Macro lens verses extension tubes.

I guess my blog yesterday was weak so I am trying to do a better job tonight. I must say in my own defense I said in my blog that I didn't feel like writing so I didn't. That said let me apologize to my loyal readers for my lack of inspiration yesterday. No monkeying around tonight, I am going to talk about macro photography.

What is all the fuss about macro lenses all about? Are they really that much better than a long lens with extension tubes? The image above was taken with a Tamron 70-200 mm f2.8 lens with an extension tube. Unfortunately I can't remember what size extension tube I used for the shot. I may have had all 3 tubes on for the shot but I don't honestly remember. I have several different exposures of this stand of small wildflowers this is one of my favorites because of the ant that is climbing around on the flower. I am very happy with the sharpness of the image but then for this image I wasn't really going for sharpness, I like the soft glowing edges of the flowers it gives the image a dream like feeling.

I purchased a Canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens about a year ago but I have not really done much macro work with it. I do love the lens for its sharp images, it is not an L series lens but it is often compared to them for its sharpness. Many photographer's feel it is as sharp as any L series lens. I use the lens primarily for portrait work, but I think it is wonderful for Macro. The working distance between the subject and the lens is a huge advantage. With extension tubes you lose distance between you and the subject and it gets harder to focus. The macro lens elements are flat and sharp from edge to edge where a telephoto lens elements are curved and the sharpness falls off at the edges. There are many advantages to a true macro lens but there are also disadvantages. Cost - a macro is much more expensive than tubes that is the only disadvantage I could come up with. I am glad that I purchased the 100mm macro lens and I wouldn't trade it for anything, except for maybe 2 of them.

Photoman

I hope this post is good enough for Spartanburg, SC. :)