New Boy, Which lens ?

Hi all,
I'm new, had my 350D twin lens kit a few months now and just found this site,
the photo below was my first go at "close up" with the 18-55 lens, resized and cropped.
I would like to have a go at "macro" for real, but with the cost of the lenses I think I may try a canon 250 close up lens or something similar to start with.
any ideas on the lens, comments on the photo all welcome good or bad.
Thanks
Ned
PS anyone know anything about the lenses from " Opteka Factory Direct"
on e-bay.

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G'day Ned...where are you? Welcome....I'm only a newbie myself...but there are some really talented folk around here (as evidenced by the shots) who you should ask for help...I'm still in awe of the talent...Have you checked out prices for the Tamron macros?

Good shot- would have been nice perhaps to see a bit more of the bee, but it actually makes a lovely composition as it is.
If you are not certain about your interest in Macro then some cheapish dioptre lenses may be the way to go, but of course nothing beats a real macro lens for image quality and versatility. All the macro lenses from the major manufacturers are good (up to L lens in optical quality), otherwise another route to take is to get the 50mm F1.8 lens and a set of Kenko extension rings.
Brian V.

OK Lord v,
This ones for you, taken at the same time but coming in to land !!
the first one was meant to look as if looking over the top at the camera,
I like it because I think it may make people look at the photo bit longer !!
thanks for your comments.
ps still not sure about the lens, it's a can of worms trying to do the best thing !!

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Nikon 3T & 4T close up lenses are cheaper than the Canon and just as good. (52mm thread).
Dont buy real cheapies like Hoya/Jessops - you will be disappointed.

Thanks for that Ned- bees are in fact pretty hard subjects because they never stay still!
Brian V.

WELCOME to the forum Ned. It looks like you're off to a good start with these two shots.
-Bruce

Just be careful when you buy a 52mm thread lens as most Canon lens start with 58mm. If you buy 52, then you will have vignetting as you use a step-down ring.

My advise is to get a true macro lens if you can afford it. If you can't afford Canon's 100mm, then try the 50mm. The advantage with the 100mm is that you can have greater distance between you and your subect (very usefule and almost required when working with insects).

Of course, there's aftermarket lens from Sigma, Tokina, or Tamron. The Tamron 90mm receives high praises from many of its owners.

True, the 52mm thread is suited to the 50mm standard lens and the 60EFS macro but as you say will be too small for othere lenses like the kit lens. Extension tubes probably a decent option for the latter.

Hi all,
Made my mind up, good or bad, right or wrong, I have ordered a Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro, when I start taking close up's I will be asking all sorts of silly things so please be patient with me.
Ned
ps What started me off was Lord V's marco of a bluebottle, see link !!! https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=114863

Congrats on the lens
Should be a good investment- supposed to be the best all round performing macro lens in the 100mm range.
But don't blame me for you spending all your money
Hope to see some of your shots using this shortly.
Brian V.

It looks like you ordered an awesome macro lens for sure. I would love to have it.

Good luck to you and welcome to POTN!