Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: Eli Burakian on March 23, 2010, 05:06:51 pm
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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!
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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:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/3820879990_140f3c9c50_o.jpg)
... and here is an example with the 50mm + 250D:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/3773390419_65e3c07b8b_b.jpg)
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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.
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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 ...
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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.
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Depends on the lens. With a zoom you're probably better off with the achromat lens.
Innnerrrestin' ... why is that (about the zoom)?
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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...
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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:
(http://www.cynthiamerzerphotography.com/Travel/Alaska/Wrangell-St-Elias-National/CMAlaska0339-Edit/464181878_7JxnS-L.jpg)
Aspen Leaf Minor trails:
(http://www.cynthiamerzerphotography.com/Travel/Alaska/Wrangell-St-Elias-National/CMAlaska0340-Edit/464182389_eA8xD-L.jpg)
Wildflowers:
(http://www.cynthiamerzerphotography.com/Travel/Alaska/Kenai/CMAlaska0531-Edit/372865429_CZYQd-L-1.jpg)
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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 (http://www.trailpixie.net/general/a_highland_bog.htm)
(http://www.trailpixie.net/Bog-50D-8494-S.jpg)
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See this discussion/evaluation of various close-up filters (lenses):
http://nikongear.com/smf/index.php?topic=24965.0 (http://nikongear.com/smf/index.php?topic=24965.0)
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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.
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Thanks for all the interesting info. Everything's a compromise.