Hi, I'm fairly new to the world of photography (a few years) and am planning on purchasing a Nikon D40 - my first SLR. A large portion of the pictures I take are macro-ish - but they are of subjects less than 28cm from the lens, which is the minimum focusing distanc of the included 18-55mm Nikkor kit lens.
A friend (who is a more experienced photographer) recommended that I buy a macro extension tube off e-bay. So, the next day, I purchased this from one of my favouite online stores for $10. http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12458
I later discovered that there is such a thing as macro filters. They fit onto the end of your lens. I did a bit of research, and found that some people don't like them because they "degrade image quality".
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14675
I was searching google for "DIY Nikon Macro" to see if I could create something myself for less, and found a tutorial that told you how to glue a Nikon body cap and an old filter with the glass removed together, and use it to put your lens on backwards... My first worry was... How many uses will I get out of this before the glue gives out, and my $150 lens goes grashing to the ground... Then I found this. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.17996 Much better. : )
So, I've allready ordered a macro extension tube from Deal Extreme, but am still not sure what option is the best...
My main concerns are:
MACRO REVERSAL RING
> Will the weight of the lens strip the threads of the filter screw-in?
> Will I have to hold the camera and the lens at the same time?
MACRO FILTERS
> Do these actually degrade image quality as much as some say?
Another question is...
I am switching from a Panasonic Lumix FZ18, which does not have a "macro lens", but just a VERY low minimum focussing distance (1cm), so all I have to do is get physically close to the subject.
As far as I Know, with all of these options, you have to stand farther away from the subject. Am I right?
BTW: http://alexbrushett321.deviantart.com/
A friend (who is a more experienced photographer) recommended that I buy a macro extension tube off e-bay. So, the next day, I purchased this from one of my favouite online stores for $10. http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12458
I later discovered that there is such a thing as macro filters. They fit onto the end of your lens. I did a bit of research, and found that some people don't like them because they "degrade image quality".
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14675
I was searching google for "DIY Nikon Macro" to see if I could create something myself for less, and found a tutorial that told you how to glue a Nikon body cap and an old filter with the glass removed together, and use it to put your lens on backwards... My first worry was... How many uses will I get out of this before the glue gives out, and my $150 lens goes grashing to the ground... Then I found this. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.17996 Much better. : )
So, I've allready ordered a macro extension tube from Deal Extreme, but am still not sure what option is the best...
My main concerns are:
MACRO REVERSAL RING
> Will the weight of the lens strip the threads of the filter screw-in?
> Will I have to hold the camera and the lens at the same time?
MACRO FILTERS
> Do these actually degrade image quality as much as some say?
Another question is...
I am switching from a Panasonic Lumix FZ18, which does not have a "macro lens", but just a VERY low minimum focussing distance (1cm), so all I have to do is get physically close to the subject.
As far as I Know, with all of these options, you have to stand farther away from the subject. Am I right?
BTW: http://alexbrushett321.deviantart.com/