Been looking to pick one of these up with a 72mm thread, but don't seem to be in stock except at some places known for the old bait n switch. Anyone know why the shortage?
Thanks, I am looking to start dabling in the macro world and wanted to get a taste using this on my 18-200 or 50-150 2.8 before splurging on a real macro lens. Was hoping to add it to my x-mas list but if I have to get it on fleabay i'll probably end up getting myself a little x-max present!
I use a 500D on the 70-200 and it works perfectly for flowers; don't consider it a macro lens but an excellent close-up lens. The bonus being that it's small enough to fit in your pocket so no excuse for leaving it at home
On Tom Hick's recommendation I picked up a 500D (but got the 77 so it'd fit on my nicer glass). Glad I took his advice. I've been happily using it for the past 5 years or so. It's handy to just stick on the 70-200 during weddings to snag some ring-shots.
Actually with a 300mm the 500D on exceeds 1:1...Comes very close on a 200mm, by definition its is an attachment that turns your long lens into a macro.
I would recommend the 77mm version, a more standard diameter, and add a step up ring to adapt to other lenses (72mm->77mm in your case). I have used one on a 80-400mm for close-up photography and the results have been convincing.
gugs wrote:
I would recommend the 77mm version, a more standard diameter, and add a step up ring to adapt to other lenses (72mm->77mm in your case). I have used one on a 80-400mm for close-up photography and the results have been convincing.
Guy
++1. The 77mm will work on a wider variety of lenses. I expect part of the OP's problem is that he's looking for a non "standard" size of 72mm -- check ebay.
I don't do much in the way of closeups, so the 500D works well enough as a macro for me...
I owned the 77mm 500D and to be honest, if you do more than very light macro use, it's not worth the money. I have been much better served with my 90mm Tamron macro. Losing infinity focus is a pain the ass.
What you DO get with it is decent photos [its a pretty well made closeup filter] and you can slip that filter into your bag easier than another lens.
If you do a LOT of macro work... honestly... save a few more bucks and buy an actual macro lens.
I've got a T90 and its a great lens. But for those times when I only have my 80-200 or 300 with me, well the 500D works great. On the AFS f4 300 you get almost 1:1. It's a long term buy if you like working with a 70/80-200 f2.8 or 300mm f4 and you need maco capability. Especially if you are traveling with just one lens.
those lenses are too short for the 500D. you will find unworkably close shooting distances. the 250D is a better bet even at the longest end of each lens.
Herb...
bqq100 wrote:
Thanks, I am looking to start dabling in the macro world and wanted to get a taste using this on my 18-200 or 50-150 2.8 before splurging on a real macro lens. Was hoping to add it to my x-mas list but if I have to get it on fleabay i'll probably end up getting myself a little x-max present!
I have the 500D in 77mm and really like it. It's a very compact macro "lens"--one less big lens to pack when hiking. I use it successfully on Nikon 80-400mm VR (butterflies etc.) and also on 70-200mm f2.8 VR. Great image quality; little bulk. There is also Marumi brand, some of which have more magnification.
but if I have to get it on fleabay i'll probably end up getting myself a little x-max present!