Cheap-O Macro?

[teatime0315]

Hey everyone! So I just got the 70-300 VR from Nikon. I read that adding a "macro filter?" to the front of the lens would make a pretty versatile "wannabe" macro lens. I've read recommendations of the Canon 500D but the sizes are different from the lens. I think the Canon is a 77mm and my lens is a 68mm? So my question is, how would i go about and attach the macro filter? I'm assuming I would need an adapter. If so could someone recommend me an adapter? Thanks, I can't wait to get into Macro photography!

 

[teatime0315]

Link < Here is an example of what i could achieve now with the lens. Please note that it was cropped. I forgot by how much though. It was also on the long end. 300mm.

 

[troytime]

any step up ring will do
or you can just buy a close up filter thats the same size as your lens

i have some 67mm close up filters made by tiffen
they were less than 30 bucks and i've gotten some GREAT shots with them

i'm now in the market for a real macro lens though

 

[dblevitan]

Not all close up lenses are the same in terms of sharpness - the ones made by Nikon and Canon are typically better. I believe they have two elements instead of one. As for step-up rings - make sure you get metal. I generally get my filters from 2filter.com - they're fast and have good service and good prices.

 

[Kaido]

We have some macro rings and they're not bad. You really gotta play with the DOF to get it just right, but it does give you a sharp picture. iirc the set of 3 ran about $80. Hard to get on and off though.

 

[teatime0315]

Originally posted by: Kaido
We have some macro rings and they're not bad. You really gotta play with the DOF to get it just right, but it does give you a sharp picture. iirc the set of 3 ran about $80. Hard to get on and off though.

yeah I'm trying to do the filter thing cause it seems more versatile than tubes.

 

[teatime0315]

Originally posted by: dblevitan
Not all close up lenses are the same in terms of sharpness - the ones made by Nikon and Canon are typically better. I believe they have two elements instead of one. As for step-up rings - make sure you get metal. I generally get my filters from 2filter.com - they're fast and have good service and good prices.

What Brand would you recommend for the step up ring? As for the macro filter ... I think i'm getting the Canon 500D.

 

[ElFenix]

55 mm f/3.5 micro nikkors run ~$50 from ebay.

 

[virtuamike]

Agreed, I shoot with a 55/3.5

They're cheaper than the cost of a closeup filter or an extension tube set.

 

[blackhawk]

I've got the 70-300vr for the tele but am enjoying the macro right now, not bad with cropping and also looking for a dedicated macro lens but want a 105 or 200 for the bugs and stuff that moves.

My 18-200 is pretty good too.

Might end up with a 80-400 for the reach, have to wait till fall to decide and that would mean the 70-300 would have to go.

 

[troytime]

can you guys post some examples from your 55?

also, is it the AIS version? or is there an AF version?

i've been wanting a macro lens for about a year, i guess the 55 never made it into my radar because i wanted something around 100mm (like the kiron 90, phoenix/vivitar/cosina/promaster 100, or the nikkor 105)

 

[dblevitan]

Originally posted by: teatime0315
What Brand would you recommend for the step up ring? As for the macro filter ... I think i'm getting the Canon 500D.

I don't think it particularly matters that much. I know I got a B+W one which has the advantage of having a ribbed edge (the rings are sometimes annoying to get off and on) and I'm happy with it, but I'm not sure if its worth the extra price ($20 vs. $8 for others). I'm not sure if any of the other companies have the a edge or not. B&H also has a bunch of step up rings in your size.

 

[virtuamike]

Originally posted by: troytime
can you guys post some examples from your 55?

also, is it the AIS version? or is there an AF version?

i've been wanting a macro lens for about a year, i guess the 55 never made it into my radar because i wanted something around 100mm (like the kiron 90, phoenix/vivitar/cosina/promaster 100, or the nikkor 105)

Most of these are 55/3.5 shots

Mine is AI. I don't think they made AIS versions of the 55/3.5 (only 55/2.8). They made an AF 55/2.8, but I don't know much about it and I don't think they were very popular (focus ring was pretty crap on it).

Besides, for macro you really want to be using manual focus, not auto focus.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: troytime
can you guys post some examples from your 55?

also, is it the AIS version? or is there an AF version?

i've been wanting a macro lens for about a year, i guess the 55 never made it into my radar because i wanted something around 100mm (like the kiron 90, phoenix/vivitar/cosina/promaster 100, or the nikkor 105)

check my last post in the camera porn thread.

55 is a pretty short working distance at maximum magnification (1:2 on 135 cameras so 3:4 on a nikon and 4:5 on canon).

mine has a lot of cleaning marks on it. i'm sure they make some difference but not at small sizes.