On 6/12/2018 1:37 PM, nospam wrote:
In article , PeterN
wrote:

An adapter that adds a piece of glass usually does not result in a high
quality macro lens. Some, clip on lenses for the iPhone can produce a
reasonably decent quality image. If you do your research, you will see
which ones work for you. Similarly, some close up attachments for a P&S
camera may, give you a satisfactory image, but that is not very likely.

unless the camera's lens can be removed and replaced with an actual
macro lens, something which is highly unlikely on a p&s, a closeup lens
is the only viable option.

as with everything, there's a range in quality, with the better closeup
lenses producing very good, if not excellent results.

among the better options is the canon 500d, a *two* element closeup
lens (versus the usual cheaper one element). not surprisingly, it's not
cheap, and like other closeup lenses, it attaches on the front of the
lens so it will work with nikon, sony and other lenses, not just canon.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/77mm-close-up-lens-500d


It's 77mm and not terrible. Some of my friends have used it on crop
frame DSLRs, and then decided to either use an extension tube or a macro
lens. I have no idea about the quality on a cheap P&S. My guess is that
if the user is happy with a cheap P&S he may very well be happy with it.
If the user has a high quality P&S, it most likely has a macro mode, and
the auxiliary glass will not be needed. Although I have some fairly high
end glass and bodies, I still use my very old Nikon 8800. I converted it
for IR only. The main reason I stopped using it was that the shutter lag
was irritating me. For that reason I will probably convert another body
to IR. I just haven't decided which IR conversion I prefer.

Most inexpensive P&S cameras don't have high quality sensors or glass.
Again, do your research, as you will find that some P&S cameras will
give you what you want.

that part is true, but someone buying a p&s is more concerned with
convenience than quality. in other words, it's 'good enough'.


Probability true for many, if not most people. I have seen some superb
macro work from some P&S shooters. Admittedly, that is the exception.
For macro work, the smaller sensor size will give a grater DOF than a
FF. But, you must know what you are doing.
I have also seen some superb macro work where the photographer used an
iPhone 8; 8+; or X. Of course he uses a high quality clip on lens.
BTW if you want to experiment with using a water drop on an iPhone lens,
try a drop of glycerin instead. It is much less likely to damage your
phone, and does not evaporate as quickly. Of course, nobody with any
knowledge of optics would consider that technique for a realistic and
predicable result. For artistic purposes, it might give you an
interesting image. I have never tried it, but might with someone else's
phone. And then, only with their informed consent of the risk.


--
PeterN