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May 20, 2012, 02:56:16 AM


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Author Topic: Advice needed: macro filter  (Read 564 times)

Offline ThatGirl

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Advice needed: macro filter
« on: February 22, 2012, 03:56:41 AM »
Good morning/aftenoon/ evening  ;)

Please forgive me if my terminology isnt correct in this post! Im a nooooob.

I love macro photos. My bank account already hates me this month! Sooo.... could someone tell me if this would actually work: http://www.amazon.co.uk/7pc-58mm-Filter-Kit-Polarizing/dp/B003FO23I0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329907956&sr=8-1 ? I also need filters as I dont yet have any. Should I go for it, or will the pictures turn out poor quality? Also, how do I know if its a 58mm kit I need?

Thanking you in advance
Shosh
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Offline Snapper

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #1 on: February 22, 2012, 04:10:26 AM »
The reviews on Amazon are mixed  :-\ They will help you to experience macro but clearly will not do a great job.  They are cheap and cheerful and the quality of glass, finish etc. will not be up the same standard as products from Hoya etc.
If you start stacking the filters that will also yield at best average results but for the price you could give them a go as long as you are not expecting great results.
They may encourage you to buy better quality equipment later if you enjoy shooting macro etc. and £12.99 will not be too upsetting a write-off!

You will need the 58mm filter size if you are attaching them to the 18-55mm kit lens.

They will not fit directly to a 50mm lens, for example, as that requires 52mm filters. You can, however, buy a step-up ring like this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/52mm-52-58-Maxim-Foto-Supplies/dp/B002U61YCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329909993&sr=8-1 which will allow a 50mm lens to use them as well.

HTH
« Last Edit: February 22, 2012, 04:29:20 AM by Snapper »
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Online NightowlDVP

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2012, 04:21:26 PM »
+1 snapper  :)

I've tried all the cheapo Macro attachments lately and ive actually found that the macro filters perform the WORST of all the cheapo solutions, probably because of the crappy glass. IMHO i have found the macro reverse ring to give the most pleasing results.

But in saying this, if u've never used a real macro lens, any cheap option will give u a bit of enjoyment and a good idea of whether or not you're willing to invest in a 'real' macro lens.

Just my 2 cents.

BTW: if u have two lenses, u could do the reverse back to back lens technique (google it!)

This pic was taken with a reversed 50mm Canon FD ƒ1.4
« Last Edit: February 22, 2012, 04:23:34 PM by Nightowldvp »
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Offline rpavich

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2012, 07:06:27 PM »
I actually have that kit...it's ok. The problem is that the depth of field is really shallow and your lens has to be RIGHT ON what you are shooting...not a ways off like a real macro lens.

If you just don't have any cash and you HAVE to try close up shooting...then they are ok...but they are no substitute for a real macro lens.

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Offline pineconetreehouse

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2012, 08:13:46 PM »
You say you love macro.  If that's the case, don't buy the filters.  You'll eventually, and quickly, reach the limits if the filters and you'll be disappointed soon.
Save the money for a decent macro lens. 
If money is a bit of an issue right now, and you have good self control, set yourself up some sort of saving plan with the goal that the money will be for a macro lens.  It make take a little bit of time, but the reward will make your pictures that much sweeter!
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Offline ThatGirl

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2012, 09:22:29 AM »
Thanks for all your replies!

The canon macro lens (100mm f2.8) is around £350-£400 right? Or am i looking at the wrong one.?

I think im going to buy the filter kit and if it doesnt work out then its not a great loss. My 50mm lens has arrived and is BEAUTIFUL! If I bought these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/7pc-52mm-Filter-Kit-Polarizing/dp/B003G44Q52/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330013696&sr=8-1 will it definitely fit my 50mm. Is the 50 mm the lens I want to be using with the macro filter? My only other option is the kit lens, and I dont think Ill be using that a great deal anymore.

Thanks again,
Shosh
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Offline rpavich

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2012, 09:30:41 AM »
Those would fit but I'd spend my money on better filters....multicoated glass by tiffen or something along those lines...

This isn't the place to save money...  ;D
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Offline ThatGirl

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #7 on: February 23, 2012, 09:54:19 AM »
Quote from: rpavich on February 23, 2012, 09:30:41 AM
Those would fit but I'd spend my money on better filters....multicoated glass by tiffen or something along those lines...

This isn't the place to save money...  ;D

Thanks,

So now i'm looking at tiffen - do i need a polarising filter, a UV filter or a neutral density filter. Also, I cant find a macro filter by them, any suggestions for that? I really need something fairly cheap to make do until I can afford better.
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Offline Snapper

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #8 on: February 23, 2012, 10:11:00 AM »
You do not need to go just for Tiffen - Hoya is also a good make e.g. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoya-58mm-Circular-Polarizing-Filter/dp/B00006H2EY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1330016279&sr=8-4

This will give you up to 2 stops. You shouldn't really need a UV filter unless you are going to be shooting in dusty or sandy conditions where you want to protect your lens.

If you are going to buy an ND filter it depends what you want to use it for (e.g. shooting waterfalls etc. in bright sunlight). This will determine how many stops you go for. I would recommend something like this to begin with: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polaroid-58mm-Fader-Variable-Filter/dp/B004GYXRM4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1330016812&sr=1-1. It has got good reviews on Amazon and won't break the bank!

HTH  :)
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Offline rpavich

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #9 on: February 23, 2012, 10:57:39 AM »
I'm going to second the suggestion to go for the LightCraft Fader Variable ND filter....good value for the money.

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Offline Snapper

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #10 on: February 23, 2012, 11:05:00 AM »
Quote from: rpavich on February 23, 2012, 10:57:39 AM
I'm going to second the suggestion to go for the LightCraft Fader Variable ND filter....good value for the money.

The Lightcraft Variable is a more expensive option. The Polaroid variable above will not be such good quality but will get ThatGirl started...  :)
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Offline rpavich

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #11 on: February 23, 2012, 11:36:08 AM »
Quote from: Snapper on February 23, 2012, 11:05:00 AM
Quote from: rpavich on February 23, 2012, 10:57:39 AM
I'm going to second the suggestion to go for the LightCraft Fader Variable ND filter....good value for the money.

The Lightcraft Variable is a more expensive option. The Polaroid variable above will not be such good quality but will get ThatGirl started...  :)

True... ;D
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Offline 1074

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #12 on: February 23, 2012, 01:12:33 PM »
Buy it right the first time, or you'll end up buying it twice.

Which is cheaper? Buying the much better quality Lightcraft ND now, for 70 or so...

Or buying the Polaroid for 26 and then upgrading to the Lightcraft ND for another 70?

 ;)

Oh, and you should buy the biggest size filter you can afford... like getting a 67mm or 72mm fader instead of the 58mm. As you upgrade your lenses, you won't have to buy another filter if you get a lens that needs one bigger than 58mm, since 58mm is on the smaller side for filter sizes.  You can mount bigger filters on smaller lenses with step up rings, but you can't use a 58mm filter on a 67mm filter size lens.

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Offline rpavich

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #13 on: February 23, 2012, 01:39:32 PM »
Quote from: 1074 on February 23, 2012, 01:12:33 PM
Buy it right the first time, or you'll end up buying it twice.

Which is cheaper? Buying the much better quality Lightcraft ND now, for 70 or so...

Or buying the Polaroid for 26 and then upgrading to the Lightcraft ND for another 70?

 ;)

Oh, and you should buy the biggest size filter you can afford... like getting a 67mm or 72mm fader instead of the 58mm. As you upgrade your lenses, you won't have to buy another filter if you get a lens that needs one bigger than 58mm, since 58mm is on the smaller side for filter sizes.  You can mount bigger filters on smaller lenses with step up rings, but you can't use a 58mm filter on a 67mm filter size lens.

True on the filter size advice...trust me...I just sold an ND filter because I didn't know this?
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Online NightowlDVP

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Re: Advice needed: macro filter
« Reply #14 on: February 23, 2012, 04:56:41 PM »
+a million to 1074's reply!
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