close-up filter for macro lens

[zzhihuaa]

I would like to ask a qn, can close up filters be mounted on macro lens such as canon 100mm macro or tamron 90mm macro? Will it cause any AF problems while doing so?

 

[ianhyk]

i would recommend ext tubes instead, no image quality drop

 

[zzhihuaa]

thats what I was thinking at first, but when I went to the retailer they say ext tubes can only be used for L-lenses Mine is an EF USM, so too bad...

 

[Numnumball]

Using raynox 250 DCR on my 105VR currently. NP at all, however do note that extension tubes still the way to go as no degrading in IQ as there's no extra glass elements in between.. And cheap closeup filter will compromise the quality of output

 

[NovJoe]

Cheaper alternative is Raynox 250 DCR. works well for me so far.

 

[chalib]

thats what I was thinking at first, but when I went to the retailer they say ext tubes can only be used for L-lenses Mine is an EF USM, so too bad...

Which retailer?? That is abolutely nonsense. You can use extension tube with canon 100 macro or tamron 90 macro.

Take note that if you use extension tube, your VF will get dimmer

 

[zzhihuaa]

Cheaper alternative is Raynox 250 DCR. works well for me so far.

Raynox 250 DCR huh. ok that is possible with macro, since i dont use wide angle at all i dont have to worry much abt vignetting.

 

[wdEvA]

thats what I was thinking at first, but when I went to the retailer they say ext tubes can only be used for L-lenses Mine is an EF USM, so too bad...

thats total bullshit from the retailer!

well there are many close-up filters to choose from

1. Hoya
2. B+w
3. Raynox DCR150 / DCR250 (Commonly recommended)

Alternatively you can consider extension tubes, there are two kinds
1. No electrical contacts (your lens must have an aperture ring to be able to adjust the aperture, which in your case, you can't since you are using an EF Lens)

2. Canon / Kenko / Triplus / Other brands, extension tubes which has electrical contacts, thus supporting, the control of aperture on camera, auto-focus, metering


I've personally used a hoya+4, raynox dcr250, no electrical contact tubes and triplus extension tubes. and i would recommend you to go for the triplus / kenkos.

 

[zzhihuaa]

Hoya is very good. I tried once and never regretted using it. Because of that, i ditched both the vitacon uv and PLs that i had cos they turn out to be total rip-offs (no coating at all).:bsmilie:

Well I have checked out this site

http://www.mcgill.com.sg/shop/product_info.php?products_id=121

and true enough, they have the raynox 250. I may consider buying that, cos

1) i live in bedok area, and the collection place is near bedok

2) if I used it with my 100mm macro, closest focusing distance is reduced to 11cm instead of 1 ft (0.31m)

3) price is reasonable, only $120 for on-the-spot collection.

 

[chikiball]

Hoya is very good. I tried once and never regretted using it. Because of that, i ditched both the vitacon uv and PLs that i had cos they turn out to be total rip-offs (no coating at all).:bsmilie:

Well I have checked out this site

http://www.mcgill.com.sg/shop/product_info.php?products_id=121

and true enough, they have the raynox 250. I may consider buying that, cos

1) i live in bedok area, and the collection place is near bedok

2) if I used it with my 100mm macro, closest focusing distance is reduced to 11cm instead of 1 ft (0.31m)

3) price is reasonable, only $120 for on-the-spot collection.

I would suggest that you try tubes first(they sell tubes the non electric contact ones for $20 in here http://artworkfoto.com/others.html), even though raynox is well known for their quality, but there still is possibility of image quality drops (i tried raynox before).

And for changing the aperture you might want to try this:
1. put your lens normally without tubes and change the aperture you want.
2. press the DOF preview button so the aperture blade will close.
3. while pressing the DOF preview button, take off the lens without turning your camera off.
4. put the tubes on your body and put the lens on the tubes.
whoalla, you have a tube attach with the aperture that you want. I tried it many times using my EF 50mm and tamron 18-270mm its working fine without any adverse effect, ...... yet ;p.

 

[madmartian]

I would like to ask a qn, can close up filters be mounted on macro lens such as canon 100mm macro or tamron 90mm macro? Will it cause any AF problems while doing so?

No probs