Macro equipment: Good close-up lens vs. macro lens

On Sat, 7 Jun 2008 19:15:50 -0500, "Nicholas O. Lindan"
wrote:

wrote

macro photography ... I've been using a really cheap
set of close-up lenses ... Canon 18-55 and 75-300 USM
... reversing ring ... 50mm ... [buy 100mm macro?]

Get a set of extension tubes. Manual tubes w/o AF etc.
are often $20 or so. Automatic tubes cost more, but
probably less than a fancy close-up lens.

Extension tubes work great with many normal focal length lenses, but
not with the 17-55mm/2.8 Canon zoom because the subject distance
becomes too small (the subject will actually touch the front element
at a not-unreasonable magnification). Also, you will need too much
extension when working with telephoto lenses. Better to use macro
lenses or accessory closeup lenses.

Archibald

wrote

macro photography ... I've been using a really cheap
set of close-up lenses ... Canon 18-55 and 75-300 USM
... reversing ring ... 50mm ... [buy 100mm macro?]

Get a set of extension tubes. Manual tubes w/o AF etc.
are often $20 or so. Automatic tubes cost more, but
probably less than a fancy close-up lens.

--
Nicholas O. Lindan, Cleveland, Ohio
Darkroom Automation: F-Stop Timers, Enlarging Meters
http://www.darkroomautomation.com/index2.htm
n o lindan at ix dot netcom dot com