Close up filter or Ext Tube? Suggestion needed

[Leonardo]

Hi All,
I would like to start with some macro pics, but before moving with a real macreo lens I would check if this is really interesting to me.
I read something related to Close up filter (+4 or even +6), the Ext Tube and the TC (x2), that seems to be a good idea to start without investing a fortune in the lens.

I have no idea about the differences on those items. I really appreciate if any guru here can give some suggestion/advice.

Is it possible to know about pros & cons and price of the 3 items above?

Thanks a lot. Cheers

 

[fuwen]

Short answers.

For me I do not recommend using TC for macro shots.

If budget is a concern, then close up filer > macro tubes.

If budget is not a concern, then macro lens > macro tubes + 50mm std lens > close up filters

 

[ortega]

tamron 90 macro 2nd hand

 

[Leonardo]

Short answers.

For me I do not recommend using TC for macro shots.

If budget is a concern, then close up filer > macro tubes.

If budget is not a concern, then macro lens > macro tubes + 50mm std lens > close up filters

Hi fuwen tks for your feedback.

I agree that the specific macro lens is the best solution, but before moving and buy I prefer to be sure that I really enjoy macro.
Considering the close up filter could be a good start. Isn't it?

Cheers

 

[Leonardo]

tamron 90 macro 2nd hand

Hi ortega nice to read you here.
So no way to start with the close up filter? Why you have this categorical judgment?

I agree with you that macro lens is better, but from the other side cost more than the filter.
Isn't it?

Cheers

 

[Scaglietti]

Check this link...

http://www.jimdoty.com/Tips/Closeup/closeup.html

 

[Leonardo]

Check this link...

http://www.jimdoty.com/Tips/Closeup/closeup.html

Hi Scaglietti tks, interesting.

 

[Leonardo]

I'm still on this.
From my reading I understood that also the extension tube (that comes with 3 pcs) is useful for macro.

Now I start to get confused.

To summarize the best solution for macro is to use the macro lens, than in case I would like to magnify the subject I have to use the ext tube (which of the 3 pcs to be used?)?
Is this correct?

So why not to use the ext tube with other lens like 18-200 mm? May I get some good result?

Perhaps some guru here can help. Thanks for your advice helping me to understand.

Cheers

 

[zac08]

I'm still on this.
From my reading I understood that also the extension tube (that comes with 3 pcs) is useful for macro.

Now I start to get confused.

To summarize the best solution for macro is to use the macro lens, than in case I would like to magnify the subject I have to use the ext tube (which of the 3 pcs to be used?)?
Is this correct?

So why not to use the ext tube with other lens like 18-200 mm? May I get some good result?

Perhaps some guru here can help. Thanks for your advice helping me to understand.

Cheers

If I didn't recall wrongly, using an extension tube on certain lenses like Nikon 18-200 may cause the focal point to be lost inside the lens itself and therefore rendering it useless for the function you want to use it for.


regards,

 

[zac08]

And one of the cheapest ways to get a macro is to use reverse lens mounting.

I.e. get a 50mm f1.8 lens and reverse mount it via a BR-2A onto the camera. You'd have to keep the aperture at wide open (f1.8) and move the camera forwards and backwards to get the focus correct.


Cheers,

 

[Artosoft]

Hi All,
I would like to start with some macro pics, but before moving with a real macreo lens I would check if this is really interesting to me.
I read something related to Close up filter (+4 or even +6), the Ext Tube and the TC (x2), that seems to be a good idea to start without investing a fortune in the lens.

I have no idea about the differences on those items. I really appreciate if any guru here can give some suggestion/advice.

Is it possible to know about pros & cons and price of the 3 items above?

Thanks a lot. Cheers

If you must must and have no choice but close up filter, or ext tube, or TC.
Ext tube doesn't have any elements on it. So degradation on picture quality is minimal (if there is a degradation).
TC have an elements on its, so there is a degradation on picture quality. How much? TC 2x is worse than 1.4x. 3x is worse than 2x.
Close up filter, it will degrade the picture quality. Try to find achromatic close up filter like Nikon close up filter 6T. It will help to correct achromatic distortion.

But, I agree nothing can compare to the quality of real macro lens.

Regards,
Arto.

 

[Leonardo]

If I didn't recall wrongly, using an extension tube on certain lenses like Nikon 18-200 may cause the focal point to be lost inside the lens itself and therefore rendering it useless for the function you want to use it for.


regards,

Hi zac08, Sure about this? So means I'm lost. No way to start macro with the lens I have :cry:

Cheers

 

[Leonardo]

If you must must and have no choice but close up filter, or ext tube, or TC.
Ext tube doesn't have any elements on it. So degradation on picture quality is minimal (if there is a degradation).
TC have an elements on its, so there is a degradation on picture quality. How much? TC 2x is worse than 1.4x. 3x is worse than 2x.
Close up filter, it will degrade the picture quality. Try to find achromatic close up filter like Nikon close up filter 6T. It will help to correct achromatic distortion.

But, I agree nothing can compare to the quality of real macro lens.

Regards,
Arto.

Hi Arto tks for your explanation. Clear.

Yes macro lens is the best solution but again $$$ :cry:

Cheers

 

[Leonardo]

Hi All, some more questions.

Regarding the macro lens how to select the one to buy?
I mean considering that I saw 50mm - 90 mm - 105 mm (not sure on the 180 mm) and I'm interested in macro for small insect (spider, butterfly, caterpillar, etc), which is the most appropriate lens?

Last one, usually the macro lens are also zoom lens or not?

Really appreciate you help.

Cheers

 

[Artosoft]

Hi All, some more questions.

Regarding the macro lens how to select the one to buy?
I mean considering that I saw 50mm - 90 mm - 105 mm (not sure on the 180 mm) and I'm interested in macro for small insect (spider, butterfly, caterpillar, etc), which is the most appropriate lens?

Last one, usually the macro lens are also zoom lens or not?

Really appreciate you help.

Cheers

I assumed that you are using Nikon System.

If you want the cheap and good one, Tamron 90mm is good (IIRC around $500 for new). Nikkor 60mm also good and from Nikon (IIRC around $600 for new).
For insect, butterfly, caterpillar, it is better to have long working distance macro such as 105mm, 200mm, but again the price (more than $1000 for new).

If you want to bargain for quality, Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 macro may suit your need. It is not true macro. It have macro function 1:2. Cost me $330 last year for new one. Look for B/S for 2nd hand you may get the good and cheap one. Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is cheaper (IIRC $220 for new one). Not true macro, also have a macro function 1:2.

Usually macro is not zoom lens (prime lens, so that's the quality can be assured). But there are a zoom macro (again, the price is :sweat: ) outside.

Regards,
Arto.

 

[zac08]

Hi zac08, Sure about this? So means I'm lost. No way to start macro with the lens I have :cry:

Cheers

I'd need to do a search...

here :

18-200vr w/ extension tube

 

[Leonardo]

I assumed that you are using Nikon System.

If you want the cheap and good one, Tamron 90mm is good (IIRC around $500 for new). Nikkor 60mm also good and from Nikon (IIRC around $600 for new).
For insect, butterfly, caterpillar, it is better to have long working distance macro such as 105mm, 200mm, but again the price (more than $1000 for new).

If you want to bargain for quality, Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 macro may suit your need. It is not true macro. It have macro function 1:2. Cost me $330 last year for new one. Look for B/S for 2nd hand you may get the good and cheap one. Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is cheaper (IIRC $220 for new one). Not true macro, also have a macro function 1:2.

Usually macro is not zoom lens (prime lens, so that's the quality can be assured). But there are a zoom macro (again, the price is :sweat: ) outside.

Regards,
Arto.

Hi Arto tks a lot, as usual helpful and clear. Appreciated.
Now I have a better idea for the next budget issue ...:bsmilie:

Cheers

 

[Leonardo]

I'd need to do a search...

here :

18-200vr w/ extension tube

Hi zac08 tks alot for the feedack.

Regards,
Leonardo