whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

I am interested on doing a little close-up photography. Flora and insects, etc. Don't know if I will be interested in it enough to go further so I am looking for an inexpensive way of trying it out. Extension tube, close-up lens, etc. Any ideas from fellow UHHer's? Thanks.

MW

Extension tube is best simple approach in my opinion. They don’t cost too much and don’t degrade the resolution of the lens.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Have a look here
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Michael, I started with what I am suggesting and then moved on to a Macro lens when I realized I was serious. You will need to get the correct diameter for the lens you will be using it on. Have fun.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/56782-REG/Tiffen_62CUS_62mm_Close_up_Glass_Lens.html

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Renting one is also an option.

Don

whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

Wow. Thanks everyone for responding. Now I have to do some studying and thinking.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You can start with cheap ($15) manual extension tubes and see how you like macro. Reversing the lens, with an adapter, can also work.
https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=extension+tubes&rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3Aextension+tubes

https://www.dpreview.com/learn/1063005124/10-macro-photography-tips-for-beginners
http://www.digitalphotomentor.com/the-ultimate-guide-macro-photography/?utm_source=Digital+Photo+Mentor&utm_campaign=d27aaa27fe-DPM_Blog_Broadcast&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ec33f1d0c3-d27aaa27fe-263056661&mc_cid=d27aaa27fe&mc_eid=fddc3ab094

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Kenko automatic extension tubes that communicate all camera settings at about $75 IIRC. Keep in mind that you can use one or MORE tubes together too...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Tubes & close up lenses (filters) will get you to macro but they are limiting. Tubes will require that you add/subtract pieces in order to change your magnification or composition. The close-up lenses are OK but only if you use the dual element ones (more expensive of course). Neither are a good replacement for a true macro lens. Tubes are best used on a fixed focal length (prime) lens & a fast one at that as you will lose light. The shorter the focal length, the greater the magnification and the closer to your subject you will be. Zooms labeled as "Macro" may give you what you are looking for although they are not true macro lenses in that they do not get to life-size, nor are they "flat field" designs. Use a tube on a slow lens & the resulting image in the viewfinder will make it hard to focus. Yes, auto tubes will allow one to retain AF capabilities but when in close, AF has issues finding focus. VR or IS have the same limitations. Just bear in mind that neither tubes nor close up lenses (filters) are going to give you the convenience and quality of a true macro lens

agillot

if you have some old 50 mm lens or so from the film era , get a reversing ring that fit your camera at one hand and the filter size of the lens .[ ebay , $ 5.00 ].good result once you learn to do it .i am sure if you google the subject you will see how this work .

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

I'd go for a set of auto extension tubes.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

You don't say what camera you have. If you shoot a Nikon D200 or better, there are older Vivitar 2x macro converters available on ebay that will turn a 50mm lens into a macro lens. Thus no loss of infinity focus &
variable magnification. They can work on other Nikon DSLR's but with limitations. A link to some eBay auctions below...
https://www.ebay.com/i/263306804225?chn=ps&dispctrl=1

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

If you're interested in purchasing, you might want to consider purchasing used or refurbished. I just (today) bought a used Nikon 60/2.8D Micro to use for slide duplication. I also own a Nikon 105/2.8D Micro, which I consider an outstanding lens. I'm sure that's also available used as well. I know that B&H has some of the 60s. Best of luck.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Extension tubes I would say.