Hi, I came across a mention of a 10x that would allow a 50mm lens to reproduce a 1:2 and a 100mm would reproduce 1:1 image. Would this eliminate the use/need of extension rings and/or purchasing a 90 or 105 macro lens w/1:1 features? Any opinons?

-- Anonymous, February 23, 2001

Answers

10x Macro Lens?

Hi Dave,

This sounds like a lens that mounts like a filter on the front of your 50 or 100. IMHO these are pretty limiting, offering only the one magnification. Even a set will only offer 2 or 3 mags and, if combined, will likely present optical problems. Also, cheaper ones are just that, with predictable results. The good ones rival the cost of a good macro lens.

For my money, I think a set of AE extension tubes give me a lot more flexibility, are compact, inexpensive, easy to use, no additional optics to compromise my good lenses. Also useful to increase the nearest focusing abitility and shallow depth of field effects of longer lenses. They work with most lenses 50mm or longer and give a variety of magnifications, depending on length and/or combination of lengths (combining two sets is possible, but not recommended as you'll get into huge amounts of light fall off).

In addition, in my opinion there is no substitute for a good macro lens. I carry 2 (90 & 200) in my bag most of the time. These are quickest & best way to get good macro shots, double as fine lenses (with small, sharp apertures) to infinity. A lot of folks carry a 55 macro as a standard lens, due to the f22 & f32 settings.

My personal preference is pretty obvious, I guess. I never leave home without a set of extension rings. Probably use them for about 50% of close-up work. (Lenses without ext. for another 25%, bellows for 15%, the rest are other macro techniques. The bellows will see a lot more use in the Spring, when flowers come out, etc.)

If you are considering or just getting started in close up photography, suggest you pick up a book like John Shaw's. There are myriad things you can do to have fun and be creative with Macro photography!

Just my 2 cents...

Alan Myers San Jose, Calif.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2001