Canon 500D or Polaroid 250D close-up lens?

[onesurferguy]

I was thinking of getting one of these lenses. I know there are a couple of threads about close-up lenses but I didn't see a comparison of the two. And the postsings where over half a year ago and would appreciate hearing about how they have performed now that some have been using them for awhile now.

Also would a 77mm with step up ring produce better results than a 72mm? I know there is some weight to this does it seem to harm the zoom lens? Also does a 500D perform better than a 250D for this camera?

Thanks Richard

 

[Bill Borne]

found this

: Can you tell me the difference among the following: the 250D; 450; 500; 500D and 500T?

A: First, the name of the close-up lens indicates its maximum working distance* in millimeters. So, a 250D close-up lens is much stronger than a 500D close-up lens, for instance. The 250D series is typically used with lens focal lengths from about 28mm to about 135mm; the 450 and 500 series are typically used with lenses from about 75mm to 300mm.

(*Working distance = distance between front of lens and subject, as opposed to focusing distance, which is the distance between the focal plane and the subject.)

Next, there have been 2 generations of close-up lenses in Canon's line: the first series was brought out in the '70s and included the 240, 450 and 500T. These CU lenses are no longer being made, so whatever stock is available is relatively old and can no longer be ordered from Canon Inc. in Japan. (In fact, we've taken all the 450's out of our catalog, and the only 240 remaining is the 52mm.) The current line includes the 250D, 500 and 500D lenses. These were introduced in 1994 and will remain in our line for the foreseeable future.

Some of Canon's Close-up Lenses are single element (all of the 500 series and the 58mm CU450), but most are double element (240 series, 250D, 500D and 500T). The single element lenses are priced for economy and provide reasonable value, but the double element lenses are clearly better in quality. These are the CU lenses I would recommend to get the most out of the original lenses to which they would be attached.