New and Old

[SA Bill]

In an effort to lighten the load when hiking, I've been trying to eliminate a lens without losing functionality. Specifically, I've been looking for ways to take decent close up pics without carrying a separate macro lens. My one-lens-does-all when hiking is an 18-125mm Sigma that actually gets close enough for most subjects. Once in a while it won't get me in as close as I'd like. So....to go with the new (DSLR + zoom lens), I picked up some old (vintage '80s) two element Minolta close up lenses. These are supposed to be better (image wise) than most of the single element close up lenses sold today. When used on the 18-125mm zoom, the close up lenses get me just a little closer for those small things I find to capture. Here are a couple of test pics. Edge sharpness is not the best but most of the time that isn't too critical. I'm happy with the results so far!
  Bill

[Sotol Vista]

the coloring is really nice. those close up lenses, are those the threaded ones that screw onto the front of the lens?

have you ever thought of getting an extension tube for up close / macro work? I have the set of 3 and they work really well. the 12 gets you in a little closer, but the 20 is just about right, the 36 will get in real close. you can also stack them in any combo you want. there is NO glass in them so you do not have to worry about optical quality. however the depth of field gets very shallow very quickly

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Kenko-Extension-Tube-Set-Review.aspx

James

[SA Bill]

Hi James!
Yes, the CU lenses just thread into the filter threads on the zoom lens. Simple! 

Yeah...extension tubes are another option but they cost more and take up more room than a CU lens. I can put a CU lens into the small zippered pounch on my packs waist belt and it's always ready when I need it.

I'm hoping to find some button cacti in a couple of weeks when I'm out in BB to give the CU lenses a work out.
  Bill

[tjavery]

have you ever thought of getting an extension tube for up close / macro work? I have the set of 3 and they work really well. the 12 gets you in a little closer, but the 20 is just about right, the 36 will get in real close. you can also stack them in any combo you want. there is NO glass in them so you do not have to worry about optical quality. however the depth of field gets very shallow very quickly

Yeh, right on. Good advice. I have that set of Kenko tubes.

You can usually get by with just using one (the 20, like James said).

The good thing about them is that they're relatively light and they have no optics (so you don't have to worry about keeping glass clean and protecting it from scratches).