I am looking for an inexpensive macro kit. I am just entering the world of macro photography so I would like to start off slow, and then upgrade later if I like it. Any suggestions?
Macro on the cheap can be done with Diopter lenses (they screw onto your lenses like a filter), extension tubes ( normally a set of three tubes used individually or together) or a reversing ring (turns your normal lens around & mounts it backwards).. There are pros & cons to each of these cheap ways of doing macro. The camera you use can play a part in what to try out first. A true macro lens is the most convenient way to go although it is also the most expensive. Bear in mind that when shooting macro, AF & VR are next to useless as you get closer to life size
I mentioned that in my previous post. The ring screws into your filter threads & the other end mounts to your camera. You can get some extreme macro shots with this & exactly what magnification you get depends on the lens you reverse (the wider the angle lens, the greater the magnification). Thr drawbacks to this setup is that there is no automation (no metering by the camera, but that is easy to overcome), very tiny DOF (razor thin, hard to focus), an exposed rear lens element (when reversing the lens, you are right on top of your subject & it's easy to rub against the element with your subject, that said, Nikon & maybe others, offer adapters that in turn mount on the reversed lens & allow you to mount a filter on it. & the final point is that you can't vary the magnification ratio without changing lenses, thus it messes with your composition. Some might say that you lose AF functions & you do, but when shooting macro, you need to focus manually anyway.
If you want a good macro lens without having to spend a lot of money, look for a Phoenix 100mm. It shoots at 1:2 normally but jumps to 1:1 with the macro adaptor. It's only $119.95 and is EXTREMELY SHARP.
I have found that any true macro lens (not zooms with a macro function, but a fixed focal length lens capable of getting to at least 1/2 life size) will give you good results unless it is used & has been abused. The main criteria when selecting one is really focal length (which plays into how close you want to be to your subject)....The Phoenix lens previously mentioned is quite good optically, but lacks in build quality ...The adapter for it is a diopter lens that screws into the filter ring to achieve life size images
Screamin Scott wrote: I mentioned that in my previous post. The ring screws into your filter threads & the other end mounts to your camera. You can get some extreme macro shots with this & exactly what magnification you get depends on the lens you reverse (the wider the angle lens, the greater the magnification). Thr drawbacks to this setup is that there is no automation (no metering by the camera, but that is easy to overcome), very tiny DOF (razor thin, hard to focus), an exposed rear lens element (when reversing the lens, you are right on top of your subject & it's easy to rub against the element with your subject, that said, Nikon & maybe others, offer adapters that in turn mount on the reversed lens & allow you to mount a filter on it. & the final point is that you can't vary the magnification ratio without changing lenses, thus it messes with your composition. Some might say that you lose AF functions & you do, but when shooting macro, you need to focus manually anyway.
Understood Scott. Really good post. Makes you wonder how people figure these things out. Mounting a lens backwards! But hey, if it works, it works. I'll stick with the macro lens
I use a combination of stacked extension tubes and a lens reverser with good results. The lens I use is usually a choice between a 50mm and a 28-70mm macro zoom. I'm strictly manual with this lash up. Scott nailed it right on the money when he said that the DOF is razor thin. That's why another vital piece of equipment that hasn't been mentioned should be used and I'm referring to a macro focusing rail mounted on the most solid tri-pod you have. The rail has saved a ton of aggravation and has allowed me to fine tune the shot to what I want instead of a compromise. Try and get one that moves from side to side and fore and aft. They are well worth the money and you'll be happy you got one. 1mm movement can make or break a shot.
The other set-up I use is a 70-300mm macro lens with a 2x focal doubler. This allows a bit of automation but not much. The real beauty is that it allows me a lot of leeway and lets me do insect shots without disturbing the insect. I know I'd be bugged if I had a large black mouth hovering over me.
Have used the magnifying filters and found that they can really slice the DOF down a lot. They can also make for a softer focus with the higher powered magnifying filters. Used with a standard lens, they can be real handy.
BTW: One way I can see how much DOF I have is by focusing on a printed page at a very shallow angle. This gives me an idea of how much working room I have. Try it and you'll be surprised.
lfortier wrote: If you want a good macro lens without having to spend a lot of money, look for a Phoenix 100mm. It shoots at 1:2 normally but jumps to 1:1 with the macro adaptor. It's only $119.95 and is EXTREMELY SHARP.
I was going to mention this option, but lfortier beat me to it
This lens is known as "the fantastic plastic" lol
I picked one up used a while back at a pawn shop. Agree with Scott - the construction is lousey, but the image quality on this one is far beyond the price point. A good option if you want a real cheap macro lens to practice on.
lfortier wrote: If you want a good macro lens without having to spend a lot of money, look for a Phoenix 100mm. It shoots at 1:2 normally but jumps to 1:1 with the macro adaptor. It's only $119.95 and is EXTREMELY SHARP.
I was going to mention this option, but lfortier beat me to it
This lens is known as "the fantastic plastic" lol
I picked one up used a while back at a pawn shop. Agree with Scott - the construction is lousey, but the image quality on this one is far beyond the price point. A good option if you want a real cheap macro lens to practice on.
How have I missed this one, might need to take a look at this one for a spare set up!
After starting the EOS R lineup of mirrorless cameras, Canon has expanded its offerings into APS-C territory. Which Canon APS-C camera is for you? Let’s find out!
In the Sony a7R V vs a7 IV, there is no doubt that both cameras are well equipped and provide excellent performance. But which is best for imaging? For video? Find out here!
In this FujiFilm X-T5 review, you’ll learn the ins and outs of this high-quality APS-C, including its basic specs and features, as well as a few lenses that work well with it!
The Panasonic GX8 is a micro four thirds interchangeable lens camera that came out in 2015. Is it still worth it in 2023? Get all the details in this comprehensive review!
With this list of gifts for photographers under $500, you'll find all sorts of awesome ideas to get for your loved ones (or yourself) this holiday season.
Starting a photography business is one thing. Building a successful photography business that performs well over time is another. Get some tips on starting your business here!
Printing photos online makes getting high-quality prints so much easier. However, you need to partner with the right company to get the best results. Use this guide to learn what to look for!
Not every photography or videography situation warrants a tripod. In some cases, a camera monopod will do the trick. Use this guide to learn what to look for when shopping for monopods.
Searching for the best cheap full frame camera is pretty easy these days, as you can find high-quality used examples on platforms like MPB, which has an extensive inventory.
A photo print doesn’t have to be on paper. Instead, you can choose many other substrates like acrylic, canvas, or metal. The question is, which one is best for your images?
Part of running a successful business is building relationships with photography clients who keep coming back over and over for your services. Use this guide to learn how to do that!
Though monochrome photography is often thought of as black and white, this isn’t always the case. Some monochrome images use different tones of the same color.
But hey, if it works, it works. I'll stick with the macro lens 
