i quite fancy getting a macro lens but they are fairly pricy so thought maybe i’d try some close up filters from ebay.

will i just be wasting my money or is the quality okay? otherwise i’ll just save my pennies and go for a 50mm macro

Extension tubes are a better bet than filters.

close up filters aren’t very good.

Extension tubes, bellows, reversing rings are all much better and usually extremely cheap from ebay. You have tio work at it though, it’s not easy.

I use a reversing ring, some extension tubes, an analogue f1.8 50mm lens with manual aperture. Cost me about 20 quid in total.

Bellows are a bit awkward to lug about.

What you look’in at? by Jon Wyatt, on Flickr

if it’s a hassle to carry then i doubt it would get as much use as i’d like

Extension tubes aren’t a hassle to carry, but macro in general is a hassle.

If you want close-ups like the one above you need a tripod. It’s not to keep the camera steady as such but because of the depth of field. Shift 1mm back/forward and the subject goes out of focus.

If you shoot Olympus (you probably don’t 🙂 ) the excellent 35mm macro is available for less than 200 notes.

Macro is JUST possible hand held if you cater for it and have plenty of light…