what is a good close up lens for sony

[rollforever]

i just wanted to know peoples opinions on what a good lens/filter would be to get for my sony a200 to get good close ups of flowers and stuff like that small

[rshunk]

There are many lenses out there that say Macro that are not true 1:1 macro, so be careful. Many different companies make macro lenses that will fit you camera, including: Sony, Minolta, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, Phoenix - and more.

True macro lenses are not cheap, but you may be able to find one on the used market and save some money. Here are a few macro lenses that I recommend:

Minolta or Sony 50mm, Minolta or Sony 100mm, Sigma 105mm, Tamron 90mm, Phoenix 100mm



Bob S.

[rollforever]

cool thanks but whats your opinion on close up filters if u dont mind me asking

[rshunk]

I don't own nor have I ever used close-up filters, so I can't really say if they are good or bad. However, I think that the difference between using a true macro lens and using a close-up filter should be pretty dramatic. Macro lenses are known for not only the ability to get close shots, but for being extrememly sharp.



Bob S.

[rshunk]

I just thought of something else you could do to get close-ups - Lens Reversing. Take a lens and, using a reversing ring, mount it onto the front of the lens that's attached to your camera. The result is an extreme macro.

Here's a tutorial: Reverse-Lens Macro Photography [tutorial] StephenElliot.com



Bob S.

[rollforever]

thats really cool i might just do that but i was wondering do u know if this lens Minolta MD 50mm F1.7 is compatible with the sony a200

[rshunk]

MD/MC lenses can only be used with an adaptor - and then only manually.


Bob S.

[ront]

As already stated, a good macro lens is not cheap. Probably the best one for the Alpha series is either the Sony 100mm f2.8 or the Minolta 100mm f2.8. They are extremely sharp and a great lens. The Tamron 90mm also get pretty good reviews and is a bit cheaper.
Here are a couple of shots using my A700 and the Sony 100mm.

Ron

[rollforever]

dam those pics are good man thanks for the advice

[ront]

Originally Posted by rollforever

dam those pics are good man thanks for the advice

Thanks rollforever, it is a great lens.

Ron

[jonaseriksson]

Tamron 90mm is a good choice and not (overly) expensive.

[kris142]

If your talking Macro, I wouldn't know, but I know the kit 18-75mm Pulled out to 18mm with a 2x wide angle extension, gives some cool close up effects.

[kkart]

Originally Posted by rollforever

i just wanted to know peoples opinions on what a good lens/filter would be to get for my sony a200 to get good close ups of flowers and stuff like that small

You have 2 options here you can go with really. Basically there is the Raynox macro filter option, the Raynox CM-3500, Raynox DRC250, and the Raynox DCR150, check here in these flickr groups for images. The results will blow you away.

Now your second option are what are called Macro Filters, Closeup Filters/Lenses, and or Diopters. These are what I use in my work. I am VERY happy also with the results. Cheap is a good word, the whole set cost me under $10. I use stacked +4 & +2 (sometimes I will throw my +6 in place of the +2) on the kit lens and have at it.

A few words of advice on these filters.

Stay away from the +10, as it tends to give enormous amouths of CA. Stay away from generic brands, get a GOOD set by the likes of Tiffen or Hoya. I have Hoyas and a set of Minolta diopters.

These really are a lot of fun, and they take a little time in learning, but once you do, you will be amazed!

The shots below were taken on the Minolta 18-70 DT kit lens with stacked +2 and +4 Macro diopters.