How To Use Macro (Close Up) Filters

[@tattoodrdoke]

you're the jeremy clarkson on photography and i mean that as a compliment. I really like the mix or wit, knowledge and delivery in your videos

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks +tattoodrdoke Please share them around online - it'll help me make more of them. Best wishes for 2016 - MIKE

[@tattoodrdoke]

+Mike Browne I've only just found your channel. I watched through 3 of your videos and didnt skip a minute. I"m very much into macro do found these videos interesting and insightful. Keep up the great work.

Love the atmosphere and the simplicity of the explanation.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Matej Blagšič Please help me make more free vids by sharing them on forums, Facebook etc 

[@Tellmeallthestuff]

this video takes concepts and ideas that are difficult if explained theoretically and simply and concisely shows the actions behind the theory. Thanks, brilliant.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you scombs720 :-)

[@noobblet1996]

dayum, thats a best review that i ever seen !!!!!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Dato Marmarashvili - dayum you made me smile with that one :-)

[@MikeBrowne]

No worries Candy - glad you found it useful

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you - Reversing ring will probably be better optical quality but it's more fiddly. Filters are easy and provided you use good ones there shouldn't be a problem.

[@psahluwalia273]

I could not resist to login to my account to give a thumbs up. Thanks

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey Dan - yes provided you can make them fit. I've used everything from tape to blutak....

[@brushbros]

You have a very nicely moderated voice, and a very smooth delivery style. In my opinion, you are very comfortable to listen to, and the pace of your delivery is just exactly right. Thank you for your video! I have Native American artifacts I want to document, and your information is very helpful in helping me to do so. Your photographic "jig" was simple yet very effective for illustrating magnification vs. field of view. You have a teacher's natural gift for presentation, thanks! Rick

[@barak112]

You just saved me time and money Mike. Exellent way to explain tings, and on a warm and smiling way to. Keep coming back to your channel after years. Dont you ever stop what you are doing. The best from Denmark 🇩🇰

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Mikael

[@jackthehatphoto]

10 years late to the show. Great video. Just to add... an advantage of a dedicated macro lens over close up lenses is that the distance to subject is often greater with a proper macro lens: something important if you're shooting insects etc 🙂

[@MikeBrowne]

Agreed. Filters are pretty good but for photographers into macro nothing beats a macro lens... MIKE🙏😊

[@MikeBrowne]

Pleasure... I agree with you about tubes giving much better quality. It's a question of how noticeable it will be at a given image size and how important that is to the photographer. For example if someone's shooting macro images for a poster company who'll print 40 inch posters then best quality tubes every day. If it's a hobby and pics are sometimes posted to Flikr / Facebook and enjoyed on screen the difference probably won't be noticeable.

[@poptartsareviral]

You are the man, I subscribed and have begun watching most of your videos.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Amanda - it's the lens they fit on. As long as your lenses have a screw thread in the end you can use them. Even if they don't you can always keep them in place with tape. Google close up filters and you'll fine loads.

[@VenuGopalBsnl]

Most productive video on macro filters.Excellent info.TFS👍💐

[@MikeBrowne]

Well thank you - and flowers too!

[@MikeBrowne]

Yes there is a drop in light as it travels up the tubes which means you use a slower shutter speed / higher ISO to compensate. Best Option? I still like my CUs

[@MikeBrowne]

I use Hoya because they're pretty good.

[@MikeBrowne]

Yes you can stack them up

[@grouchomarxmusic]

explained this whole process in such a way that complete novices like me can understand, and answered questions I had regarding this subject. Subscribed.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you grouchomarxmusic happy you liked it. Please help me make more videos like this one by sharing it with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc.

[@linvin9884]

That's the best introduction I've ever heard.

[@jaostrich]

It was extremely easy to subscribe to you after watching this video! Great Job

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Jostrich Please help me spread the word by sharing my vids with other photographers...

[@jaostrich]

Mike Browne Will do! keep up the great work

[@nickcoller1962]

Absolutely great video and explanation. Thanks a lot!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Nick. Please help me make more like it by haring it around with more photographers... MIKE :-)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you. I'm sorry I can't say which macro lens is best because I don't use one. I use the filters. Also i'm not very knowledgeable on the latest kit on the market. Have a look at some foto forums etc and see what people are saying about their lenses. Sorry about that but I'm not the best person to answer that question.

[@cab102361]

this is one of the best explanations. Thank you so much. I am bumbling around with beginning photography.

[@Memorablemomentsart]

Excellent video. I have a set from my medium format film days and still use them, just bought adapter rings for different size lenses.

[@MikeBrowne]

Glad you like it Memorable Moments Photography Please help me make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc.

[@amitray6614]

Really useful video. And I like the light humorous way you present. Thanks for the post, Mike.

[@billdiamond1990]

I'm really happy with your videos.I'm new to photography, I bought the equipments but you need knowledge to understand how things works,every day that I come from work I see your videos.Very easy to understand.Thanks a lot.really

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi - I think you've answered your own question. I haven't used tubes for years but they are great. I'm sorry I can't give you proper advice on this because I don't have experience of the equipment your using. All my stuff is Nikon. If you have the kit you're right to do some tests of your own as you say. Best wishes.. Mike

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks for your posts - all good advice.

[@josemusama6906]

Thank you for answering that question. I have been considering these filters for a while. And wasn't sure of they really worked. I will be getting mine soon. Great job.

[@satinswan1979]

I have done a 1-2-4-10 on my Nikon J3 and got a great close-up of a D&D mini's eye. But you have to manual focus and you have to make sure your lens is zoomed out enough that you don't get a black halo. You may or may not (but more likely will) get chromatic aberration with this, as well. DOF will be hugely tiny.

[@mykromacro4599]

I've shared this with a friend whose daughter is keen on trying macro & I mentioned these filters would be the way to start, so tks!

[@desertoo23]

Very nice video! I loved it!

[@adibee88]

Nice and EASY Tutorial, great picture examples, many THANKS! 👊

[@aamirusman4135]

Amazing! You explained it in such a simple way. Thanks a lot!

[@lee.is.here1]

This is my first time seeing you in this video. I can say for sure i liked every bit of explanation you gave. The purpose of the video was to give information and the amount of information i got from this video was satisfactory along with beautiful demonstration and there is a plus point for your sense of humor. I then immediately subscribed you. Now off to learn more from your videos! :D I really appreciate your work and thanks a lot for the guide! :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Ragnarok Gerard - Please help us spread the word and grow the community by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing our videos and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi JumperUnexpected. They're not a substitute for any lens other than a dedicated macro lens which is usually between 50 and 100mm. You can't use them for anything other than close up work because basically they are a magnifying glass set for your lenses.

[@temp850]

Brilliant mate! Such a down to earth way of explaining things. :)

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you +Blizzard :) - Melissa

[@TruckerMatty93]

This is fantastic. Just what I wanted to hear

[@800764]

I got some of these macro filters when I purchased my Canon 60D. Although I haven't had an opportunity to try them yet. When I do they will altogether have a magnification of x17 so I have no idea what I will take pictures of but I am sure it will be great fun.

[@novorak]

Great video. I was out with some Kood close-up filters at the weekend. I only used the No2 (I was shooting handheld), but I got some great shots of insects with it. I'd love a macro lens, but these are a great way to get into it. Might also pick up a Reversing ring for my 50mm Prime.

[@MikeBrowne]

Pleasure :-) Tubes will be better image quality but trickier to use.

[@MistrBlistr]

I really like Mike Browne. He seems like a really nice guy.

[@MikeBrowne]

he is +Feefye Fofum :) - Melissa pp Mike

[@MikeBrowne]

+Feefye Fofum Thanks - MIKE

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi - I agree in most cases you won't notice much if any difference, but it depends on what the images are to be used for. On Instagram you won't see any difference, but if they're to be printed up big there could be some softness around the edges. Supposing you were shooting for commercial purposes or just 'picky' this might not be acceptable. - Mike

[@3dtoys4u]

Thank you, nice review Mike.

[@freddyfredrickson]

Perfectly answered my questions about close up filters. Thanks!!!

[@MikeBrowne]

No worries +Chris Newman (Fat Libertarian Dude) - MIKE :-)

[@sakethsharathbabu7672]

You Sir are Lovely Love YOur Accent And Work Thanks a Lot !!

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you Saketh Sharath Babu yes he has an adorable accent - MELISSA ( for Mike )

[@sakethsharathbabu7672]

Just tried it out... Works miracles..;))

[@MikeBrowne]

Saketh Sharath Babu wow that's fantastic! - MELISSA ( for Mike )

[@MikeBrowne]

Yes

[@MikeBrowne]

I don't know I've never tried it. Possibly - the only issue i can thing of would be the combination of close up filters on a macro lens might cause over magnification and then you wouldn't be able to get close enough to focus because the glass would be pressing against the thing you're photographing. Only a guess and I could be wrong. Why not have a go and see?

[@FLORAMORAITINI]

Thank you for a wonderfully easy to understand video

[@tamthecat]

your video for a 9 yrs ago, still have good quality as if you were shooting it in 2022

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Alisya - fundamentals never really change 😊

[@tennerbag]

Mike "I'm a bloke" Browne ! thanks for your most helpful tutorials.

[@charu1211]

Thanks Mike. That was really good lesson to shoot close up shots

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you

[@MuRuGaNAsHvIn]

hi mike thanks for your reply ...but however i need specifically more on the macro lenses like +1 +2 +4 +10 like this...among these lens which close up lenses are better

[@fasygin55]

First thanks for this informative video regarding close up filters . But, the glass element of the close up filters does affect picture quality in compare to the extension tubes . Extension tube has no glass element that is why it's better for conserving picture quality , but still close up filters are not bad cause they are cheaper . I think the Kenko extension tubes are the best option for macro after the dedicated macro lenses like the Nikkor AF-S VR Micro 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED :) .

[@AliHammoud1]

I've been on KZbin since ages, but I think this is my first comment..."Dayum" ;) : your videos are great and hilarious...I'll definitely spread the word...

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Ali Hammoud I appreciate it.

[@daibhiseaghdha153]

good to listen to a person, who knows what they are talking about.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Daibhi

[@xtravaganzagold]

fantastic review !

[@xtravaganzagold]

(Ι'm a goldsmith and a was searching for solutions for close up photoshooting of small objects- your video was crucial for my final desicions !)

[@MikeBrowne]

Κωνσταντινος Παπαμιχελακης Happy to help :-)

[@neondynamite]

excellent tutorial Mike!

[@YourTypicalMental]

Last night I ordered two sets of close up filters for my 35mm and 18-135mm. I'm really excited because I'm eternally struggling with my lens minimum focusing distance.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Bethany. If you shoot RAW you can lose most if not all chromatic aberration in Adobe Lightroom.

[@MikeBrowne]

I'm sorry i can't because it depends on what you want to photograph. Get yourself a full set of +2 to + 10 and you're covered for anything. I use Hoya because they're pretty good.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you. Good quality CU filters are OK but they won't be as good as a macro lens or tubes - provided the tubes are attached to a good lens in the first place..

[@katmarcoux5332]

You explain so very well... I am subscribed and will most certainly share your videos.. Thank you.. Denise

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you so much +Denise Pigeault I really appreciate it - MIKE :-)

[@katmarcoux5332]

:)

[@TheDCStudios1]

I love your introduction

[@redbank542]

Thanks Mike. Just been given a set of Cokin close up filters for my Nikon. Was wondering what they were for. Try them out tomorrow

[@mclaren777]

Most of the other KZbin videos on this subject are terrible so thanks for this excellent demonstration.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank mclaren777 - please share it everywhere and help spread the word...

[@Dbreh]

Thanks so much for that explanation; really excellent and easy lesson

[@MikeBrowne]

No worries and thank you AboAyoob. Please share it around and help me make more like it... MIKE :-)

[@youssefaddl]

سلام اخي ان بدي اعرف اسم هده الكامرة

[@arcanum70]

Brilliant video. Am now a subscriber, thank you.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you arcanum70 for the kind words - MELISSA ( for Mike )

[@CyclingOffToSomewhereIDK]

Cool. I was just having this debate myself. Lots of folks are lens purists and they said the quality of these "filters" wasn't as good as actual dedicated macro glass, but it seems fine to me. Thanks for making this (ten years ago as of my viewing, but still)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks. They're right the filters are not as good as a macro lens for a dedicated macro photographer. But if like me you rarely if ever shoot macro and do it for yourself....... MIKE🙏😊

[@quinnls]

I discovered while playing around with "light leaking" that if you take the lense off the body and hold it up against the bracket, and it greatly decreases the minimum focus distance!

[@mara_exploretheworld]

Very informative and clear tutorial. Many thanks. I had no idea about adding the lenses together and multiplying the magnifying power. Simply great info

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Sanjeewa Marasinghe

[@TheFoodPedia]

Thanks so much . This is really useful . I will buy these macro filters for my video camera .

[@CalebEvanphotography]

Thank you so much Mike! I can't wait to buy some of my own. You helped me so much.

[@budi0251]

I've used such CU filter in the past, while it's true you could get closer to your subject, it'll gets softer (corners especially), CA, color fringing, etc. I suppose it's most likely because of single element CU lens. I'd go for Raynox, like DCR-150 or DCR-250, it has a lot (and I mean a LOT) much better optics. For an even closer macro without skyrocketing ur budget, go with manual MET, old 50/1.4 & 52mm Reverse Ring; u can even use built-in flash for a good result.

[@darlenerovatsos6797]

Very cool. I just got a few macro filters and I can't wait to use them,

[@Mastersh1t]

For a second I forgot I was on youtube and thought I was watching Topgear on the TV...

[@timlawson8945]

lol my thoughts exactly

[@PropTrading]

Thank you. Simple and good. Nice

[@vainomehtola362]

Wow the very first easily understandable filter tutorial. I subscribed immediatly. Sorry if my English isn't perfect I'm Finnish :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Väinö Mehtola So far your English is perfect and I've no doubt many times better than my Finnish will ever be. Delighted you like my videos. Please help me make more by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc.

[@MikeBrowne]

Sorry ChrizzyTech - which is better to get what with?

[@JEFFREYSOLORIO]

Very educational video thank you.

[@yozy4996]

Absolutely perfect tutorial..Thank you.

[@TheRohitJ]

Very useful video there mike...thanks for uploading. One question though......what is better???.....Using Filters (Macro) or The reversing ring technique.... Thanks!!! James

[@SnowWhiteMR2]

Really informative and broken down. Thank you.

[@MikeBrowne]

I've never tried but i don't think you could because magnification would be so great you wouldn't be able to get close enough to focus. The Glass would just butt up against the subject.

[@pillet86]

I have a Sony A330, can I use these with it, and where would I get them please, I really like the way you explain things, Thank you Amanda

[@FiPhotographic]

Very nice video...these seems to be easier to use and looks physically better than extension tubes. Would you mind sharing what brand you use here or if any link to the products? Thanks!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you hovemarka. Please help us spread the word by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing on Facebook etc

[@DaveDott]

You explain things quite well... Thank you 👍

[@cjdoczzs]

Thank you for such informative tutorial. I have a question, which one is better, macro extension tubes or macro filters?

[@AditeeArt]

This is my first time coming across your videos and I LOVE your approach and your humor and conciseness, and this video really helped, thanks! Have a rather random question for you- I film nail art tutorials (I'm not quite sure you're in my target audience, but hey, no judgements past here) and I need to get quite close to an individual nail. My problem is I struggle with getting my camera and tripod (Canon 70D) close enough to my nail to get my nail into focus. I know my kit lens is (18-55mm) is likely not well suited for this purpose, but I thought maybe the filters would help. Otherwise, do you recommend either a macro or zoom lens? As long as I can get my camera/tripod to focus up close on my nail while allowing for some space between the camera and my hand (so I can paint my nails without hitting the lens) I'm happy! Cheers, Adi x

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you AditeeArt I'm happy to help. Please help me make more free vids by ‘Liking’ them and sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook etc . The close up filters will probably help and be cheaper than a macro lens. But what they do is allow you to get the lens closer to your fingernails and still focus so it'll be difficult to have a big enough gap for your other hand to paint them at the same time. It might work if you try a longer lens such as a 100 or 200mm - but it'd take some experimenting to find out. If you can borrow one and buy a couple of filters it's worth giving it a go.

[@seersaabaza2388]

Thank you for all your wonderful videos, my question is: do those filters work good as macro lenses?

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Seersa Abaza . They work pretty good and the better quality ones you buy the better they work, but no they are not as good as a dedicated macro lens - MIKE

[@seersaabaza2388]

Thank you so much, for being a kind and a genuine artist, you are helping me a lot, it feels i'm talking to a friend to some guy on youtube.. best wishes

[@nbgkrishnan]

Thanks for your reply Mike, appreciate it. Agreed that the macro lens i THE best, but investing in one at this time might not be a viable option for me. Hence, wanted to know which is the better of the other 2 alternatives, i.e. reverse ring or macro filter. Sorry for bugging you with the same question again. :). Thanks in advance.

[@PerezMarisa]

Great lesson, thank you

[@CJE15]

👍very good video

[@xsHaDyMuPpEtx]

Came here wondering what these filters were for and how to use them - this video is absolutely spot on what I needed. My only burning question is whether a difference can be had if you play with the ordering of the filters, say 1,2,3,4 vs 4,3,2,1 or 1,4,2,3. Is there a 'right' way to do it so you minimize distortion on the edges or does it matter?

[@MikeBrowne]

Happy to have helped Anthony.. I don't think there is, I've never had a problem anyway though as with everything suggest you test it and see what happens in case I missed something... MIKE

[@andreaacme]

The video was of great use to me but I have a question. Is it better to go for close-up filters or extension-tubes? (AF problems? Picture quality?) I think it would be great to have a video on that too. Anyhow, great tutorial as always!

[@everything_tech]

Nice video Mike, I just got myself some closeup filters from Polaroid, they com with a nice pouch, a 1x, 2x, 4x and a 10x. Really nice way to get into the world of macro photography. Again, keep putting this videos out, they are just phenomenal. Thanks you

[@MikeBrowne]

Nice one EverythingTech - and thanks for your comments...

[@mlks007]

So that means my 70-300mm lens could focus even closer, very useful for too small things like tiny flowers. Thank you Mike for the video.

[@MikeBrowne]

My pleasure 🌺🌺🌺

[@MikeBrowne]

Close up filters will work great but don't forget you get what you pay for quality wise. I'm not very knowledgeable about all the lenses out there on the market and don't have a macro of my own, just use the filters. Sorry about that, suggest you check out some forums etc to see what people who use them say about their lenses.