Close-up Lens or Macro Lens

[pepawofva]

Hello
I'm new to this site, I'm hoping I can get some input as to which might be better a Close-up lens or macro. I have a Canon XTi which I'm very happy with. There are times with I would like to take some close-up shot Flowers, Insects and maybe people. Would it be better to buy a Close-up Lens or a Macro Lens, I dont take that many close-ups and I would want the most cost effect way. Which Close-up lens are good and are there good low cost Macro Lens. Thanks in advance for the replys
Dan (AKA pepawofva)

[adz929]

I believe the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens might be what you're after, does a fine job as a portrait lens too.

[gemmf]

I believe the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens might be what you're after, does a fine job as a portrait lens too.

100mm f2.8 might be a better choice for insect shots due to longer working distance.

[adz929]

100mm f2.8 might be a better choice for insect shots due to longer working distance.

Ooops, my bad, missed the part about insects, I only read flowers and people

[dang]

I've put together several galleries with examples, and explanations of different techniques and required accessories for macro which might like to read. Starting here: http://www.dangphoto.net
Hope it helps.

[pepawofva]

Thanks for the replys. I have to read through the topic dong put up. Thanks again
Dan

[racketman]

another cheap alternative is a set of Jessops extension tubes currently on sale at £29.99 - with a standard 50mm lens these will take you to about 1.5:1

[fergulmcc]

100mm f2.8 might be a better choice for insect shots due to longer working distance.

I'll second that !!!!, one of my best buys was that lens, pin sharp and dam good for portrait work, the macro on it is quite simply superb! Have fun!

Fergul

[jscramlin01]

Hello, I am also a canon user (40D). So let me give you my 2 cents. As you know the ef lens (as good as they are) are very expensive. I am in the same situation for macro. I don't use it enough to justify spending so much on a ef macro lens. I have recently bought a AF confirmation adapter for M42 screw mount lens. And I got to tell you, I am very happy with it. I have an extensive collection of pentax M42 lens and in may cases the primes work as good or better than the Canon.

You can buy a AF confirmation adapter for less the $40.00 and pentax makes a very good 50mm 1.9 super multicoated screw mount lens. I have this lens and does a fantasic job on macro. If you look around on ebay, you could find both items for $100.00 or less. Stick to the super multi coated lens.

[prinothcat]

I recently added a set of Tiffen close up lenses to my quiver. Screw in filter type +1, +2, +4. I use them with an 80-200 2.8 nikkor with varying results. They work quite well at 80-100 mm but much more than that and they get "foggy". At 80mm they are razor sharp and very easy to use. Set focus to infinity and move closer or away from the subject to focus. If you have a good prime or as I do a sharp zoom, these might be a good stop gap solution. They were ~120 usd in 77mm.
website: Tiffen Closeup Lens Set

[tedchappell]

Greetings
For what its worth: After a lot of research, I chose a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for my Canon 30d and are very satisfied with the results. It is a very high qality versatile lens, which when combined with a ring-light it is perfect for close-up pics of flowers etc while for general portrait work it is superb.

Cheers
Ted

[felicity6568]

I would alsp recommend the 100mm f2.8 for these kinds of shots!