Macro

[mogul]

If I wanted to have a play with macro and have a 400D, what would the PH massive suggest as a good all round value for money lens.

I'm thinking, insects, flowers etc.

Cheers

Martin

[V6GTO]

Martin,
The cheapest way of doing it would be to buy a set of extension tubes and use the lenses you allready have. I think a set from Jessops will set you back about £75.
The problem after that is you'll be wanting a tripod and/or flash...it never ends

HTH

Martin.

[Gemm]

Yep, it's a serious problem.

You still can't beat a good 1:1 macro lens though.

Edited by Gemm on Thursday 17th January 10:40

[mogul]

I've got screw on macro extenders for any lens which are not ideal and I've got a decent tripod and a 430Ex flash as well. My current macro lens is a Sigma 70-300DG.

If I go for a 1:1 lens - what size would be most versatile?

I am also learning that no matter how much money you throw at this hobby, you need to learn how to take photographs first and foremost!

Cheers

Martin

Edited by mogul on Thursday 17th January 10:58

[Gemm]

If you are using a 1:1 screw-on filter on your Sigma, then you'll see a big difference when you get a dedicated macro lens. Although the Sigma does do a god job (I used to use one myself too), you'll see an instant improvement.

As for the focal length, 100mm is perfect for flowers and most insects. If insects would be your main subject (especially the shy ones) then 150mm or 180mm could be more suitable.

Edited by Gemm on Thursday 17th January 12:35

[V6GTO]

Agreed.

I have the Canon 100mm f2.8 macro but [/b]still]/b] use the extension tubes. The tubes come into there own on a long lens where your subject keep flying off. With the 100 on the camera the subject is about 8 inches from the end of the lens, but with my 100-400 @ 400 on it's more like 2 feet.

Martin.

[hawkaye]

V6GTO said:

Agreed.

I have the Canon 100mm f2.8 macro but [/b]still]/b] use the extension tubes. The tubes come into there own on a long lens where your subject keep flying off. With the 100 on the camera the subject is about 8 inches from the end of the lens, but with my 100-400 @ 400 on it's more like 2 feet.

Martin.

+1 for the 100mm with extension tubes. I use Kenko tubes with my 100mm, here's a couple of shots to let you see.

(this was stacked from 3 shots, taken with my 40D)


Clicky to see the original

and these were without the tubes using my 350D + 100mm + flash









I could just have posted a link to my flickr account, but these shots will let you see the difference.

Edited by hawkaye on Thursday 17th January 17:36

[mogul]

As usual, very informative....thank guys

I'll probably go for a 100mm + tubes and see how that works out.

Cheers

Martin

[White Fly Swater]

nice hoverfly. how many attempts to get that ine shot?????

[hawkaye]

White Fly Swater said:

nice hoverfly. how many attempts to get that ine shot?????

Thanks, it was a bit of pot luck. I was just out shooting insects and managed to get it. It could be sharper, but this was taken with manual focus..