Which of my Canon lenses is best for trying macro on an EOS 450D?
Asked 7/1/2013
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2 answers
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I have a Canon EOS 450D with these lenses:
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
- Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
I’d like to try close-up photography of small subjects like Lego figures and miniature scenes. Which lens is likely to work best for this, and are any of them suitable for true macro? If not, what’s the best low-cost way to get closer with my current kit?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
11
None of the lenses have macro capabilities - but you can probably get good images of lego-sized objects (maybe with a little cropping).
Just try, set up some object similar to what you want to photograph, make sure you have lots of light and the entire object is well lit.
Hint: for a static indoor scene low ISO, a tripod, cable release and a window that isn't in direct sunlight will do wonders
Now take each lens, zoom in all the way and get as close as possible before the lens no longer focus (this will get you the maximum magnification of the lens) and take a photo.
Do only basic processing on all images - but do process them (straiten them if need, crop to taste, do basic WB and color corrections)
After you try all your lenses you can look at the images and decide what image (if any) best fits your artistic style and is closest to the images you want to produce.
Originally by user2481. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2481
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
None of these lenses is a true macro lens. For true macro, you generally want about 1:1 magnification; your lenses top out well below that. Of the three, the EF-S 55-250mm is the closest to useful for small subjects, with the highest native magnification of the group, so it’s the best one to try first.
A practical way to compare them is to zoom to the longest focal length, move as close as the lens will still focus, and see which gives the largest subject in frame. For static tabletop subjects, use lots of light, low ISO, and ideally a tripod and remote release.
If you want more magnification without buying a dedicated macro lens, add extension tubes. They can make your current lenses focus closer and give significantly higher magnification. If you want the best quality and easiest route to true macro, use or rent a dedicated macro lens such as a Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro or EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro.
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