View Full Version : Macro Shooting


Tim Davison
April 28th, 2011, 08:39 AM
I want to be able to shoot really close up on objects but cannot do this with the lenses I currently have:

Canon 24-70mm
Tokina 11-16mm
Canon 50mm
Canon 70-200mm

What wiould you suggest? Are there attachments I can bolt onto my existing lenses or should I buy a purpose built macro lens?

David Rice
April 28th, 2011, 10:07 AM
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-eos-60d-rebel-t2i-eos-550d-hd/495047-macro-lens.html

Jon Fairhurst
April 28th, 2011, 02:44 PM
One thing to consider is how you like to shoot close stuff. Some want to shoot insect eyes (get the Canon 65 1-5x Macro). Others film normally and occasionally shoot a hand, a ring, a written page, or a small clue. A dedicated 1:1 macro, like a Canon 100mm is probably the ticket.

On the other hand, you might like to push perspectives. Maybe you focus on a candle on a table that is very close to the camera, then rack focus back to the actor. In that case, ensuring that all your lenses can focus close is a good goal. I'd go for ZE 50/2 and 100/2 Makros to have my every day lenses focus close. They only do 1:2 magnification (which is fine for "clue" shots), but they have f/2 speed, excellent focus rings and great performance.

You can get an extension tube to give your existing lenses closer focus, but you'll get slower, softer performance. You can also get macro adapter lenses, but these can be exceptionally milky. Of course, that milky look could fit a specific look or mood, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

Ben Ruffell
April 28th, 2011, 03:18 PM
I use the Canon 100mm Macro, sometimes with extension tubes.

If you want to get closer get the Canon 65mm Macro.

I find the 100mm Macro is great for non macro shots and it no w lives in my lens case, where as the 65mm is a specialty lens.

Tim Davison
April 30th, 2011, 09:38 AM
Many thanks guys