Macro Lens On A Budget: 3 Options Under $20

[@MarcoRosales]

Yeah... I don’t like my rear element exposed either 😜

[@PJCC_BAISH]

Fotodiox RB2A is the answer.. It covers the back element+u can control the aperture+u can fit a close up lens filters.

[@iliketoast7804]

Ha ha funny.

[@myleswillis]

You beat me by 2 years.

[@stever1514]

yeah if you put another reverse adaptor on the back of the lens then you can put a uv filter screwed on to the new front. great video, caleb

[@MattMurnan]

Great stuff, thank you! I'm not sure if someone else mentioned in the comments below, but another pro for the tubes that wasn't mentioned is the fact that the tubes can be used on all your lenses with the same mount, no matter what size of front element thread. For me that feels like it puts it above the rest of the options because I have a ton of lenses with different front element sizes.

[@JaySilva88]

In Macro photography light is king. If you can light the subject and up the fstop a little, it's going to be easier to have the subject in focus.

[@mattcero1]

The main pro not mentioned here with the macro tubes is that you can use your entire lens collection with them. It's that and the image quality that lead me to my purchase of the tubes. You can only use your lenses that fit the other options and in most cases, not all of your lenses.

[@AjarnSpencer]

I got even closer and clearer photos with an iPhone SE and Ölloclip or Moment 12x Macro Lens Which allows you to place the camera 2 cm to 1 cm away from the object you are photographing, instead of having to stand a foot away or so and zoom in. No zooming is necessary. It's like an eye loupe placed over the front of your lens. Super macro photography and it's the size of a five cent piece

[@tomislavmiletic_]

Used "real" 3rd party macro lens is a good option. I have my Tamron 90mm f2,5 SP macro (manual focus!) for 2 decades now, bought him used for peanuts even back then, used that lens thru 4 different camera systems and it still rocks...

[@Albertoepicness]

I like the video lenght

[@stevemockoviak8384]

I use the close up filters on my smaller sensor Canon PowerShot G12. I tried them on my Nikon D3100, but to be honest the image quality on the smaller sensor camera came out better than the DSLR. What I found is that I needed to use no more than a +4 filter, and to have the G12 zoomed in at least halfway to avoid the out of focus fringe areas. That yielded some very nice results for me. With the D3100, I always had to crop the image if I used the close up filters since the larger sensor uses more of the surface area of the lens. I tried the reverse adapter and even though it worked very well in the store, I'm mostly in areas with a high probability of getting dirt in the rear element of the lens. That became a non option for me. I like and appreciate the way you did this video, it was very informative and useful. P.S. I do believe you lose about a stop of light with the close up filters, so the more light on the subject, the better the image will come out.

[@rpdigital17]

Man, you just saved me money and I purchased Laowa 60mm macro lens and extension tubes with contacts (using with 35mm f/1.8). Your videos are the best!

[@jimmyhinAK]

I think if i use the reversal ring option i would use a cheap manual vintage lens so if i screw it up I won’t have wasted a ton of money.

[@captureallen8632]

I recently purchased the reverse lens adaptor but it doesn't work on my Canon M50. It does work on my rebel t6. I have the extension tube as well, I like them. Can't wait to get a proper macro lens.

[@johnathanproctor9606]

Super helpful. I needed options for taking photos of miniatures, and this totally answered my questions!

[@hiden1980]

Johnathan Proctor have you used any of these ?

[@misteragb7558]

You can combine option 1 and 3, option 1 can be done with a cheap vintage lense if you worry about your rear element.

[@zogbric]

Thanks for not trying to drag it past 10min mark. Respect!

[@domdru2967]

Ebay auction. Bought an old 40-80mm PENTAX macro lens for £1.87 + £2.90 shipping. Came a little moldy, but works a charm after cleaning it. Beat that

[@AlessandroCalzaStudio]

thanks, was looking for a vintage macro lens and then realized I had my father close up filters he used on a SMC Pentax-M 50mm 1.7. I like it and not disappointed by the quality

[@1NewEggFan]

I haven't been shooting for long, but about a year ago I went and purchased close up filters and tubes, never felt comfortable with reversing. I stopped carrying the tubes after about 3 months of never using them. I really only use the x2 and x10 of the Close Up filters as well.

[@chadwin]

Nice!! I love that you did 3 macro options side by side. I just uploaded a review of the reverse lens mount, then ran across this today 😂

[@souravbose2721]

Brilliant comparison - tremendously informative for a novice like me wanting to get into the macro world!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!😀😀😀

[@TheChameleon2008]

i have tried both the extension tubes and the glass filters but at the end i just bought a macro lens because its just the best.

[@phillipnichols4859]

I always keep the smallest extension tube set in my bag for weddings to shoot the rings, both video or photo. You do have to be careful to have enough time to switch everything, so I do it while other people are eating.

[@EntropyAcolyte]

Thank you for this! I recently got extension tubes for my G7 but found them inconvenient because i had to take the lens off, I just bought the close up filters

[@hiden1980]

Frank The Bunny but with filters you won’t that that much closeup what you get with tube/reverse lens ring.

[@ihrkanntmichma9454]

There are some rather cheap tilt adapters on ebay etc. They are a bit fiddly to use but they offer you to get some control over the fov in your macro shots. Definitely worth a look!

[@MorpheusMushin]

Excellent sir! Straight, thorough, and to the point.

[@victororo462]

AWESOME! Spring is on the way! Here Comes The Bugs! Thanks alot!!

[@BaxTechYT]

I know I’m 3 years late to the party, but I thank you for this video! You saved me from having to buy a macro lens for my M50🤣

[@blendering3D]

This morning I had to take macro pictures of someone's eyes for medical revision and I couldn't get close enough, so I bumped the contrast and sharpness on pic style, then I croppped.... very close. And though it worked I got curious about some macro options, Imma go for the macro tubes

[@rustybricks2950]

Incredibly useful, well constructed video. I'll be picking some of these up to do miniature photography!

[@cognitivebend]

So gooood ! answered all my questions that I was trying to find out about the macro market. Thanks a ton man, always grab bytes from your videos

[@blackbonexxx]

although i love the macro tubes you forgot to mention they make you loose a lot of light. like the extension you had there probably lost you 2 stops of light. :p just something to keep in mind. nice flash is also recommended for macro

[@monikar2785]

I just found your video snd first I like the voice...not too fast and calming down voice (If I may say) and I can understand all your explained us...thanks for the 3 Tips...really useful for me a new macro-freaks...😍👍🏻👍🏻 many thanks

[@void3923]

dude this is amazing, im going to buy myself some of those macro tubes. absolutely amazing video

[@koolkutz7]

Good advice and overview. I have experimented with various options. I have been using the Close-Up filter set and they work pretty well. Easy to use, no bulk or weight and you keep the camera's auto-exposure and AF (although I use manual focus). The only trade-off is the decrease in image quality as you say; the edges can be softer and distorted plus you get some chromatic aberration and specular highlights but they are good fun!

[@_Dimon_]

I tried both extension tubes and reverse adapter at the same time with 15-45mm lens, magnification is crazy for such low price. But of course it's a pain in the ass to use, since i lose all the controls, and i have to move lens very close to subject. But it's really fun thing to do.

[@johnmichael642]

WOW i did not expect this. You have given me so much opportunity with these ideas!

[@MarkBenge]

really usefull info i was mulling over buying a full lense

[@sergeantcrow]

Another option I stumbled on... Due to 'register' or ' flange focal distance' differences leading to some makes of lenses mounted on a different make camera using a cheap adapter ring will not allow focus to infinity, or worse, only focus to a few feet... I found that using a vintage Pentax 50mm f2 - P/K Mount on Nikon I could only focus very close up.. 1 or 2 inches.. like Macro. Also while on this subject M42 on Nikon is quite usable yet will not yield focus to infinity, but will on Eos... Nikon, M42 T2, , and OM vintage mount will work to infinity on Eos too.. but it may interest some of you to know when the rear element on a Super Takumar 55mm f2 M42 mount is carefully wound out (lock with a little drop of glue..) that excellent affordable lens will focus to infinity...

[@AS-jj3ho]

SO incredibly helpful, thank you☺️☺️

[@PaulDGreen]

Thanks for the great video. Very helpful! 👏👏

[@mattcero1]

DUDE! FUCKIN! A! I've been shopping all weekend for used deals on Macro lenses and stumbled across this. I'M THERE MAN! Amazon, here I come for the Macro tubes!

[@ricflomusic]

Just the video I needed! Can’t wait to get a macro tube and try this. Thank you!

[@jonjackson8811]

Awesome video.

[@lastarena]

Great video - very well explained. I was initially going to go with the close up filters, but you talked me into getting the tubes. Thanks!

[@virajshukla2584]

Nice video. Very informative. It's impressive what all we can do with cameras now day even on a very tight budget. I generally reverse mount an old lens that has a manual apurture ring. I use the lens just for this purpose.

[@Pedrohramirez]

All the info I needed in a simple way. Thank you.

[@ToastedSynapseGaming]

Awesome video! I always love having some macro options for photos and videos. However, I have to ask: What do you think the relationship between Marco Rings (or other macro options you mentioned) AND IBIS is? (i.e. what should I set my IBIS to?) Here is my theory (needs testing though): 1. Investigate the Magnification of your lens on its own(either on an official website or photograph a ruler and compare it to sensor size) 2. Insert your macro option (rings or filters) and photograph a ruler. 3. Compare the two: Divide Macro/Standard and get X (e.g. let's say you have a 50mm with a magnification of 0.2, with some tubes, you get it to 1:1, so 1/0.2 = 5) 4. Multiply X with Focal Length (e.g. For that same 50mm lens that works great on its own with IBIS 50, When you attach the tubes, you switch to 5*50 = 250 IBIS) Here's why I think this is right: - IBIS deals with an image captured on the sensor. It knows your sensor size and you insert the Focal Length, technically speaking: Taking a picture with a 50mm lens with 0.2 magnification and zoomin in on it to x5 should give you the same frame as the macro rings do that achieve a 1:1 magnification therefore, there should be exactly 5x more movement that needs compensation. I would love to see you do more tests. I will also have a try when I have more time. tl;dr: MacroIBIS = MacroMagnification/StandardLensMagnification * LensFocalLength (magnification is found on websites or calculated by photographing a ruler or math paper and Dividing the number of cm or inches that 'made it' in the shot by your sensor's width)

[@HS-fk6hb]

Great, thanks! Didn't know about the 2nd one!

[@Clebrush2]

Awesome video... introducing the new Bob Ross voice of photography. Great comparisons and your breakdowns were quite informative too.

[@antattackBAM]

Love your videos. Very helpful!

[@jj-ttcomwaytosuccess801]

So good a teacher!

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Thanks to your video, I bought close up filters for two of my lenses. Maybe I'll catch you at NAB. Cheers.

[@FuegoPazzo]

Thanks for the advice, I like the look of the extension tubes

[@EfisioCross]

Incredible work

[@ourevergreenhome]

This is SO helpful, thanks for sharing and God bless you!

[@pinkiepie46]

It's so helpful thanks

[@HarryBurkey]

Thank you! You just added more emotional leverage in my filming for a ridiculously low price.

[@chrisburns5704]

I'm not fond of the idea of my rear element being exposed either, or the lens electronics connectors, as the reversing ring would require. I also don't like the light loss and the fact you are stuck with one f-stop, whatever the lens was set to when you removed it. I regularly use a combination of close-up filters and extension tubes, but mostly prefer the filters.

[@ChefJelly]

I just got the macro tubes and works great 👍, thanks

[@javierbecerra6348]

Thanks a lot, it was really useful

[@brettthemonster]

Nice video. Been using the same extension tubes and I don't love it. Will try out those close up filters I think.

[@LavenderHazelwood]

this was great. thanks!

[@dylanwilliams515]

What about reverse coupled lenses? It’s 11$ Canadian on amazon, gives a much easier magnification calculation, maybe slight image quality loss and light loss, still much easier and cheaper than extension tubes

[@JimiCanRead]

Thank you... just bought a £15 extension tube instead of a (probably mediocre) macro lens for 10x that

[@boondoc001]

You just saved me a bunch of money. Thank you

[@kunalgandhi6694]

can I please have the Close Up Filters link again. Thank you.

[@MrMiner2229]

Thanks for this video Caleb :) Have just bought an electronic lens tube for $26!

[@o.4244]

Thank you 😊

[@naturebythetamar8699]

This was so helpful, thanks so much!

[@michaelfrymus]

Wow. funny you would make this video. I just bought myself the macro extension tubes... I will make a review of them too 😁 Thanks for sharing the other options, glad I made the right choice 🤙

[@karthikvenugopal9139]

Michael Frymus can i use for portrait?

[@michaelfrymus]

Karthik Vgk You want to know if you can use macro tubes for portraits? No. Not unless you want to photograph the details of their eye

[@KramerOKeefeProductions]

This was really helpful, thank you!

[@WellBasicallyClub]

You just saved me a lot of money, thank you!!

[@marywhore1]

Question, can someone get these extreme close-ups by 3 feet away?

[@MuwexTech]

Think it was me asking video about macro lenses, thanks! :)

[@JC-fj7oo]

This was a great informative video. Thank you

[@glap8694]

Great info, id love some help. So ive never been into photography, but i have a tonnn of pets, small ones too. The smallest ones i have are Thai Micro Crabs. Each crab at LARGEST is 0.4 inches (1cm or less). This means my camera would have to accurately photo a 1cm crab, and its arms. Also it has "pom poms" on each claw, which are hairs that catch algae, itd neat to see those very well too. I also have crested geckos, fish, snails, other larger crabs, bugs, inverts, coral, anenomes, etc. So, all i really know is the info i got from you and a few other videos. I have a budget of around $500, im willing to go a bit higher but id much prefer not to. Can you please help me pick out a great choice of camera for taking photos of the .4 inch crabs? It doesnt need to be a big kit, nor have a ton of tripods or anything. The ability to take videos would be a HUGE bonus, but isnt 100% necessary. Doesnt need to be huge, id prefer smaller. SD, USB, or bluetooth, doesnt matter for me which way it stores. Sorry for the long question, but itd be a Giant help to me if you could point me in the right direction!

[@vaderchief]

the reverse ring doesn't seem like a bad idea for a throw away lens, like an old kit lens or something. but the macro tubes seems like the best option. the macro filters just seem kind of gimmicky imo

[@Nqrgaard]

Haha nice video! I already have that reverse and ordered a electronic tube set which should have arrived in November but never came so another is on its way and I hope that I receive it soon. I am just waiting for this tube so I also could make a KZbin video about this subject. I’m using it on my GH5

Thank you. Very helpfull.

[@user-vo8le3rr6y]

I want to try and tell my 10 to 18 STM Lambs for crop sensor cameras to a macro lens I tried and helding it I got a little interesting results now interests lie looking for a wait till this very wide angle lens to the macro lens but I can't seem to find t-adapter I don't think they makes any adapters for this specific lens anybody has a solution for me I'm trying to stick to my lenses and not stop the shrine purchase a lot more of them I have the Nifty Fifty the 10 to 18 and the sigma 18 to 35

[@eljuli1003]

Thanks for the video. It was very useful.

[@Pedrohramirez]

great info of macro lens alternative, thanks

[@joeybailey9628]

is x 10 magnification too excessive ?

[@Boutit031]

Great vid thanks.

[@bryanbernart]

Super helpful. Thank you!

[@ronnieredneck9162]

Such great audio on your recordings

[@merlingallagher4484]

Can you say anything about the working distance between all the options?

[@peyton9722]

this is so awesome, thank you!!

[@moocow6350]

The quality of the macro tube doesn’t matter unless you have a heavy lens they just put more space from the sensor.

[@RemyHaynes]

This was great. Thank you!

[@ShahzaibDamnCruze]

#very #nice

[@JohnzieKim]

Very helpful man. Thanks

[@eusufzai]

Please review Zhongyi Mitakon 20 f/2 4.5x Super Macro Lens in future.

[@efrenrojas6222]

Thanks! This is so budget friendly. :D

[@kendallbarthelmy2881]

What about video? Are any of these options good for video?

[@eevagirl]

Great advice!

[@ahmedalij1988]

Can I use ring flash when using close up filters????

[@Timcanhandlebar]

Would the tubes work on a Canon T3? If so, what lenses?

[@amirbiogene]

thank you, great informative video.

[@EposVox]

That feel when I have had virtually this exact same video planned since 2016 and just never acted on it. GG Good stuff!

[@zonhisham]

I shoot macros with a 1:1 macro lens. Can this dedicated macro lens be used with extension tubes? TIA.