Playing with close-up lenses

I did my usual - decided to try it out under adverse conditions. It was windy and I'm photographing flowers with a screw-on magnifying glass. :headslap: But I have to say, the results aren't bad.

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I'm assuming this is a wild bee of some kind, because of the pollen baskets. I don't know that flies or wasps have them.
Attachment 8157

For comparison, a portion of the same flower taken with the close-up lens and without. Cropped to about the same view.

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Close ups are worth it when you can't afford a proper macro lens. I might be adding them to my collection one day before too long.

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Originally Posted by Mad Aussie

Close ups are worth it when you can't afford a proper macro lens. I might be adding them to my collection one day before too long.

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Mmmm yes, I have to say I love mine. Wonderful set, nicely captured. Keep em coming!

Nicely done QO, Close-ups are tricky to use.

Thanks, folks. I'm using them on at least a couple of shots every time I shoot. It's an interesting learning curve, especially when it's breezy or when I'm squatting (I tend to sway a bit if I'm crouched down for too long). I'm also learning to deal with the color aberrations that sometimes result from contrasting with the background. Some efforts are more successful than others.

These closeups are very nice - what a great set. I like closeups! :)

It is not easy to work with those close-up lenses - but you do a good job with it.

Thank you. I'm finding it's sometimes easier to move me a little bit to get things in focus, rather than fiddle with the camera more.

I really like the bee shot here! and yup a dedicated macro lens is what you should slowly be saving for if you love macro. In shot 2, the shot without the CU filter shows much better colour contrast and sharpness.

I can vouch for the 105 VR macro by Nikon - fab macro and portrait lens.

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Originally Posted by Marko

I can vouch for the 105 VR macro by Nikon - fab macro and portrait lens.

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I'd be saving for a while for that. I'd already been thinking of renting lenses, just to see what I like and what works for me. There isn't any place locally that does rentals. Do you know anything about any of the internet rental places, and do you have any suggestions as to what other lenses I might want to try out?

I've never rented lenses off the net so I don't know that part....but another macro lens that you also may want to try is the Nikon 200mm F4 Micro.
Same magnification as the 105mm I believe, but better working distance.