well being new to my camera I have alot of learning to do before I drop money on some good glass, eventually I will get a good macro. for now I picked up a "close up" lens kit for $25. so I didn't expect much, but I was presently surprised. they are difficult to use in that you have to find the ideal focal distance for each focus setting.

these are the best I've taken so far, I know they're not top notch. for a $25 accessory I have no regrets.

























I also learned this week that the best time to shoot is before 7am, had some very pleasent mornings last week.

constructive critisism welcome.

 

Smart thing to do getting a close up ring. But also good time to shoot is about two hours before sun goes down. Handheld macro hard to do unless you have high shutter speed, tripod is almost a must, you missed the focus on a couple, most likely because handheld.

 

Ya the close up rings are fun, but your right every shot here is handheld. now having read Kelsbys "tack sharp" tips, I have a better understanding of the details to get sharpness(also about the best photos time being dawn and dusk). however, with these cheap close up rings I couldn't get most of the above shots because the lense ends up being 3" from the subject. which makes it difficult to get good access with a tripod.

so far I really enjoy the pre 7am shoots, very peaceful in the city at those times.

thanks for your input jupiter, I am always glad to get your advice.

 

With a macro lens, it is not so much finding focus as it is setting the lens to the magnification you want and moving the camera back and forth until the object is in focus.

 

is that the case with a pro macro lense as well?

I thought that was one of the trade offs of cheap add on close up rings, can be quite challenging trying to get that perfect distance for sharpness. oh well, atleast I enjoy practicing.

 

I have never used the add-on ring you are speaking of. I was talking about "pro" macro lenses in general.

If macro photography is really what you like doing, I would highly recommend getting a true macro lens. Don't fall for a zoom lens that labels itself macro. That is a misleading practice that caught on a few years ago. A true macro lens represents a great bargain because they have good optics, are relatively cheap, and can get you great shots that are impossible otherwise.