Close up filters vs extension tubes

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I want to try and get into a bit of macro photography, but I have not got anywhere near the funds to get a macro lens, therefore I am opting for one of the cheap options (~£20).

Can anyone advise me on the benefits of a close up filter (say +4) to extension tubes.

I know close up filters, being a filter, still allow AF, which is a big plus, thus making me wonder is there any good reason to go with an extension tube?
 
Extension Tubes = no loss in optical quality, decent ones will retain autofocus depending on how quick the lens is (like with 1.4x / 2x extenders light drops off, but autofocus can remain)

By comparison Filters use optics and will affect the visual quality. How obvious the difference is I don't know.
 
The extension tubes in my price range don't allow me to opt for one that retains AF.

I'll be using whatever I buy with my kit lens or 55-200mm lenses which are f3.5 - 5.6 and f4-5.6 respectively.

I assume in my situation filters would be the better option?
 
I've got a hoya +2 and +4 close up filter, they seem to work ok, I've taken some shots earlier, once I've looked thru them I'll try and upload some so you can get an idea of how good or bad they are...
 
I'm looking for something aswell, Got my eye on a set of macro extension tubes on the bay for £15 from china. Though for that price i'm not too sure how good they would be :p
 
Kenai said:
With macro photography you'll find yourself using manual focus anyway I would have thought.
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Yeh, actually being in AF would be a pain. The advantage of still having AF is the Focus confirm bleep :)
The main reason for extension tubes with connections is you can change the aperture like normal rather than having to improvise. Not sure why I didn't remember to put that in my last post :p
 
PinkFloyd said:
The main reason for extension tubes with connections is you can change the aperture like normal rather than having to improvise. Not sure why I didn't remember to put that in my last post :p
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this is the main reason to get one with the connections, if you don't have the link-up then you have to "trick" the lens into keeping the right settings...

maybe also look at a Raynox as well? I have to admit I wanted to get into Macro and spent a good time looking round these options (even made a poll thread to see what most people did: link) but in the end decided to bite the bullet and buy a Tamron 90 :)

Saying that, I think most serious macro shooters have a macro lens and extension tubes so you'd be fine to get the tubes as a starting point and your money wouldn't have been wasted :)
 
Shot with a +4 hoya filter:

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I was shooting with F8 so I'm not sure if the blurred parts are due to DOF of the filter... I only paid a few quid for the filter and it's handy but I'm tempted to pick up some tubes also.
 
The Raynox multi-element adapters are excellent and reasonably priced. I have a 250 and have to say the optical quality is really quite surprising.
 
MikeHunt79 said:
Shot with a +4 hoya filter:

I was shooting with F8 so I'm not sure if the blurred parts are due to DOF of the filter... I only paid a few quid for the filter and it's handy but I'm tempted to pick up some tubes also.
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I am thinking about some filters for when I get a dslr so if you have more pictures that'd be great!
 
To kick off with the close up filters arent that bad, the main issue is that you're jamming stacks of extra (and generally lower quality) glass in front of your lens. The extension tubes are the better option if you can afford them.
 
SteveOBHave said:
To kick off with the close up filters arent that bad, the main issue is that you're jamming stacks of extra (and generally lower quality) glass in front of your lens. The extension tubes are the better option if you can afford them.
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What are the super cheap ones on auction sites for ~£10 like?
 
I have been toying with buying a macro lens (amonst others lol) but thought i would go down the extension tubes route first, so on Friday i ordered some cheap tubes from the bay (less than £10 delivered) they arrived this morning.

tubes0.JPG

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tubes1.JPG


Wont get a chance to use them in anger until Wednesday, but will post results when i do.

ps. Hope you dont mind my post, not tying to hijack ;)

pps. They do feel like ive spent £10 tbh, they are solid enough, but the threads are a little noisy (squeaky)
 
A few years ago I found my extension rings for about £40 second hand. I wouldn't bother with anything that you'll need to switch the lenses on an off with macro. Whilst results are eventually the same, it's a lot of faff I can do without.

If you are going to buy a close up filter, I would recommend a quality filter, and that will cost a packet if you buy one on the UK market. I really don't see a point in buying an expensive lens and puting a cheap element on the front. A Canon 500D is about £100 in a 70mm ish mount. I bought a genuine Nikon +2 from Hong Kong, for a lot less. I need a step down ring to mount it on the Canon lens I have, but it works well.

What you use should be based on the lenses you have. If you want to use a relatively short focal length, you are better off with extension tubes, if you want to use a longer focal length, you will be better using a closeup filter.
 
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