canon 500d close up lens

[joe_patterson]

has anyone used on of these to shoot aquarium close ups? how did they work?

 

[Blazer88]

I use one every now and then. Keep in mind that it won't actually magnify anything and will only allow the camera to focus closer than normal. If you can't get any closer to the corals it will be useless. Also, adding a close-up filter will make the DOF even more narrow than before, thus adding a few stops to the shot. Here is a shot of some zoa's that were maybe 3" away from the lens using a close-up kit.

Exposure time: 1.000 s
Aperture: f/14.0
ISO equiv.: 100
Exposure bias: -0.67
Whitebalance: Manual
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)

 

[pperez]

I agree with all of the above. I use a 250d as well just to get in closer. I normally use a small aperture to get more in focus. You are going to have to experiment with it to get the hang of it. But they are both great accesories to have!

 

[louist]

The Canon 500D works great. It will reduce your working distance (need to be close to subject), but that's the case with macro lenses anyway. The optical quality is good.

Nikon also make great ones, they call them the 3T, 5T, 6T etc. I believe Nikon discontinued the whole line around the end of 2006. You might still be able to find them online.

Testings have shown that both brands perform very similarly, with Canon being slightly better. If you do buy one, save your investment by buying the 77mm version and use a step-down ring to use it on smaller lenses. Yes, the 77mm is the most expensive one, but it will also mean you can use it on all the lenses you already own and may buy in the future (with the exception of the huge telephotos).