Anyone use macro filters?

[DigitalVideo]

I just got some hoya macro filters to try out, and I love 'em. Currently blogging about them Anyone else use macro filters instead of macro lenses?

[Bif]

Those are not filters. They are "close up" supplementary lenses that come in different strengths, usually +1, +2, and +3. I have a set of all three, forgot the brand, left over from about 5 decades ago when the first SLR I bought had a permanently fixed lens.

Using one strength by itself won't degrade your image noticeably but to get the kind of results a macro lens gets you, the "close ups" need to be "stacked". I did this once to get a picture of a water drop hanging under a leaf after a rain, and the resulting picture showed definitely visible chromatic aberration.

If you have no other way to get close up pictures (if a true macro lens is definitely out of budget range) a set of these may be better than nothing but a much better answer (for interchangeable lens cameras) is a set of extension tubes.

For the HV and HF series camcorders the close up supplementary set is about the only way to go. Just avoid "stacking" all 3 if you can. And if you go this route I suggest a stepup ring to 52mm and purchasing 52mm accessories.

Bruce Foreman

[DigitalVideo]

Bif,
I do know they aren't filters, but most ebay auctions list them as filters, so I guess it just sticks. I stacked them to try it out, and while there was a lot of aberration, it almost disappeared when using a high f-stop.

[Janke]

most ebay auctions list them as filters

Most ebay sellers don't know what they're selling...

[DigitalVideo]

Most ebay sellers don't know what they're selling...

Haha this is true

[DigitalBard]

I bought 77mm filters/lenses and use step-up rings for all my lenses. I have the +1 +2 +4 set, but I also bought a +8 and +10 to avoid stacking.