Thoughts on sub-$100 macro options?

[ELAY]

I am so dazzled by everybody's macro shots that I want to try myself. I have a D40, with kit lens and the basic 55-200 AFS.

Can't afford a dedicated macro lens at this point, but I am prepared to spend more than the price of a pringles can and a roll of electrical tape. I expect that I will have to manual focus regardless of which method I go with.

People seem to use a variety of methods:

1. Reverse lens -- i don't have a prime yet, or I might try this;

2. Extension tubes -- seem cheap and easy to use, but (maybe I am paranoid) all that taking the lens on and off to get the tubes on seems like a lot of work, and introduce extra dust in the camera body;

3. Close up filters -- these seem promising; and

4. The Raynox clip on things (not sure what the proper terminology is here), also promising.

I have read the other threads in this grouping dealing with inexpensive macro options, and while there was helpful material there, I did not really get an appreciation for the differences between the various methods. What is the difference between 3 and 4? Are they just different iterations of the same kind of thing? Are there reasons to prefer one over the other? Am I being ridiculous about the tubes?

Thanks for any wise words,

EL

[Jack]

I like the close up filters. They are easy to use and don't require removing the lens. Add them to the end of a zoom or telephoto and you can get very close to an object. They are also relatively inexpensive. I have a set of Bower 1+ 2+ 4+. They are fun to have around. Check pricing on Amazon & Ebay.

[wulf]

3 and 4 are very similar.

I've got a Raynox DCR-250 and have found it to have been a good choice. It was an inexpensive way of getting much closer to my subjects, even if not quite to a 1:1 ratio.

The other great thing about this approach is that the clip is strong enough to be trusted on the end of the lens but can be very quickly removed if I see a subject that needs a non-macro approach.

I tried a friend's Sigma lens (17-70mm macro) but am happier with the Raynox solution for my current needs. I am fairly methodical about tagging my Flickr photos, so take a look at what I've done with similar equipment starting equipment to yours and see if you think it has any potential (Raynox, Sigma and all D40 pictures).

Wulf

[ELAY]

Thanks Jack and Wulf.

Wulf, I have to admit that I had seen you mention the Raynox in a couple of posts, and have already been to your Flickr page to check out the results (liked the pipes!).

In part my post was an effort to elicit your views on the Raynox, while getting feedback from other users out there. The clip-on aspect is a good point in favour of that rig -- I take though that I would have to remove my UV filter before clipping on?

EL

[wulf]

Yes - it clips inside the ring where a filter would normally be screwed in. If you regularly use other filters, the close up filters might be a better option for you.

Wulf

[yurik]

To insert my two cents:

I bought some really cheap extension tubes and a reverse ring. Of the two, I would suggest the extension tubes.

If you're worried about dust, etc. on the extension tubes, realize that with a reverse ring, you're exposing the other side of the lens to dust, scratches, and other things that could damage the lens.

Also, with a reversal ring, you can only use lenses that match that filter treading, whereas extension tubes work with all lenses.

One downside I can see with closeup filters (in theory) is that since you're introducing more optics to the lens, the quality of the image deteriorates. I'm not sure how much this actually applies in practice, but it is a fundamental issue.

If you do get extension tubes, though, I would suggest maybe trying the higher end models that have circuits that connects your camera and your lens. I'm not positive, but I think it lets you control the aperture size (something you definitely can't do with the cheapo kinds), which would affect DOF. However, if you do opt for the higher end extension tubes, they may not fall into the $100< category.

Whatever you choose, show us some results and how you feel about the purchase!