Screw in Close Up (Macro) Lenses
I’m inspired by your recent tip on Macro Photography for Compact Camera Users but I own a DSLR and can’t afford a purpose built macro lens. Any tips for me? - Brett (DPS reader)
Thanks for the question Brett. I’ll write a fuller Macro Photography Tips tutorial for DSLR users at some point in the future but here’s a quick tip for DSLR users on a budget.
Try out a screw in close up lens.
While a purpose built macro lens will get you the best results you can use most lenses that you’ll own by using one of these screw in close up lenses.
The problem with normal lenses is that they just can’t focus close enough for a macro/close up shot. These close up lenses will shorten the minimum focussing length of your lens.
Close up Lenses look like normal filters and come in a range of strengths (or dioptres). These are referred to as +1, +2, +3, +4 etc with the higher numbers meaning a closer focal point.
The actual focal length of each dioptres point will vary from lens to lens.
Hoya make a range of close up lenses. Make sure you select one that is not only the right dioptres rating but one that is the right diameter/size for the lens you want to use it with. Amazon carry them (here’s a sample of different sizes in sets):
- Hoya 52mm Close-Up Filter Set (+1 +2 +4 Diopters)
- Hoya 58mm Close-Up Filter Set (+1 +2 +4 Diopters)
- Hoya 62mm Close-Up Filter Set (+1 +2 +4 Diopters)
- Hoya 67mm Close-Up Filter Set (+1 +2 +4 Diopters)
- Hoya 72mm Close-Up Filter Set (+1 +2 +4 Diopters)
While you can generally use close up lenses with auto focus cameras they tend to work best when you switch to manual focus mode.
PS: Compact Digital Camera users - you don’t have to miss out on close up lenses as many manufacturers make accessories for you too. Check your manual for the accessories available for your particular model.
Update: Over at the forums andy206uk has posted some pictures he’s taken with a set of screw in Macro lenses to show what can be achieved with them. Andy used the screw in lenses with his Sony Alpha A100 DSLR.
Here are his images:
See more of Andy206uk’s Photography at his Flickr Account
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December 12th, 2006 at 1:33 am
I looked into these some weeks ago…
Look for sample images before you buy, what I found was that the centre of the image comes out fine but the sides is extremely out of focus and not in a good way, the bigger the dioptre the larger the bad side effects!
December 12th, 2006 at 9:28 am
Find your site very interesting, second trip just awaiting the beginning of my free newsletter subscribtion,
December 15th, 2006 at 1:51 pm
A nice article.Could we see some sample images from the mentioned dioptre value close-ups please?
December 15th, 2006 at 9:46 pm
I have an 18-70 m/m zoom lens and a 70/300 m/m zoom. Would one of these lenses be more suitable for macro lenses than the other?
December 16th, 2006 at 12:33 am
Check out this group on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/poor_mans_macro/ Some great ideas and examples of how to do macro on a budget.
December 19th, 2006 at 8:13 am
I recently aquired a set of these macro adapters for my camera (D70 with kit lens) and i must say that they’re pretty damn good, certainly enough to keep this beginner happy, and active! And going at $40 for the set, no complaints about cost.
December 28th, 2006 at 9:03 pm
I don’t have a DSLR but a super zoom camera (Panasonic FZ7) and recieved one of these for Christmas. It helps a lot. I like the pictures that have resulted since. I have been able to get much better close-up pics since.
January 27th, 2007 at 8:15 am
HITESH,
TOO LATE NOW, BUT IF YOU WOULD HAVE A BIGGER OD OR MM SIZE, THAT IS LARGER THAN YOUR REGULAR LENS AND USED A STEP DOWN ADAPTER, YOU WILL HAVE A MORE OF YOUR SUBJECT IN FOCUS
HAROLD
December 24th, 2007 at 8:38 am
I bought the close up filters but I can’t seem to get my subject in focus, what am I doing wrong?
new to photography, but excited to learn!!!!