macro ring question

Youstolemyname

Youstolemyname

Youstolemyname

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I am interested in adding macro capabilities to my lenses. I really want to shoot close up shots of insects and other random objects.

However, I don't have the budget for a new macro specific lens. I am therefore looking at macro rings but do not have the foggiest where to start.

I currently own:

A nifty fifty
A 55-250 IS
A sigma 10-20

Which lens would be best suited to macro work and are there any rings, or other solutions, that people would recommend?

Thanks in advance
 
a few of the guys have had success with extension tubes here - a full set coupled to the 50mm should give you around 1:1 (ish) and it'll only cost about £20 or so...
 
I really can't get on with extension tubes - the focal distance is ridiculously small and the DoF is narrower than a sheet of paper even with your aperture totally closed (may be an exaggeration) you then have to have a flash, which invariably casts a shadow over your subject.

I'd recommend taking a look at Raynox - they make magnifying glass-type things to stick on the end of your lens and they work pretty well. Not quite as much magnification as extension tubes but much more workable. I got mine for about £40.
 
I think I'm going to get myself a nifty fifty this week. Also really interested in having a bash at macro (to see if I justify buying a dedicated macro lens). I saw some Kenko tubes that AF, but they cost just as much as as the nifty fifty.

My photography theory knowledge is lacking so bad: from what you guys are saying, the DOF is really shallow when using a lot of tube, hence it's hard to get what I want in focus? Any tips?
 
depends on your subject and the conditions your in but one way is to use a tripod and a longer shutter speed. (with a small aperture)

if your outdoors and its windy this can be a problem taking flowers as you can will get some blur as they move in the wind.

also, try using manual focus
 
I use a Sigma 70mm F2.8 which I'm really pleased with.

Hornet_on_Branch_by_Vapour_Trail.jpg
 
Bump, and further question: If I was to use a nifty fifty with a set of basic tubes (no AF) - how would I set the aperture of the lens, and the lens and camera body are not connected electronically, right?!
 
Sic said:
with my 50, you still use the aperture ring, I guess it's the same for others
Click to expand...
Canon lenses don't have aperture rings, it's all set from the body via the mount connections.

With manual tubes I'm not sure how you do it, I have this vague recollection of there being some way of stopping the lens down, taking it off the body, putting the tubes in, putting the lens on the tubes and then taking the shot but I might just be getting delusional in my old age.
 
I've been taking some macro pictures with my extension tubes i picked up off the bay for about £6 (2 days shipping from hong kong, result!). They're metal, with no autofocus and a very shallow DoF.

Managed to get this little guy with the rings and my canon 55-250mm IS...

2512082976_4f48131ee9_o.jpg


Couple of other random ones with that lens in here

EDIT: Forgot to mention... i'm new to photography really so don't slate my other images, my frail self esteem can't take it. If anyone has something constructive about my other shots though, knock yourself out ;)
 
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Im looking for 1:1 magnification if possible and it seems that the cheap tubes on the bay wont cut the mustard with no appature control, leaving my lens locked at the lowest f-stop of 1.8

Only alternative is a screw in filter type one I guess. Anyone used these?
 
Or how about a Raynox adaptor!

Think the one i has is DCR-250.

I have a 60mm Macro now so will probs chuck the raynox on the MM this weekend.

Andy
 
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