Affordable ways to reach 2× macro on a Canon 60D
Asked 3/29/2011
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I’d like to shoot very close-up macro images around 2× magnification on a Canon 60D. The dedicated 2× macro lens I found is expensive and manual-focus only. Is there a lower-cost way to get similar results, ideally with autofocus, while still keeping good sharpness?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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People have listed a few options for 1:1 as there are plenty. So if you have a 1:1 macro lens coupled with a 2x teleconverter, you'll get to a 2:1 macro as you describe above. That will probably be a less expensive option.
What I will caution you on, however, is not to expect miracles from autofocus in extreme macro. Basically, you're dealing with a razor thin depth of field and that can be very, very, challenging for a camera to hit with the AF system. My feeling is that you're going to need a lot of luck and a monstrously steady hand to avoid focus hunting or missed focus if you're trying such shots with AF.
Originally by user472. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user472
15y ago
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There aren’t many inexpensive true 2× autofocus macro lenses. A more affordable route is usually a 1:1 macro lens, then add a 2× teleconverter to reach about 2:1 magnification.
That said, autofocus is not very useful at extreme macro distances. Depth of field becomes razor thin, so AF often hunts or misses focus. For serious macro work, manual focus is usually the better approach even if the lens supports AF.
Budget-friendly options mentioned include several autofocus macro lenses in the 1:2 to 1:1 range, plus lenses like the Sigma 105mm macro. A 1:1 lens on your APS-C Canon 60D will already give strong close-up capability, and you can crop further in post for a tighter composition.
So the practical answer is: buy a reasonably priced 1:1 macro lens first, expect to focus manually for best results, and consider a 2× teleconverter if you truly need higher magnification.
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