Domesticatedanimal
Dec 4, 2011 12:47:17 #
Want to do some macro and micro. Have canonT3i w/18-55 lens. Will extension tubes serve the purpose well, or should i invest in an expensive lens made for that? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
Rick
Rick
Dec 4, 2011 12:51:01 #
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user_page.jsp?upnum=108
FAQ: What is a MACRO lens?
A true MACRO lens is a prime lens (non-zoom) that is designed to focus much closer to front of lens than a standard prime lens or zoom lens. A true MACRO lens can focus close enough to a subject to allow image capture the exact same size as subject. This is known as 1:1 magnification, or life-size. A MACRO lens can usually focus to infinity as well.
Another characteristic of a true MACRO lens is a flat-field of focus. Where standard and zoom lenses have fields of focus that curve similar to their front lens element, a MACRO lens is designed to focus on a flat tabletop (as an example) keeping focus on center of table (closest to lens) as well as keeping the corners in focus (farthest from lens).
Extension tubes are designed to increase the magnification factor of a MACRO lens, by allowing closer focus to front element of lens. Standard extension tube lengths are 12-mm, 20-mm, and 36-mm. Tubes can be used singly or in combination.
True macro is 1:1 or life-size, up to 10:1 or 10x life-size, usually with a macro lens. Viewing is called macroscopy. Image capture is properly called macrography.
True micro is 10:1 or 10x life-size, and higher, usually with a microscope or specialty lens. Viewing is called microscopy. Image capture is micrography.
Close-up is 1:4 or 1/4 life-size up to near 1:1 or near life-size, with a standard, zoom, or macro lens.
FAQ: What is a MACRO lens?
A true MACRO lens is a prime lens (non-zoom) that is designed to focus much closer to front of lens than a standard prime lens or zoom lens. A true MACRO lens can focus close enough to a subject to allow image capture the exact same size as subject. This is known as 1:1 magnification, or life-size. A MACRO lens can usually focus to infinity as well.
Another characteristic of a true MACRO lens is a flat-field of focus. Where standard and zoom lenses have fields of focus that curve similar to their front lens element, a MACRO lens is designed to focus on a flat tabletop (as an example) keeping focus on center of table (closest to lens) as well as keeping the corners in focus (farthest from lens).
Extension tubes are designed to increase the magnification factor of a MACRO lens, by allowing closer focus to front element of lens. Standard extension tube lengths are 12-mm, 20-mm, and 36-mm. Tubes can be used singly or in combination.
True macro is 1:1 or life-size, up to 10:1 or 10x life-size, usually with a macro lens. Viewing is called macroscopy. Image capture is properly called macrography.
True micro is 10:1 or 10x life-size, and higher, usually with a microscope or specialty lens. Viewing is called microscopy. Image capture is micrography.
Close-up is 1:4 or 1/4 life-size up to near 1:1 or near life-size, with a standard, zoom, or macro lens.
Dec 4, 2011 13:01:44 #
Thanks Nikonian, that will help in making my decision before my purchase.
Rick
Rick
Dec 4, 2011 13:16:09 #
There are several ways to obtain macro (1:1 mag or life-size) images.
The best images are captured with a dedicated macro lens, of which Canon makes several. Sharp image corner-to-corner, easy to use, and repeatable results. Extension tubes will increase mag., and preserve corner-to-corner resolution.
Extension tubes on a standard prime lens is second best. Corners soft focus, one or more tubes needed to achieve 1:1 mag.
Extension tubes on a zoom lens is third best, as center of lens is used for macro, but corners are still soft. Zooms are usually heavier than prime lenses.
Using a 2x (doubler) between camera & standard prime lens or zoom lens is fifth best, as extra lenses surfaces (usually uncoated) are added to optic formula. Corner softness and chromatic aberration can be evident.
Threaded add-on "close-up" lenses (measured in diopters) are fifth best, as extra surfaces of simple lens can flatten contrast, and simple lens is uncorrected at edges, causing softness of detail & chromatic aberration.
The best images are captured with a dedicated macro lens, of which Canon makes several. Sharp image corner-to-corner, easy to use, and repeatable results. Extension tubes will increase mag., and preserve corner-to-corner resolution.
Extension tubes on a standard prime lens is second best. Corners soft focus, one or more tubes needed to achieve 1:1 mag.
Extension tubes on a zoom lens is third best, as center of lens is used for macro, but corners are still soft. Zooms are usually heavier than prime lenses.
Using a 2x (doubler) between camera & standard prime lens or zoom lens is fifth best, as extra lenses surfaces (usually uncoated) are added to optic formula. Corner softness and chromatic aberration can be evident.
Threaded add-on "close-up" lenses (measured in diopters) are fifth best, as extra surfaces of simple lens can flatten contrast, and simple lens is uncorrected at edges, causing softness of detail & chromatic aberration.
Dec 4, 2011 15:58:59 #
Thank you Nikonian, very much. I appreciate your time in replying. I will be working toward that end. Have to save some coins first! Then hopefully the purchase will pay for its self. So for i've been selling a few 8x10's from my little 5mp point and shoot,"Nocturnal Beauty" was one of them. But i've been striving for bigger and better! Trying to learn, and expand my visual point of view. Don't want to limit myself to nature, allthough that is my favorite. Will be, in the future, doing more night shots, city lights, low light gulf of mexico sunsets, beach stuff and, in general, trying to expand my horizons and my knowledge.
Thanks again,
Rick
Thanks again,
Rick
Dec 4, 2011 16:38:51 #
I have the T2i. I bought the Canon 100mm f2.8 and I love it. I've gotten some fantastic shots with it, and the bokeh is great. Shots are very sharp, when your in close I highly reccomend a tripod. Also doubles as a great portrait lens. It cost around $550, or the "L" with IS is around $950. I sometimes when I go out, I have to choose something to leave behind, this lens is NEVER it.
Dec 5, 2011 09:56:55 #
this was done with a canon rebel and a 18-55 kit lens I used a $5 dollar lens reversal ring from ebay made in china just do some research on lens reversal and get ready to crawl around on the ground you have to move your camera back and forth to focus
Dec 5, 2011 10:04:01 #
glad you pointed out the canon kit lens, i have done similar shots with that lens also.
Dec 5, 2011 11:55:20 #
domesticatedanimal wrote:
Want to do some macro and micro. Have canonT3i w/18-55 lens. Will extension tubes serve the purpose well, or should i invest in an expensive lens made for that? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
Rick
Rick
One of the best deals around is the old 50mm 2.8 Canon Macro. These can be had for around 250- 300 and a the life size converter that gives 1:1 is around 125. This gives you flexibility AND a 50mm prime lens that is sharp for portraits on your crop sensor camera.
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