which brand would you suggest for close-up filters?

[Saorsa]

I have used Hoya, but to be honest, I don't like close-up filters. It's a solution for situations when nothing else (e.g. macro lens) is available, but it restricts your focusing as far as my experience goes.

That is certainly the case with virtually every type of closeup equipment other than a macro lens. Extension tubes, Achromats, Bellows, etc will all restrict your range of focus. But, when searching the bushes for bugs or interesting flower details I won't be using the infinity end of the range. True, a proper macro lens will give you better framing options because of the large range of focus but, an achromat on a zoom offers the same flexibility in the near ranges.

While I really love my Micro-Nikkors (55, 60 and 105mm) for a lot of uses, walking out in the field with my little Nikon V1, 30-110mm with an old Leitz ELPRO in my pocket lets me get good images of interesting finds. Like this.



You need to be careful in choosing an achromat that the lens is not too powerful for your needs and is suitable for the lens you will be mounting it on.

[Jim A]

Many thanks Saorsa, you have answered my concern about whether to buy a +10 close up. :-D

[JBW]

Which brand would you suggest for close-up filters.I know they work similar to macro lenses but they are not the same thing.Can you upload some photos which were taken with different grades such as +1,+4....

Hi Binnur, you have seen my work with the Tamron 90mm 272E on my Sony. If the detail in my shooting would suit your needs I do believe Tamron makes a 90mm for your camera.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._f_2_8_Di.html

[billtils]

Which brand would you suggest for close-up filters.I know they work similar to macro lenses but they are not the same thing.Can you upload some photos which were taken with different grades such as +1,+4....

Binnur

I had a set of Polaroid ones, purchased on the recommendation of the instructor on a workshop I took a few years ago. Bottom line is that for approx €15 they have me a low cost way of getting into macro work. However, the image quality is limited and once I was comfortable that macro was going to be a continuing part of my photography, it was time to invest.

Extension tubes are probably the best low cost option, but I opted for a macro lens as these are also good for portraiture (another favoured personal genre). I have the Tamron 90mm - same as Brian - and it is a superb lens and good value for money (if you decide to go for a second-hand one, make sure that it is the current F017 and not the earlier version).

If you have a Canon body, it could be worth looking at the EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM ... but I suspect there is a price difference. There is a flickr group for each of these lenses if you want to see what they can do.

Post #19 in this thread shows some images taken with the filters; a fungus shot taken with the Tamron can be seen here, and a more "close up" shot using the Tamron here.

[george013]

Binnur started this thread 3.5 years ago.

George

[JBW]

Binnur started this thread 3.5 years ago.

George

better late to the party than to not show up at all