Acessories and 'close up' lense v Macro

[Fourwings]

Gaina - if you still have the Fuji S7000 then why not use this for your macro work?, you will find that you will need to spend a large amount of money to get images that are any better.

I have been using an S7000 for two years and to be honest the macro results that can be gained with this camera if its set right are stunning.
I now also use a DSLR macro rig - EOS 20D fitted with a Sigma 150mm EX DG macro lens and yes the results are better but not by much, the main reason I chose this lens was for its optical quality and the extra distance that it can put between you and your target.

Having said all that I dont think that the difference in image quality matches the difference in price between the DSLR rig and the S7000 - well over £1000 !!!

[eeyore]

good point - although there is currently a canon fit tamron 90mm on ebay with bids standing at £97 so dont neglect the s/h market for bargains either....

there are also much cheaper lenses available new that do a good job http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...eeds-name.html here Carl is using a vivitar 100mm which cost about £100

[Gaina]

Thanks for the link eeyore, I'll check that out now

Originally Posted by Fourwings

Gaina - if you still have the Fuji S7000 then why not use this for your macro work?, you will find that you will need to spend a large amount of money to get images that are any better.

I'd rather have the money to put towards some decent acessories for my Canon. I also have an Ixus 50 which takes lovely Macro's .

You know what it's like when you just don't feel comfortable with a piece of equipment? I've never been totally happy with Fuji, just my personal taste I guess but this new one really feels like an extension of my hands, just 'right' y'know? I've been snapping away with riotous abandon since I got it! Haha

I have been given the whole thing more thought and now I think I've been asking the wrong question. So, let's try again; I like to take photographs of animals (particularly birds and insects), flowers and landscapes. What would you suggest I add to my set up?

Have a nice weekend everyone

G

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Gaina

Thanks for the link eeyore, I'll check that out now

I have been given the whole thing more thought and now I think I've been asking the wrong question. So, let's try again; I like to take photographs of animals (particularly birds and insects), flowers and landscapes. What would you suggest I add to my set up?

Have a nice weekend everyone

G

assuming you only have the kit lens you need something long and something even longer.

For your mid range zoom I'd go for the canon 90-300 usm lens £170, and for the even longer either a little bigma 170-500 £439, a bigma hsm 50-500 £749, or a 100-400 IS (list around £1k but they are available cheaper.)

For macro I'd initially get a set of extension tubes, and a reversing ring (+ a second hand 50mm lens as per my aproach above), in the fullness of time if you need a dedicated macro I'd go for the tamron 90mm f2.8 £349

Apart from this you should also budget for a tripod - get a decent one such as manfroto, gitzo etc cheap tripods are false economy cos they dont hold your gear steady, and a couple of 1GB memory cards (there is another thread in the photo forum with loads of advice on these)

[Gaina]

Originally Posted by eeyore

assuming you only have the kit lens you need something long and something even longer.

For your mid range zoom I'd go for the canon 90-300 usm lens £170, and for the even longer either a little bigma 170-500 £439, a bigma hsm 50-500 £749, or a 100-400 IS (list around £1k but they are available cheaper.)

For macro I'd initially get a set of extension tubes, and a reversing ring (+ a second hand 50mm lens as per my aproach above), in the fullness of time if you need a dedicated macro I'd go for the tamron 90mm f2.8 £349

Apart from this you should also budget for a tripod - get a decent one such as manfroto, gitzo etc cheap tripods are false economy cos they dont hold your gear steady, and a couple of 1GB memory cards (there is another thread in the photo forum with loads of advice on these)

Thanks, yes I got the kit lense with the package . The 1G card is next on my list. I inherited a Velbon tripod from my Mum but it's definately time for a new sturdier one (I bought her that tripod for christmas pre-digital era to go with an old Ricoh we have but she never got into photography, which is a pity cos when she does take photos they are great, but I digress....).

I'm thinking 'Kelkoo' is getting a hammering this weekend LOL.

G