Help a newb with macro techniques

[JimmyJam]

This babe in the woods just got an XTi for Christmas, along with the usual Canon kit lens, and a Sigma 70-300. Since I want to learn macro photography (gems and jewelry mainly, we're collectors) I'm trying to figure this all out. Before I went and spent $500 on a real macro lens (the Canon 100mm seems to be a fave...) I wanted to just try some other options. I bought a set of magnifier lenses that screw on the outside of a lens, and an extension ring set as well. But nothing seems to work the way I assume it should. With various combinations I can get really really close to my subject, but then I have lighting problems. I think I want to be able to have the camera about 6" to 8" or so away from the object, and still be able to focus in tight on it. Can I do this without a dedicated macro lens?

Or am I just cobbling all those attachments on wrong? Just a hint or two to get me started would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

[Mike4BekA]

Sorry I can't help with equipment you have as I used to have that same equipment and wanted to learn macro as well. All that equipment did was just make me want a real macro lens more. My suggestion is make sure you understand your settings and how your ISO, Appeture, and Exposure effect the shots. That was the best advice I got from some people here and I took the time to read through the camera manual and it did WONDERS for me.

The canon 100mm is a great lens as I have it however if you are just wanting to do indoor photography why not save some money and go with the Sigma macro.

[AirBrontosaurus]

First off, I would recommend not using the screw-on lenses at all. You're much better off (IMO) using the extension tubes only.

Put all of your tubes between the camera and the lens, and then set the lens to 70mm. Focus the lens to the MFD, and then you'll have a setup that'll go to about 1:1 (same as the Canon 100mm macro) and with relatively good image quality.

Lighting-wise, you'll either need a tripod or a flash or an incredibly bright, sunny day. Do you have an off-camera flash?

[tomd]

This thread might be helpful to you:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...&highlight=DIY

inexpensive options for a box and lighting. your camera will give excellent results.
Tom

[JimmyJam]

Thanks, Mike, Bronto and Tom for the quick replies. I've done a bit of research and the Sigma 105 and 150 seem to be very highly regarded in their price/performance range. Perhaps we'll have to save our pennies and see what transpires. I did purchase one of those SquarePerfect Lightbox sets with the 12" and 30" cubes and two CF lights, and I got one of those small Gorilla tripods, and a remote shutter release. I guess I just need to practice, practice, practice, as the saying goes - and I have read the manual, maybe a second or third time won't hurt.

I love the fact that I can shoot a bunch of images and then check them out right away - the last time I used SLR it was with a Canon 35MM film camera back in the 80s.

Thanks again for the tips.

Jim