Tips and Lenses for Macro Photography

[Krystal]

Hello,

I have been doing landscape photography for about 2 years (still learning), and have dabbled a little in macro photography. I'm wanting to learn more about macro photography, so would love some tips and also suggestions on a good lens. Please look to see what I have below. Something I didn't put there is an extension tube EF 25. I purchased it after a class I took because I was told it would help with macro shots. Not sure how it helps as I'm still trying to figure out what makes a macro lens different than the lenses I have. The photography class went into more of the technical part than explaining the difference in lenses. I'm really wanting a wide angle for landscape, so would that also work well for macro photography? I did a serach on this site and couldn't come up with anything, so any info on macro and differences in lenses would be great even if it is just a link to go too.

Thanks,

Krystal

[KodiakStar]

The wider the angle, the closer to your subject you will be.

I have a 35mm Macro (fixed) for my camera, and for the shots below your lens is nearly touching the bugs... So it's nice to have a bit of room between you and your subject.



Tripods really help reduce shake and let you get closer and focused better, as well as using settings that are more pleasing for the shot without worrying as much about lighting and slower shutter speeds.

You would most likely want a 1:1 lens, with good range, tack sharp, and the most expensive you can afford. Better the glass, better the photos, as always

Hopefully someone familiar with the Canon line can give you more advice for brand-specific glass!

[hopeandmemory]

I am in love with my Canon 100mm 2.8 USM macro. It doubles as my favorite portrait lens as well.

[daft_biker]

Originally Posted by Krystal

I did a serach on this site and couldn't come up with anything, so any info on macro and differences in lenses would be great even if it is just a link to go too.

I think this site gives a good overview of a number of ways of getting macro images: macrowbellows.com

Can I suggest that that you put your extension tube on the 28-135mm and do some experiments? With extension tubes the longer the focal length the more extension you are likely to need so you may find that you get the greatest magnification images at a shorter focal length. I expect that a 28mm lens with a 25mm extension tube will mean you have very little working distance between the end of the lens and the subject - think milimetres!

For example the below image was taken with a Canon 24mm f/2.8 with a 12mm Kenko extension tube behind it:

That shot was taken on 35mm film so with the smaller sensor in the 350D it would look even closer. It's not quite a true macro that was recorded at lifesize (or greater) but it's close enough to look like a macro

So yes, I'd say you can take a wideangle lens that was bought to do landscapes and use it for macro with an extension tube behind it. However, 25mm is a pretty long extension tube to be putting behind wideangle lenses - I struggle with 20mm of extension on the 24mm but even with 12mm of extension there not a lot of room between the lens and the subject.

[JoanieBC21]

I'm looking a few lenses right now, myself. There's a Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Autofocus Lens I've had my eye on. But the specs say it'll let me get about 7.5inches away from my subject. I actually kind of like getting closer.

I shoot with a Canon Rebel XTi and would like to find a nice little lens to work with that which will also allow me to get a wee bit closer than 5 or 6 inches.

Open to suggestions!

[daft_biker]

Originally Posted by JoanieBC21

I'm looking a few lenses right now, myself. There's a Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Autofocus Lens I've had my eye on. But the specs say it'll let me get about 7.5inches away from my subject. I actually kind of like getting closer.

I shoot with a Canon Rebel XTi and would like to find a nice little lens to work with that which will also allow me to get a wee bit closer than 5 or 6 inches.

Open to suggestions!

Budget? At the cheap end of the scale there are extension tubes which you can fit to lenses you already have and you will be able to focus much closer - about £100. At the expensive end of the scale you could spend £1000 for a high quality lens designed for the job.

Try a set of extension tubes on a 50mm.....that should get you nice and close

[kelleyrie]

I just bought myself a canon 60mm macro, f2.8 USM lens and I love it. On the highest magnification (1:1) I can get about 4 inches away from the subject. I could actually fill the frame with the edge of a quarter It is incredibly sharp and I like it for portraits as well.

[PhotoNewt]

If money is not a consideration, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 MACRO is, in my opinion, the best MACRO on the Canon line up by far - the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 MACRO is also a very good second option. Both can out perform the EF 180mm f/3.5L MACRO in terms of optical performance at a significant cost savings.

This lenses can double as terrific all around fast primes as well - the EF-S 60mm makes for a great portrait lens on a cropped-sensor camera, while the EF 100mm will provide an equivalent 160mm of telephoto reach on your Rebel. If you have plans to eventually move to a full-sensor camera (digital or film), the EF-S 60mm won't fit the mount, but the EF 100mm will.

[JoanieBC21]

Money is a huge issue, so I'm having to be very careful about choosing something that will serve as my macro and a nice portrait lens. Since it'll be fast, it'll also likely serve as my go to lens for low light situations when I'm close to the stage/performers.

The extension tubes -- not too sure about those. It certainly doesn't hurt to try, though.

Thanks for the input. I think next week will be spent trying a couple lenses and seeing what I can do with them.

[PhotoNewt]

Originally Posted by JoanieBC21

Money is a huge issue, so I'm having to be very careful about choosing something that will serve as my macro and a nice portrait lens. Since it'll be fast, it'll also likely serve as my go to lens for low light situations when I'm close to the stage/performers.

EF-S 60mm f/2.8 MACRO ~ $340 New
EF 100mm f/2.8 MACRO ~ $490 New

The extension tubes -- not too sure about those. It certainly doesn't hurt to try, though.

This is a good (cheaper) option, image quality is acceptable with a good lens. It also gives you the option of using most of your lenses as MACRO if you want.

There are tubes that have pass-through electronics and will allow the lens to communicate with the camera (more expensive), and others more basic that don't (cheaper) - your choice. I have not used extension tubes in years so I am not current on the offerings so you need to look at an online camera store such as B+H, Adorama, Ritz or the likes for more info and prices.