Close up filter vs. Macro lens

GlitterPhotography · 29th of June 2007 (Fri)

Has anyone had any sucess with close-up filters? How do they compare to a macro lens? I just don't want to have to carry another lens (and purchase one) only to use for 1-2 shots in an entire day.

GertS · 29th of June 2007 (Fri)

I used my close up filter on a 24-70L. Well, focusing is difficult, you need a tripod as smallest movements result immediately in unsharpness.

Use now the 100 / 2.8 macro instead of the filters.

I'm thinking of selling the close up filters again.

Just my 0.02 $

1000arms · 29th of June 2007 (Fri)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlitterPhotography

Has anyone had any sucess with close-up filters? How do they compare to a macro lens? I just don't want to have to carry another lens (and purchase one) only to use for 1-2 shots in an entire day.

Find a good camera store with a Canon 250D screw on close up lense and try it in the store with your gear. Bring your own photo subjects, and then you can take time later to figure out if it works for you. I started with the 250D, and have found it useful. I have since picked up 75mm of extension tubes, but I am keeping the 250D as well. The 250D and a step down ring work well and take up little room.

rang · 29th of June 2007 (Fri)

I have the Canon 500D achromate close up lens and have tried it on several lens. It works ok. Not as sharp as a dedicated macro lens but a lot less weight and space to bring along in the vest or on the belt or in a bag.

Also have the cheaper achros that come in sets of three. Lot's cheaper but you definitely get what you pay for. I gave them to my kid to use with his XT.

I bought the Tammy 90 2.8 macro and like it for a dedicated macro lens good bang for buck. Team it up with a Sigma EM140 ring flash and combo works great. Light weight and the Sigma supports modeling mode so objects have some 3Dimentionality to them.

howzitboy · 29th of June 2007 (Fri)

id rather use the filters, but i use a macro lens (rarely). its either carry another lens or take your time screwing that rotten filter on and off. I always seem to cross thread them and it wont fit lol.

i loved the hasselblad ones, easy on, easy off *sigh*

sblais · 29th of June 2007 (Fri)

From my personal experience, close-up filters s*ck! Get a macro lens. The focus plane will be straight, not curved! If you want cheap macro, get some macro tubes and a nifty fifty! (e.g. Kenko extension tubes, etc)

29th of June 2007 (Fri)	#1
GlitterPhotography Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 81	Close up filter vs. Macro lens Has anyone had any sucess with close-up filters? How do they compare to a macro lens? I just don't want to have to carry another lens (and purchase one) only to use for 1-2 shots in an entire day. __________________ Canon 5D, 2x20D Canon 16-35L II,Canon 24-105LIS4, Canon 70-200L f/2.8 IS, Canon 10-22 f/3.5-4.5, Canon 17-55, Canon 50 f/1.4

29th of June 2007 (Fri)	#2
GertS Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Gone Posts: 353 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Close up filter vs. Macro lens I used my close up filter on a 24-70L. Well, focusing is difficult, you need a tripod as smallest movements result immediately in unsharpness. Use now the 100 / 2.8 macro instead of the filters. I'm thinking of selling the close up filters again. Just my 0.02 $ __________________ - left forum in protest -

29th of June 2007 (Fri)	#4
rang Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,202	Re: Close up filter vs. Macro lens I have the Canon 500D achromate close up lens and have tried it on several lens. It works ok. Not as sharp as a dedicated macro lens but a lot less weight and space to bring along in the vest or on the belt or in a bag. Also have the cheaper achros that come in sets of three. Lot's cheaper but you definitely get what you pay for. I gave them to my kid to use with his XT. I bought the Tammy 90 2.8 macro and like it for a dedicated macro lens good bang for buck. Team it up with a Sigma EM140 ring flash and combo works great. Light weight and the Sigma supports modeling mode so objects have some 3Dimentionality to them. __________________ Gripped 5D/30D/XTi/XT (modded for IR)/G9/S45 \|Tokina 12-24\|17-40L\|24-105 L\| 70-200 L\|100-400L\|MPE65\|Tammy 90 2.8 Macro\|50 1.4\|20 2.8\| 15 2.8FE\| Tammy 28-300/18-270 VC's\|Tammy 200-500\| Kenko ext tube sets\|Tamron 1.4/2.0 TC(s)\| Lensbabies 3G/2\|580(I&II)/430EX's\|STE2\|MT24EX\| Sigma EM140/Orbis ring flashes\| Zigview S2C/B/A/R \| Lensmate C-Pl/TF/WA/Phoenix Fisheye \| 270/220EX \| Bushhawk, Plethora of leg(s), mounts, heads, etc.

29th of June 2007 (Fri)	#5
howzitboy Goldmember Join Date: May 2007 Location: Hawaii Posts: 2,122 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Close up filter vs. Macro lens id rather use the filters, but i use a macro lens (rarely). its either carry another lens or take your time screwing that rotten filter on and off. I always seem to cross thread them and it wont fit lol. i loved the hasselblad ones, easy on, easy off sigh

29th of June 2007 (Fri)	#6
sblais I am silly Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ottawa, ON (Canada, eh!) Posts: 3,508 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Close up filter vs. Macro lens From my personal experience, close-up filters s*ck! Get a macro lens. The focus plane will be straight, not curved! If you want cheap macro, get some macro tubes and a nifty fifty! (e.g. Kenko extension tubes, etc) __________________ Sebastien Ottawa, Ontario Wedding Photographer \| Gear List \| There are no great men, only great challenges that ordinary men are forced by circumstances to meet. -- Admiral William Halsey

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