Close-Up Filter

Deus Ex

Hi, I'm new to photography. I'd like to attempt some close-up work with plants and flowers. I've heard a little about close-up filters as a cheap alternative to a macro lens. I'm currently using the Nikon 18-55mm VR kit lens. What filters work with this lens, and where could I get them? Have looked a bit on the net but I'm not sure what I'm looking for. Haven't a clue at this stage... thanks.

milos

Deus
You are looking for a
MACRO CLOSE UP Lens 4 Filter Kit Set +1+2+4+10

Make sure you get 4 filters. They are very cheap on E-Bay
about €15 to €25

You will need the diamiter of your lens. I know mine thanks to a camera shop I asked in. Most of them will tell you when they see your camera.

eightcell

You can pick them up in town for less then €40. The set I have are made by Dörr and come with +1 +2 and +4 filters. I use them with my 50mm 1.4 but the closeup filters are nothing special TBH and do not compare to a real macro lens at all!

Some sample images are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pcormack/tags/closeup/

Deus Ex

Thanks for your replies! I've heard they don't compare to a dedicated macro lens, but I just want to see if I actually enjoy shooting that subject matter, if I do, I suspect I'll invest in decent lens. Thanks again.

magicbastarder

would a reversal ring work on a nikon DSLR with that lens?

DaireQuinlan

magicbastarder wrote: »

would a reversal ring work on a nikon DSLR with that lens?

It'd probably work, but it'd be substandard I'd say. Also depending on the body the OP might lose metering.

magicbastarder

i've noticed on a couple of the lenses i have (both G lenses) that the aperture automatically stops down once the lens is off the body.

DaireQuinlan

magicbastarder wrote: »

i've noticed on a couple of the lenses i have (both G lenses) that the aperture automatically stops down once the lens is off the body.

Oh yeah, I'd forgotten that. Stupid G lenses. Yeah I guess you'd have to tape up the little actuator on the lens mount that opens the aperture, and you'd have no real way of controlling it either other than making tiny little wee adjustments to that lever. PITA.
OP would probably better off buying some cheapo 50mm AIS on fleabay to mess around with reversing the lens.

hbr

Deus Ex wrote: »

Hi, I'm new to photography. I'd like to attempt some close-up work with plants and flowers. I've heard a little about close-up filters as a cheap alternative to a macro lens. I'm currently using the Nikon 18-55mm VR kit lens. What filters work with this lens, and where could I get them? Have looked a bit on the net but I'm not sure what I'm looking for. Haven't a clue at this stage... thanks.

You can get a cheap close-up lens set on eBay for €10-20. Don't
spend any more because the money would be better spent on
a SH macro lens. I bought a set of 52mm FoxFoto lenses to go with
my Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens. I think this is the same filter thread size
as the Nikon 18-55mm. They are reasonably good value for money.

Some examples: