Macro or?

[Frank73]

Hi everyone, I just purchased the 50mm f/1.8 lens (through the reviews here) and I'm not sure whether it's a macro or not and can it be used for macro photography. I'm kinda confused as to what the difference is.

Thanks,

Frank

[ArmySoldier777]

Frank73,

The 50mm lens that you're talking about "if I'm thinking about the right lens" is not a macro lens in itself. However, there are ways to use it for macro photography. You can buy a macro reverse ring, which allows you to mount your lens backwards. Or, and this is the road I went down, you can buy an extension tube which shortens the minimum focusing distance of your lens, allowing you to take macro shots.

I own the Zeikos Extension Tube Set. It comes with 3 different tubes; 12mm, 20mm, and 36mm. Which tube you use will depend on the distance needed to focus and they can be used together to create one long extension tube for really close shots. I'll attach the amazon link below if you want to take a look at it. I've never had any issues with it. I also purchased a Macro LED Ring Flash to go along with it, as lighting for macro photography can get a little tricky, and I've had some really great shots.
Amazon.com: Zeikos ZE-CVAFC Auto Focus Macro Extension Tubes for Canon: Camera & Photo

Also note that there are cheaper, as well as more expensive, extension tubes that you can get. This one was decently priced at $67 and had all the features I needed.


Hope this helped you out a little,
David

[Frank73]

Originally Posted by ArmySoldier777

Frank73,

The 50mm lens that you're talking about "if I'm thinking about the right lens" is not a macro lens in itself. However, there are ways to use it for macro photography. You can buy a macro reverse ring, which allows you to mount your lens backwards. Or, and this is the road I went down, you can buy an extension tube which shortens the minimum focusing distance of your lens, allowing you to take macro shots.

I own the Zeikos Extension Tube Set. It comes with 3 different tubes; 12mm, 20mm, and 36mm. Which tube you use will depend on the distance needed to focus and they can be used together to create one long extension tube for really close shots. I'll attach the amazon link below if you want to take a look at it. I've never had any issues with it. I also purchased a Macro LED Ring Flash to go along with it, as lighting for macro photography can get a little tricky, and I've had some really great shots.
Amazon.com: Zeikos ZE-CVAFC Auto Focus Macro Extension Tubes for Canon: Camera & Photo

Also note that there are cheaper, as well as more expensive, extension tubes that you can get. This one was decently priced at $67 and had all the features I needed.


Hope this helped you out a little,
David

Thank you! That helped me out alot! I will look into those products. What else can I use this particular lens for if I decide not to use it for macro photography? I'm new to the whole photography field.

[ArmySoldier777]

That lens is great for portraits. For as cheap as it is, it's one of the best lenses you can have for portrait photography in that price range. It's just all around a good lens. I'm still working on buying one, but I have used one quite a few times. Everything from fast paced sports shots to portraits to macro. It's a great lens. The fact that it has such a wide aperture at F/1.8 compared to the 18-55mm kit lens' F/3.5-5.6 makes it great for low light conditions.

In my opinion the best way to find out what a lens is good for, and what it isn't good for, is to try it with everything. Take all kinds of different shots with it and test its limits. See where it performs well and where it lacks in.

David

[Frank73]

Originally Posted by ArmySoldier777

That lens is great for portraits. For as cheap as it is, it's one of the best lenses you can have for portrait photography in that price range. It's just all around a good lens. I'm still working on buying one, but I have used one quite a few times. Everything from fast paced sports shots to portraits to macro. It's a great lens. The fact that it has such a wide aperture at F/1.8 compared to the 18-55mm kit lens' F/3.5-5.6 makes it great for low light conditions.

In my opinion the best way to find out what a lens is good for, and what it isn't good for, is to try it with everything. Take all kinds of different shots with it and test its limits. See where it performs well and where it lacks in.

David

Thanks for the advice, David.