Up close filters/lenses

[AnzacPride]

Im currently saving for the 100m IS canon macro, but I would like to get a set of up close filter while I save.

Im have two options, Do I go with a 58mm set so I can use them on my 18-55 and 55-250mm kit lenses or-

Would I be better off with a 52mm set to use on my 1.8 50mm(taking the 1.6 crop into account) being that its going to be sharper?

Cheers Dan

[MarkChap]

G'day Dan, for me I would go with the 52mm set and use the 50mm f1.8

[ricktas]

I agree, the 50mm is going to allow you some good shots with the close up filters. I hope you enjoy them, they can be a bit of a learning curve to use, but the results can be quite outstanding. But a macro lens is going to take you to the next level, good luck with the savings.

[OzzieTraveller]

G'day Dan

I'm going to be a bit different from the 2 above fellas.....

Your nifty-fifty will/should be a good lens with good optics, BUT your 55-250 is far, far more versatile

Things to know about close-up lenses [correctly they are a lens not a filter as they focus an image]
The curvature of the lens [designated +1 or +2 or +3] determines its focal length AND takes focus control from the main lens ... and I suggest that you get a +2 lens only
The +2 lens focuses at 1/2 a metre from the front of the main camera lens - and with the zoom lens, you then have 100% of the zoom capabilities at your fingertips

Several samples [reduced to 512px vertical]

2x zoom on the Lumix = ~ 38mm on your APS sensor camera
http://s2.postimage.org/nktlkky49/2_205_120.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
hosting images (http://www.postimage.org/)

4x zoom on the Lumix = ~ 75mm on your APS sensor camera
http://s2.postimage.org/5uryn2x1f/2_205_121.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
free image hosting (http://www.postimage.org/)

8x zoom on the Lumix = ~ 150mm on your APS sensor camera
http://s2.postimage.org/k17r5ukeb/2_205_122.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
image uploading (http://www.postimage.org/)

until at 12x on the Lumix =~ 220mm on your camera you'll get this ...
http://s2.postimage.org/9egp8o5wn/2_205_223.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/)
hosting images (http://www.postimage.org/)


ps: if you go down this path, p-l-e-a-s-e get a good quality lens from a recognised lens maker [Hoya etc] not a $10 job from ebay
Hope this helps a bit

Regards, Phil

[AnzacPride]

Thanks folks,
Ive already grabed the 58mm, which I havnt used much yet, We had sold out of the 52mm at work, and I had the cash burning a hole in my pocket, So I got the 58mm Hoya +1+2+4 set,

Since posting this thread I have decided against a dedicated macro lens and am lookind at a good alrounder instead like the 17-55 2.8 IS USM

Cheers Dan

[dannat]

Havebyou looked at the canon 500 close up? They seem sharper thn most close ups