Macro Lens: I have a Cannon EOS Digital Rebel XS/1000D and have been looking for a macro lens that will not cost an arm and a leg. I have heard about a series of "filters" that are...

egbarr26 Loc: N. Manchester, IN

I have a Cannon EOS Digital Rebel XS/1000D and have been looking for a macro lens that will not cost an arm and a leg. I have heard about a series of "filters" that are alleged to serve as a macro lens, but I'm cautious about that. Any wisdom to shed on my "problem" will be welcome.

Ramled Loc: Victoria, British Columbia

egbarr26 wrote:

I have a Cannon EOS Digital Rebel XS/1000D and have been looking for a macro lens that will not cost an arm and a leg. I have heard about a series of "filters" that are alleged to serve as a macro lens, but I'm cautious about that. Any wisdom to shed on my "problem" will be welcome.

They are called spacers, usually come in a set of 3 and fit in between the lens and the camera. They allow you to move your camera closer to your subject and still be able to focus. Although you can't beat the performance of a good macro lens, these work quite well depending on which lens you attach them to.

RWCRNC Loc: Pennsylvania

How much is an arm and a leg? I have a 90mm Tamron with image stabilization that cost $795. The non IS is half that. I love my macro lens. I started with extension tubes though.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

egbarr26 wrote:

I have a Cannon EOS Digital Rebel XS/1000D and have been looking for a macro lens that will not cost an arm and a leg. I have heard about a series of "filters" that are alleged to serve as a macro lens, but I'm cautious about that. Any wisdom to shed on my "problem" will be welcome.

Canon markets something they call "close up" lenses. They are actually filters (they screw onto your lens) that magnify. The are available in 52mm, 58mm, 72mm, and 77mms and are offered in 2 different magnifications. They are far less expensive than are macro lenses (prices range from $120.00 to $220.00). They look a little strange at first, they are the proverbial "Coke bottle" lenses as they are very thick. They have their qualities and their shortcomings. But they are on the market and offer possibilities that give a person an option for macro work at a reduced cost. Just another option in the grand view of things.

RWCRNC Loc: Pennsylvania

There is one right now in the forums classified for $250. Can't beat that

Carl D Loc: Albemarle, NC.

I also have achromatic screw on lenses for macro work. they are excellent if you get the good ones. Get them bigger than your lense and use an adapter. Also a three tube set is an excellent choice for macro work too. I pwn both types just for convience. You won't be sorry. All of this is still a lot less than a macro lense if your just an occasional user, if your going to get into macro seriously then buy a lense.

SDB777 Loc: Edwards, AR USA

I'm betting you can find a 50mm 2.8(ish) macro lens for not a lot of money. I choose a Sigma lens, and haven't had any issues....and when I go with a FF, the lens is already a DG(so I'm good).

Scott (macro is fun) B

Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.

egbarr26 wrote:

I have a Cannon EOS Digital Rebel XS/1000D and have been looking for a macro lens that will not cost an arm and a leg. I have heard about a series of "filters" that are alleged to serve as a macro lens, but I'm cautious about that. Any wisdom to shed on my "problem" will be welcome.

Though you may get some good answers here, I suggest you post your question in the "True Macro" section. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Flyextreme wrote:

Though you may get some good answers here, I suggest you post your question in the "True Macro" section. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

Concur.

:thumbup:

TheDman Loc: USA

For $469 I wouldn't hesitate a second to get the excellent Canon 60mm EF-S Macro.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

egbarr26 wrote:

I have a Cannon EOS Digital Rebel XS/1000D and have been looking for a macro lens that will not cost an arm and a leg. I have heard about a series of "filters" that are alleged to serve as a macro lens, but I'm cautious about that. Any wisdom to shed on my "problem" will be welcome.

I just did a search on ebay and found 2,922 listings for macro lenses for under $100.00

Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.

jethro779 wrote:

I just did a search on ebay and found 2,922 listings for macro lenses for under $100.00

Most are lenses with the word Macro on them. They are not all macro lenses. If they are capable of 1:1 (life size) and have flat field of veiw, they are like actual macro lenes.

Don't forget, you usually get what you pay for :wink:

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

Flyextreme wrote:

Most are lenses with the word Macro on them. They are not all macro lenses. If they are capable of 1:1 (life size) and have flat field of veiw, they are like actual macro lenes.

Don't forget, you usually get what you pay for :wink:

Since I shoot a D7100, D90, D3000 I know nothing about Canon lenses, but there were 2 Sigmas like I have that get close to 1:1 Like 7/8ths the size of a dime. listed and on a page of 25 there were 12 Canon lenses listed.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Three ways you can accomplish this: you can buy a macro lens - many standard telephotos are called "macro" but are not. A true macro lens will create an image that is the same size as your subject. You can get an extension tube set - by putting your regular lens further from the image processor you get a photo of a smaller part of the original image, so you can get a larger photo of a small object. The third option - the "filters" you mention - are lenses that clamp or screw in front of your regular lens that allows you to get very close to your subject. Many hoggers use the system by Raynox and have submitted some very nice photos here. See:

http://www.amazon.com/Raynox-DCR-250-Super-Macro-Snap-/dp/B000A1SZ2Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440069106&sr=8-1&keywords=raynox+dcr-250+super+macro+snap-on+lens

The following photo was taken years ago (in the days of film) with a screw-on close up "filter".

Little red mushrooms at Purgatory Falls

Bill gomberg

Trust but verify .