Close-up Filters

[Eli Burakian]

So I just got the sony a850 and am looking forward to getting the zeiss 24-70 lens for an upcoming backcountry hike. As this is a heavy combo, I don't want to carry a dedicated macro lens so was wondering if anybody has any recommendations for close-up lenses/filters (with a 77mm thread).

It seems like there are a variety, but supposedly the achromatic/apochromat(?) versions are much better as well as providing better focusing properties.

Any help is much appreciated!

[Jeremy Payne]

So I just got the sony a850 and am looking forward to getting the zeiss 24-70 lens for an upcoming backcountry hike. As this is a heavy combo, I don't want to carry a dedicated macro lens so was wondering if anybody has any recommendations for close-up lenses/filters (with a 77mm thread).

It seems like there are a variety, but supposedly the achromatic/apochromat(?) versions are much better as well as providing better focusing properties.

Any help is much appreciated!

I use a Canon 500D on my Nikon 70-200mm and a Canon 250D on my Nikon 50mm .. and often add a 1.7x TC to the 70-200 as well.

The 500D comes in a 77mm mount and I love it.

Here's an example with the 500D + 70-200 + 1.7x TC:



... and here is an example with the 50mm + 250D:

[PeterAit]

So I just got the sony a850 and am looking forward to getting the zeiss 24-70 lens for an upcoming backcountry hike. As this is a heavy combo, I don't want to carry a dedicated macro lens so was wondering if anybody has any recommendations for close-up lenses/filters (with a 77mm thread).

It seems like there are a variety, but supposedly the achromatic/apochromat(?) versions are much better as well as providing better focusing properties.

Any help is much appreciated!

I seem to recall that extension tubes are superior to screw-on close up lenses. Is this still true? Was it ever true? A set of tubes would be a pretty light weight addition to your pack.

[Jeremy Payne]

I seem to recall that extension tubes are superior to screw-on close up lenses. Is this still true? Was it ever true? A set of tubes would be a pretty light weight addition to your pack.

I think that's probably true.

Given that both a diopter and/or a TC put additional optics in the mix ... that can't help ... whereas a tube adds nothing but space.

That said, I'm satisfied with the quality of a diopter in front of a quality lens - even with a TC added to the equation.

What I like best about the lens + diopter combo is that I never have to take the lens off the mount to switch between macro and non-macro ... which can often be a blessing in the field ...

[telyt]

I seem to recall that extension tubes are superior to screw-on close up lenses.

Depends on the lens.  With a zoom you're probably better off with the achromat lens.

[Jeremy Payne]

Depends on the lens.  With a zoom you're probably better off with the achromat lens.

Innnerrrestin' ... why is that (about the zoom)?

[spidermike]

I have just started using my Canon 500D dioptre lens and like Jeremy I got it because I like the idea of swapping 'normal' to macro without removing the lens. So far I am happy with the images I am getting.
I understand the advantage of the extension tube is potentially better image quality because there is not another air/glass interface in the lightpath; but the disadvantage (compared to the filter) is that because of the longer lightpath the amount of light reaching the sensor is less and the image resultingly dimmer (= longer exposure or less depth of field).

Take your pick...

[CynthiaM]

So I just got the sony a850 and am looking forward to getting the zeiss 24-70 lens for an upcoming backcountry hike. As this is a heavy combo, I don't want to carry a dedicated macro lens so was wondering if anybody has any recommendations for close-up lenses/filters (with a 77mm thread).

It seems like there are a variety, but supposedly the achromatic/apochromat(?) versions are much better as well as providing better focusing properties.

Any help is much appreciated!

I have the Canon 500d closeup filter (77mm thread) and have often used it on a 24-105 zoom.  I bought primarily as a substitute  for a macro lens to use when I travel; it's one less lens to carry.  It's nice to use it to capture the flora.  Here are a few from a trip to Alaska:
Black Spruce:

Aspen Leaf Minor trails:

Wildflowers:

[fike]

With the 500D I generally use, there isn't much depth of field, but that isn't unique to the closeup lenses, compared to macro lenses. I also attach it to my 100-400 with good results.

You can see a larger, better version here: A Highland Bog Through Pixie's Eyes

[Robert DeCandido PhD]

See this discussion/evaluation of various close-up filters (lenses):

http://nikongear.com/smf/index.php?topic=24965.0

[Jonathan Ratzlaff]

Extension tubes don't work quite the same on a zoom lens as they do on a prime.  I usually end up using the focal length to focus the lens and the focus ring to set the magnification.  In some ways they are more useful if you have a set than is a closeup lens.  I use the canon 250D 77mm (it is heavy) with an 80- 250.  Image quality is good but the magnification and working distance limits its usefulness.  Generally you have a fairly narrow range of useable focus.  The extension tubes are a bit more versatile.

The 250 D is a high quality lens so the image quality for both is comparable.  It just depends on what is most useful for you,  I think I prefer the extension tubes.  One other advantage of an extension tube is that it doesn't affect the focal length like a closeup lens.  If you have a thin enough one, you can focus really close with a wide angle and get really interesting effects.  It a 15mm extension tube on my 18-70 I can focus on the front element.  

[Eli Burakian]

Thanks for all the interesting info.  Everything's a compromise.