California Time
Close Up Photography ~ Minus the Macro Lens
If you are a new owner of a DSLR camera and love taking pictures up close and personal, as in macro photography ~ but for some reason are holding off on purchasing a macro lens, here’s an option for you. I took some pictures with my 7D Canon and a 50mm f /1.8 lens and a $25.00 Quantaray Close Up Set of filter lenses.
First of all, the filter set comes in this case
inside of which are three lenses you can attach to the 50mm lens, one by one or altogether.
Now bear in mind that when you’re using the 50mm ~this is about as near or far as you can get in order to take a close up photo ~ no zooming in.
Different shot different subject, still with the 50mm lens by itself. Here’s my Benders basketball dude and my collectible Conan KeepaKlip from my store and sample stash. This is the closest, clearest I can get with just the 50mm. Not bad. I love my 50mm.
Now, let me get closer with the +4 lens attached to the 50mm. Same Bender dude, with Conan. About 6 inches away.
Now, I really want to close up on Conan since he needs some attention lately ~ and I kind of like the guy. I attached all three add-on lenses to my 50mm and I’m about a couple inches away with this last shot.
See how easy that was? And I did NOT spend $600 on a macro lens. I can go outside and find some cool bug [except that it's winter] and take some cool outdoor photography! Here are some online reviews of this filter set. Yup, I did my homework and I’ll save you the trouble.
Now when you go to a camera store, you must ask for these lenses. If you talk about close up photography, they’ll want to sell you the expensive stuff. Not many will mention this alternative. They are available in different diameters. For $25.00, it will tide you over until you have disposable money to splurge.
Now go on, and have fun with your hobby! And while you’re at it, you even have enough for a cup of coffee! Cheers!! Say CHEESE!!
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WOW! This looks great! I don’t have a DSLR but have passed your site info on to two friends who do.
Thanks for the tip!
Thanks
I love it when I find secrets I can share!
I want more tips like this!!! thanks
Stay tuned…for more fun!
That is such a cool trick! I’m gonna have to try that….because the “disposable income” is kind of gone!
Kaye, I still have my filters for my manual focus Minolta film camera. Also have extension tubes for them as well.
When I use the close up filters, that is when I will grab a monopod. Movement really affects how it turns out.
Thanks for the tip, Joanne. For anything macro, a good steady hand or a mono/tripod is key to a good shot, right? I’ve not really used the filters a lot; just got them yesterday and was surprised at how low key it was at the store.
so I had my nose really up close LOL
Joanne, I’m not at the extension tubes yet
When I used film, I took a black and white developing class and I had to buy alot of filters. SO much can be gained with them. I highly recommend people try using filters.
Thanks for the tip. That’s really cool!
Lynda´s last blog ..My Broken Heart Can’t Shoot
[...] The Grammie Diaries » Close Up Photography ~ Minus the Macro Lens – This is truly an awesome suggestion. Add a set of filters to your camera to take some macro-like photographs! I only have the 50mm lens at the moment and I really miss macro photography. This seems like a cheap alternative ($25!) to hold me over until I can afford another lens. [...]
Thank you for linking to my blog. I found other cool sites on your post and have bookmarked it (your blog). Have a great day!