Which would you recommend?

[dvtldav]

I am thinking about buying either a set of extension tubes or a set of close-up filters or lenses. I have read pros & cons on both and was wondering which I get or if I should not get either either.
Thanks for your input.

Dave

[BigFuzzy]

I've had both. Liked the tubes better. Quality seemed better, but I can't tell you why. I assume it's because there's no cheap glass between the object and your sensor as there is with the filters.

I'd assume that the price should tell you which is better and as far as I know all filters tent to be cheaper than filters (at least they were when I looked years ago).

[RichardTaylor]

(1) For maximum versatility and IQ a macro lens (at least around 100mm) would be my first choice. (I do own one)

(2) I havn't used extension tubes for years, however if you can find a set that fits your existing lenses then you will still have good IQ at a cost of convenience and and light loss (due to the effective aperture being decreased.)

(3) Close lenses may meet your needs. Upsides they can be incredibly cheap. More convenient than extension tubes.
Downsides.
Next to useless at wider apertures. (extreemly poor IQ)
IQ not as good as extension tubes or macro (even at smaller apertures) but may meet your needs.

See this post.
http://digital-photography-school.co...ro-budget.html

[DelCan]

I just got my wife a set of tubes. She is having a blast with them. If she get's the focus right, they look pretty good. She has learned to get close to focus and then move her camera back and forth until it's sharp. She cannot auto focus with her T1i.

The tubes are the cheapest way to go and I understand that you can still use them with a macro lens if you choose to get one later.

[Fraucha]

I would take the macro lens over a tube or filter anytime. I have used them all in 40 years of photography and the dedicated macro lens is my favorite.

[conor5150]

Dave , I ordered close-up filters last week and am waiting for them in the mail....I'll let you know what I think. Sure I'd rather have a dedicated macro lens but too expensive right now, plus I just bought a SB-600 flash and would be hard pressed to justify a lens to my wife.

[Biomech]

I'd go macro lens followed by tubes. I bought some close up filters once - they were aweful and I can pretty much confirm that they didn't work.

[Cold]

What I've been wondering about macro lenses and these macro workarounds is how each affects your photography in terms of limitations.

From what I can tell, the main factors of concern are: ability to focus up-close, magnification, DoF, and working distance (focus close...but not too close...).

Also from what I've gathered...

Dedicated macro lenses: great, and really the best solution when they're longer than say 90mm or so. Wider than that and you can't get far enough away from your subject to light it properly/avoid scaring it away.

Close up lenses: Trading IQ (and DoF?) for close focus distance and magnification.

Tubes: Trading working distance for close focus.

I know it can't be that simple (nothing in this hobby ever is), so, for those in the know, please enlighten.