mm, or the 55-250.
And what is the easiest way considering I will have to manually adjust exposure? If I went with the macro coupler ring option, i have less to worry about, right?
Thanks!

[bior]

Of the options you've listed, the only I've used is a reverse ring on your 18-55mm lens. You will be unable to adjust the aperture on the lens, and the lens will only focus extremely close to the front (rear) element, but the adapter is about $15 and braindead simple to use. This method will achieve greater than 1:1 macro ability.

Your camera should be able to meter and autoexpose any of these methods, though. You will lose autofocus and aperture controls, but not exposure.

[silveradomike]

keep an eye on craigs list

[pkim1230]

Originally Posted by silveradomike

keep an eye on craigs list

i've bought a cheap extension tube from ebay, and it's arriving tomorrow.

[Drixar]

I have had some very impressive results using my 55-200mm zoom with this baby;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Raynox-RADCR...0592213&sr=8-1

its very impressive and quality is good aswell very small and can go onto almost any lens, not to mention its lightweight so will always be availble to you.

you can use the extension tube route which is fine aswell ive got impressive results from that too but the raynox really pushes ahead of the extensions in my opinion. rememeber with the extension tubes you dont have as much free will with the lens.

ive also tried extension tubes + zoom lens + raynox, alot of difference but IQ is somewhat sacrificed, its not bad but its not the best. i.e. EXTREAMLY small focus point...im finding it great for bugs but not any good for flowers/bigger insects. unless its the face/pollen/bud you want only.

extention tubes: £10 off of ebay/amazon

Raynox 250 macro conversion (comes with lens mount) : £41.00

personally id go raynox.

[Sep9000]

Originally Posted by bior

Of the options you've listed, the only I've used is a reverse ring on your 18-55mm lens. You will be unable to adjust the aperture on the lens, and the lens will only focus extremely close to the front (rear) element, but the adapter is about $15 and braindead simple to use. This method will achieve greater than 1:1 macro ability.

Your camera should be able to meter and autoexpose any of these methods, though. You will lose autofocus and aperture controls, but not exposure.

if I recall the way to change the aperture is to put it on properly, set the aperture to whatever you desire, take a shot, then reverse it.

[namtot]

the first way i shot macro was with some cheap extension tubes off ebay, i later sold them with a camera. the way im shooting macro now, is with two 50mm primes front to front, i honestly prefer it over the tubes but hey whatever floats ya boat.

[naomi105813]

Macro Coupler Ring using two lenses.