Canon 500D Closeup Lens

[PhotoRebel4]

What's everyones opinion on the Canon 250D and 500D closeup lenses? I'd probably get the 500D because it will be used on my 55-250.

I've had shots where I fill my frame with the subject, but then I'm too close for my 55-250 to focus. So I think this would really help since I don't have a macro lens to get close to my subject with.

[inkista]

Save your money and just use a magnifying glass, or reverse a 50/1.8 II on the front of your lenses instead. Also, try using a wider lens, instead of a telephoto to get closer (i.e., your 18-55 kit lens). The longer the lens, the larger its minimum focus distance tends to be. I have a 400mm prime and the closest it will let me focus on anything is about 10 feet.

Basically, a close-up filter is just like putting a magnifying glass in front of your lens. You can only focus at specific distances, so you have almost no control over framing. That's why macro lenses sell for the big bucks.

Alternative "poor man's macro methods would include reversing a lens (i.e., either holding/mounting a lens backwards onto the camera by a special mounting ring, or by screwing it to the front of another lens using a coupling ring and filter threads), or extension tubes--which won't compromise image quality because it doesn't add any glass to the lightpath. Extension tube sets cost more than close-up filters (if they have electrical contacts that give you autofocus and aperture control of the mounted lens), but you have a little flexibility in framing/magnification depending on how many tubes you 'stack' between the camera and the lens. And if you do get a macro lens, you can still use them to increase magnification.

Using nothing but a 50/1.8 II and an extension tube set, I was able to take this macro shot of a quarter:


Canon XT/350D. EF 50mm f/1.8 II. kenko extention tube set, all three tubes stacked (68mm extension).

And the 50/1.8 II is a great $100 portrait lens all on its own.

[PhotoRebel4]

Thanks for the info inkista. So is the 500D isn't any different than a normal closeup filter? So what exactly does it mean when it says it "changes close focusing distance" and "range:500mm to infinity?"

It seems like extension tubes may be the way to go, especially since I could use them to increase magnification of a macro lens when I eventually get one (I will eventually get one). I'd like to keep it about $150 or less, as this may be what I get for Christmas along with a Canon 50mm 1.8.

What are some good extension tubes? I'd like ones with electrical contacts if they're not over my price range.

Thanks again

[inkista]

Originally Posted by PhotoRebel4

Thanks for the info inkista. So is the 500D isn't any different than a normal closeup filter? So what exactly does it mean when it says it "changes close focusing distance" and "range:500mm to infinity?"

No idea what the range means, but in terms of "changes close focusing distance"--it basically means what most of these poor man's techniques do: your lens will only focus at certain subject distances, and they are close ones. You won't be able to focus at infinity with this lens on the front.

The 500D looks like it might be slightly better than most close-up filters (two elements, rather than one), but overall, you're adding glass into an optical path that wasn't designed to contain it.

I use the Kenko set, since that's what a lot of folks were recommending at the time, but you want to check and make sure that you get the version that can accommodate EF-S lenses, if you plan on getting the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens. Either that or get out a Dremel tool. Extension tubes are simply hollow plastic tubes without any glass in them, so most people are judging them on sturdiness and if they have the electrical contacts. I've seen inexpensive sets on Adorama for Canon made by Pro Optic that a lot of folks have liked, and those who spent more on the Kenko sets say are flimsier . I don't know if I necessarily buy that, since they're still just hollow plastic tubes. The one thing most everyone agrees on is that the Canon tubes are overpriced for what they are.

The Kenko set goes for pretty much your $180 budget, the Pro Optics for $75. The Kenkos have apparently been updated to be EF-S compatible. The Pro Optics have always been EF-S compatible.

[PhotoRebel4]

Thanks again inkista!

I looked at the Kenko set, but it says they don't AF with EF-S lenses. I'll eventually be getting the EF 100mm 2.8, but until then, both my lenses are EF-S.

I think I might just wait until I can afford the 100mm macro.

[BCampbell]

Here's a solid review of the 500D:
Canon 500D Close-up Lens Review

The reasoning at the end is sound. It's a good idea for some.

One important note is that the close-up lens can be combined with other equipment for more advanced macro solutions. So, for example, you can combine the 500D with tubes and/or teleconverters for more options. This can let you work way, way beyond 1:1 macro for relatively little cost.