Newbie bought a 2nd hand Canon 500D with Sigma 18-250 HSM lens


vincentyong

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Dec 16, 2012
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Wonder did I miss out anything in order to take Macro pictures?
I tried but photo doesnt seems to be Macro at all.
 

We have a Macro section here. Maybe you want to go there, read and think .. and discuss with those who are into this genre?
In order to give you any help it would be good if you can bring a few more points. At the moment it's no head no tail. Seems you missed out a few points about Macro in general, looking at what you describe as your equipment. Also, if you are a newbie to photography it might be helpful to read the Newbie Guides here and start with general photography before you venture into any specific genre. Learn to walk before you run.
 

I guess you were mistaken this lens able to do close up photography of many tiny objects, but it is not, it only can go closer than most other lens, but it is not close up enough to shoot insects.

The Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Autofocus Zoom Lens utilizes an anti-shake compensation function, with a 13.8 times zoom ratio. This lens's Hybrid Optical Stabilizer provides not only an anti-shake function for the camera body, but also compensates for image shaking in the view finder as the Optical Stabilizer is built in to the lens.


Four special low dispersion glass elements and three aspherical lens elements, results in excellent image quality throughout the entire zoom range. With a minimum focusing distance of 17.7" at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification of 1:3.4 reproduction ratio, this wide-range zoom is great for close-up photography as well as for telephoto shooting.

these are dedicated macro lenses

Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS 346101

To maintain high optical performance from infinity to close-up 1:1 macro photos without accessories, the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG incorporates a "Floating Internal Focusing" (FIF) system. As a result, the lens also features a non-rotating front lens group which makes it easier to work with polarizing filters, and has a focus limiter to narrow down the broad focus range. And the improved minimum aperture of f/45 now provides improved depth of field.


This lens is designed as a high-quality primary macro lens, good for film or digital SLR cameras. The improved DG lens design corrects for various aberrations. This macro lens is specially coated to get the best color balance whilst cutting down on ghosting caused by reflections from the digital image sensor. The lens provides the utmost correction against lateral chromatic aberration which is a serious problem for digital SLR cameras.


Close focus capability of 7.4"
Super Multi Layer (SML) coating reduces ghosting caused by reflections from the surface of digital image sensors
Screw-in hood also accepts a 72mm filter in the front of the lens hood

and

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS Macro Lens for Canon EOS Cameras

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens for Canon EOS Cameras delivers superb, distortion-free images throughout its broad focus range, from infinity telephoto to life-size (1:1) macro, as close as 12.2" (31 cm) without accessories. A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and one high refractive index SLD lens provide excellent correction for all types of aberration and distortion. Its non-rotating front lens group makes it easier to work with polarizing filters. A focus limiter helps divide the broad focus range into more manageable chunks.


The "focus-free" mechanical design allows the lens to autofocus without any interference from the manual focus ring, making it easy to hold the lens without affecting the speed or normal operation of the autofocus function. Rugged mechanical construction also makes it durable enough for even the heaviest use required by professional photographers. An ideal lens for a wide variety of applications from nature photography to portraiture.


The improved DG lens design for this lens corrects for various aberrations. This macro lens is specially coated to get the best color balance while cutting down on ghosting caused by reflections from the digital image sensor. The lens provides the utmost correction against lateral chromatic aberration which is a serious problem for digital SLR cameras. Sigma's own proprietary OS (Optical Stabilizer) system enables handheld close-up photography.


Close focus capability of 12.2" (31 cm)
Super Multi Layer (SML) coating reduces ghosting caused by reflections from the surface of digital image sensors
Dual Focus (DF) makes the lens easier to hand hold during AF
 

Hi Vincent Yong, welcome to the forum.

Buying a camera and a lens is only the starting of the hobby. It does not mean you can start enjoying the spectacular macro results seen on galleries immediately. It takes more research, more spending on speciality equipment, practice, practice and practice.
 

Wonder did I miss out anything in order to take Macro pictures?
I tried but photo doesnt seems to be Macro at all.

Welcome to ClubSNAP :)

Perhaps you'd like to read through some articles on what macro photography is all about.
HERE is one article to get you started. It's kinda technical, so hopefully it doesn't scare you.

Some terms that are used in macro photography:
- reproduction ratio
- minimum focus distance

Your choice of macro lens (it looks like you'll need one since your 18-250 is "not macro enough") will depend on some factors including these.

good luck! :thumbsup:
 

thanks all for the information.
just wondering if there is any cheap macro len possible to intro for my canon 500d maybe like less than $300?
 

thanks all for the information.
just wondering if there is any cheap macro len possible to intro for my canon 500d maybe like less than $300?

Follow the advice you were already given. Read the stickies in the macro section. A lot of hard work went into them, don't disrespect it!

At most you could get a raynox macro converter.

Decent macro lenses go second hand for 400 up.
 

not saying macro photography is not for you, but it would be better for you to know the basic of photography first, understand what is exposure, lighting, composition etc before you dive into any genre..

like the old sayings said, learn to walk before you run.
 

thanks all for the information.
just wondering if there is any cheap macro len possible to intro for my canon 500d maybe like less than $300?

Close-up filters from eBay. While they might degrade image quality theoretically, its fine practically in good light :) save u a couple of hundreds to put in better use for now.
 

Close-up filters from eBay. While they might degrade image quality theoretically, its fine practically in good light :) save u a couple of hundreds to put in better use for now.

Thanks.

Just wondering there are so many type eg

77mm Close Up Filter set
62mm etc

how to know which one suit my camera?

sorry I am noob in it.
 

Just wondering there are so many type eg
77mm Close Up Filter set
62mm etc
how to know which one suit my camera?
The number gives the filter diameter. These filters are screwed onto your lens, your lens has a front filter thread for this. Check the front, there is a number stating the filter thread diameter. Get the filter that matches your lens diameter.
Filters do not fit cameras, but rather lenses in terms if diameter. And please remove any form of UV / protection filter that the eager sales man has told you to buy.
 

The number gives the filter diameter. These filters are screwed onto your lens, your lens has a front filter thread for this. Check the front, there is a number stating the filter thread diameter. Get the filter that matches your lens diameter.
Filters do not fit cameras, but rather lenses in terms if diameter. And please remove any form of UV / protection filter that the eager sales man has told you to buy.

There you go, TS. That's the cheapest way to start macro photography. As you are still noob and learning, not advisable for you to spend so much on a dedicated macro lens...
 

wonder where got sell 72mm close-up filter?
does challenger sell it?
 

btw its lens, not len. i suggest that you get the raynox. best bang for buck around here
 

wonder where got sell 72mm close-up filter?
does challenger sell it?
We have a list of reputable photography shops for a reason. I doubt Challenger sells such things, too specific, not mass market compatible.
 

Follow the advice you were already given. Read the stickies in the macro section. A lot of hard work went into them, don't disrespect it!

At most you could get a raynox macro converter.

Decent macro lenses go second hand for 400 up.

btw its lens, not len. i suggest that you get the raynox. best bang for buck around here

Hi Vincent,

Go read up on the Raynox. It's a good option that you can just attach to your lens. Many people use that.