close-up filters vs macro lens

[stu-52]

I've been trying to use the kit lenses that I have to do close up macro-like photos but they just are not sharp enough. I have a Olympus E-510 with the two kit lenses (14-42mm & 40-150mm).

Now aside from splurging on the Olympus 50mm F2.0 macro lens, I have heard that the close-up filters are a good substitute, but I would like some feedback on this.

thanks

[Anbesol]

Well, that would depend on how close up your current lens do. If they aren't a 1:4 macro magnification or better (which I don't think they are) then it won't do so well. It will also eliminate the infinite focal distance and clip some focal distance on the end. You also may want something a little more telephoto than 50mm so you don't have to have the camera an inch away from the subject.

*edit - looked up the zuiko 40-150, its got a 1:7 magnification. Those macro filters will bring you closer, but won't give you true macro.

[Frog]

Try some Kenko extension tubes instead.
Much cheaper than a lens, nothing in front of your glass to degrade image quality.
Here's a write up sticky by Loupey from the Nature and Wildlife forum.
Extension Tubes - Full Disclosure

[Sushigaijin]

Hi!

I have the E510, and I had the kit lenses. I also have the 50/2, and I shoot mostly macros. I would say I'm uniquely qualified to make suggestions :thumbsup:

for the 40-150 you could go two ways - the Sony VCL-M3358 or the Zuiko extension tube EX-25. Both will essentially do the same thing, the sony for $50 and the EX-25 for around $100.

The EX-25 has the added advantage of being compatible with any 4/3 lens so you can use it with the 50-200 or 50/2 should you upgrade. The sony close-up lens is very high quality and will fit the 58mm thread on the kit lenses. Both will get you MUCH closer.

Or get the 50/2. You won't regret it.

[stu-52]

Hi!

I have the E510, and I had the kit lenses. I also have the 50/2, and I shoot mostly macros. I would say I'm uniquely qualified to make suggestions :thumbsup:

for the 40-150 you could go two ways - the Sony VCL-M3358 or the Zuiko extension tube EX-25. Both will essentially do the same thing, the sony for $50 and the EX-25 for around $100.

The EX-25 has the added advantage of being compatible with any 4/3 lens so you can use it with the 50-200 or 50/2 should you upgrade. The sony close-up lens is very high quality and will fit the 58mm thread on the kit lenses. Both will get you MUCH closer.

Or get the 50/2. You won't regret it.

And there's another close-up lens that I found: Canon - USA 58mm Close-Up Lens 500D. It goes for about $90.

Although, with the EX-25 at $100+ or the close-up lens for $50 - 90, I'm really tempted to get the 50mm F2.0 macro. The cost is only about $400. Dang, I'm wishing that I had gotten just the E-510 body and this lens instead of the 2 kit lenses.....oh well. Like I said, once I am employed again, I'll think about getting this as a celebration present to myself.

[Sushigaijin]

As I said before, you won't regret the 50/2. It's really the greatest lens ever made. If you're regretting the kit lenses, sell them to raise $175 of the cost for the 50/2 I know I only use the standard zoom range (14-42, for instance) as a 12mm prime :crazy: and I think I put the 40-150 on the camera twice, decided it was too short, and sent it to ebay

The canon 500d is a nice close-up lens also but it runs twice what the sony does and only increases your magnification half as much.