Looking for Macro photography capabilities without spending a large sum of money?
There are several ways to accomplish this.
Extensions tubes are one of the least expensive methods.
The Canon 500D Close-up Lens is another.
The Canon 500D Close-up Lens is a small double-element lens that threads onto the filter threads on a standard (non-macro) lens.
It allows that lens to be focused at a much closer distance- resulting in a higher magnification of the subject.
The Canon 500D Close-up Lens is intended to be used on lenses with a focal length of 70mm-300mm.
Close-up lenses such as the Canon 500D Close-up Lens result in higher magnification when used with longer telephoto lens
but shorter focal length lenses result in higher magnification when used with Extension Tubes.
At the time, I had a decision to make.
Use the Canon 500D Close-up Lens on my
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens
or purchase a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens
for my macro photography.
I gave the 500D a try first.
The quality of the Canon 500D Close-up Lens is very good.
I found the Canon 500D Close-up Lens to be reasonably sharp in the center - but less sharp toward the edges.
However, I personally found the narrow focus distance range to be limiting.
In addition, the quality of the pictures taken with the Canon 100mm Macro Lens were better.
And I could take a wider variety of pictures with the 100mm than with the Canon 500D Close-up Lens attached to another lens.
So why would you buy the Canon 500D Close-up Lens?
If you are carrying a non-macro lens regardless and you want macro capabilities
without the added weight and size of a macro lens, the Canon 500D Close-up Lens is perfect for you.
If you have a lens in the 70-300mm range and do not have the budget for a prime (fixed focal length) macro lens,
the Canon 500D Close-up Lens is a prospect for you.
If you only want to shoot at macro distances infrequently,
the Canon 500D Close-up Lens might be what you want.
Recommended Shopping Resources (Using these links to make your purchase supports this site)
Canon 500D Close-up Lens at B&H Photo
Canon 500D Close-up Lens at Adorama
Canon 500D Close-up Lens at Amazon.com
Find the best price on the Canon 500D Close-up Lens
