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Which macro equipment option for "bugs" and flowers.

Started Feb 25, 2022 | Questions thread
BBbuilder467 Veteran Member • Posts: 7,057
Re: Which macro equipment option for "bugs" and flowers.

GinAZ wrote:

I've decided to start doing some macro photography and I would like recommendations on equipment.

I currently have a Sony A77V APS-C (the one from way back in 2011!) with these A-mount lenses:
Sigma 18-250 which has macro capability at the 250mm zoom. F3.5-6.3. Minimum focus 13.8". Magnification 1:.29. 62mm filter thread.
Sony 16-50. F2.8. Minimum focus 1'. Magnification 0.2x. 72mm filter thread.
Tokina 11-16. F 2.8. Minimum focus 11.81". 77mm filter thread.
I have macro extension tubes 13, 20, and 36mm.
In 2015 I purchased a .43x wide angle add on lens but unfortunately I can't locate it now. It has 62mm threads.

I also have an Olympus TG-6 which I purchased for underwater photography but it has macro and "microscope" options. 25-100mm 1/2.3" sensor, There is a 0.5x wide angle lens available with macro mode (the lens has two parts). The lens doesn't have very good reviews.

I took some test pictures with each of the above (except the .43x wide angle lens and I only tried the 13mm extension tube) but I wasn't very happy with the results. Mostly due to narrow DOF (which I know is an issue with macro photography) and having to get so close to the item being photographed.

I'm considering purchasing a Sony RX10M4 with a 1" sensor. 24-600mm. F2.4-4. 72mm filter thread. So this may be better for my future macro photography.

Options seem to be adding a close-up filter kit about $20, or a 10x macro lens for about $80, or a lens for the Sony A77V around 100mm. A new Sony lens is questionable due to high cost (~$400) and since A-mount is dead and my Sony A77 is getting older. I'm not sure which lens would work best with a close-up filter kit or the 10x macro lens.

Although I wasn’t happy with my test pictures, maybe something I already have should be good enough and I just need to learn to use it better.

Finally, if it would be a good choice, I can keep searching for my lost .43x lens.

You seem to be describing the old 2-piece wide angle/macro conversion lenses. Combined, 0.43x/0.5x would make 18mm seem like 8/9mm. With the front section removed, it's a +10 diopter. They aren't very good, but you'll get the same magnification and distance with any +10  diopter/close-up lens added. That seems to be what you're calling 10x.

Add the 36mm extension tube to the 16-50 and you should get close to 1:1 at 50mm for a test to see what the high magnification is like. The depth of field is going to be narrow, regardless of how you achieve it.

At 1:1 or 1x, you would be filling the frame with a US quarter. 10x would fill the frame with an aspirin for a rough example.

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