Are Macro Filters worth it?

[Leukeh]

I've been looking at buying some macro filters - they claim I can get greater than 1:1 magnification by using them. Is this is true, why would I bother even looking at a real macro lens? What are the disadvantages of macro filters?

[MLlanes]

i think it all depends on which ones you get. some are good, and some are crap.

i dont know which ones are good or what though, i was just told that some are good.

[Grumbledook]

I have a macro lens, so havn't used the filters.

However, the filters aren't more likely to have soft focus around the edges. The lens will have flat glass and will be better taking macro shots of flat things like letters. This is cause you will be able to get focus across the whole glass (aperture DOF pending).

They will also amplify any defects in your lens (if there are any). It is another layer that the light has to pass through, thus losing image quality. Apparently your lens will also be unable to focus to infinity while it is on (though this is kinda moot as you want to be shooting close up).

On the plus side, they are cheaper and smaller/lighter compared to a whole new lens.


The dedicated macro lenses though are generally very good glass. The sharpness on them is outstanding, usually the best of a manufacturers range. Depending on what focal length you get as well, the lens will also double up to take very nice portraits.

Here is a shot I took with my canon 100mm macro lens, used 2 flashes on radio triggers as well.

Been sized down to fit on most screen too, I got a bigger version ;]

[KendraJ.K.]

i use macro filters.
good points
- i got a set of +1, +2, +4 and macro (+10) filters for about $30 on ebay! way cheap compared to a lens
- helps you pracitice with macro technique and lighting while saving up for a lens
- easy to use. they screw right now.

bad points
- they dont have as good focus. the focus tends to be right in the middle of the image so you have to be creative with composition and such
- can'tget as quite as close as lenses. for instance, i couldn't get a picture like that ant just using my lenses.


i recommend them if you can't afford a lens yet and like macro and want to practice with it and just experiment a bit.


so you can see what the look like here's 2 photos i've taken with my macro filters.

[Leukeh]

Thanks to both of you guys. I'm looking for something I can do something like what Grumbledookposted. I already have extension tubes, so if filters aren't going to give me any more magnification than them I won't bother. Only real advantage The filters will give me is AF and AV control, which I can do without for a couple of months.