Macro - filter or extension tubes?

[gazkw]

i don't want to have the trouble of bringing out another lens for quickie macro, so i am thinking of either filter or extension tubes to achieve better close-up.

i know the raynox 250 is one of the best choices, and i would jump at it... except that the filter size is smaller than what i usually bring out.

i was thinking of close-up filters - is the canon 500D close-up filter really good compared to Hoya kind which you can combine?

or are extension tubes better?

i intend to use it either with 24-105 or 135 or even with 50 which gives filter size of 72-77mm. i guess if i get the canon 500D then i'll get a stop-down ring to fit the 72mm filter size.

 

[2evans]

Extension tubes won't degrade IQ like close up filters, but at the cost of light. I'm using kenko extension tubes, with decent results.

 

[coolin]

extension tubes are supposed to because they dont contain optics , thus the image quality wont be affected. but there's light falloff so you'll need a longer shutter speed or way more light. they're also incredibly troublesome to use. i used to have them but changed them for a raynox 250. too bad it can't be used on your lens.

 

[gazkw]

hmm i just read that close-up lens is more recommended for longer telephoto lens while extension tubes work better with shorter focal lengths.

well i can use the raynox with my 85mm, but i usually don't take it out so kinda defeats the purpose.

i guess i might give close-up filters a shot. any idea on quality of the hoya kind which you can combine filters versus just the canon 500D?

 

[Numnumball]

hmm i just read that close-up lens is more recommended for longer telephoto lens while extension tubes work better with shorter focal lengths.

well i can use the raynox with my 85mm, but i usually don't take it out so kinda defeats the purpose.

i guess i might give close-up filters a shot. any idea on quality of the hoya kind which you can combine filters versus just the canon 500D?

Hi dere,

Sharing my experience with all of the above 3 mentioned.

1. Kenko Extension Tubes (used for 1st 3 weeks)
Pros: No degration of IQ, more flexibility in terms of magnification as it comes in 12,24,36cm
Cons : Cumberson to use, as u need to detach between shooting say a butterfly and a Jumper spider becasue with it on, u can only focus few cm near.

2. Raynox DCR 250 (Used for next 8 weeks)
Pros : Affordable, lightweight, gd optical quality, flexible to use, can just detach if u do not need that extra manigfication.
Cons : Unable to use on filter size 67 mm and above and unable to use with Ring flash(dual flash system like R1, MTE24), shorter focusing distance

3. Canon 500D (Using now 3 days so far, did some indoor testing)
Pros : Optical quality is the best out of the above mentioned so far. Longer focusing distance
Cons : Heavy, most expensive of the 3 options,need step up ring if use on norm macro lens.
Best results is used with longer zoon lens like 24-70mm or 70-200mm.

Hope the above helps, cheers

 

[gazkw]

great! thx for the advice... i guess i will check out the 500D

 

[shaoken]

You said that your filter thread size is 72-77mm right?
For a try out, you can try looking for the +10 close-up filter.

 

[gazkw]

You said that your filter thread size is 72-77mm right?
For a try out, you can try looking for the +10 close-up filter.

which brand?

from what i read so far, canon's 500D is really among the best quality for close-up.

if not, i know hoya has a whole series of close-up filters.

well, i'm still seeing if i can nail one down 2nd hand, if not then i'm going to the shops.