Recommended close-up filters

[samscholes]

I would like to purchase a set of close-up filters and am considering

a set by Tiffen. I have a Nikon N65 SLR and will be using the filters

on a fixed 50mm Nikkor lens. What close-up filters have you had good

experience with? What would be recommend? B&W would be another option

but they tend to be rather pricy and B&H doesn't seem to offer a

discounted set like with the Tiffens.

 

Tiffen 52mm Close-up Kit (+1,+2,+4) Lens @ B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=56779&is=REG

Would appreciate the response of the forum. Thank you.

[cgo]

The Nikon closeup lenses are outstanding dual element filters and will provide better quality than the single elemnt Tiffens. I use them on my Canon lenses.

 

The Nikon's may, or may not, be available in 52mm but if you get say a 62mm set, all you will need is a 52->62mm step-up ring to fit them. Step-up rings are handy in that you can purchase filters in the size to fit your largest diameter lens and have a cheap step-up ring for every other diameter lens you have.

 

If you are unsure as to whether you will use close-up lenses much and just wish to experiemen to decide, do get the Tiffens and then upgrade later if you find you enjoy close-up photography. Without looking at the B&H prices, my guess is that you can buy the whole Tiffen set for less than one Nikon.

[mark_peters]

Your should consider the close up attachments made by Nikon specifically for their standard 52mm mount. The 4T is a +3 diopter and the 3T is lower (can't recall offhand). I own the 4T and it think it is an excellent value at $29 from B&H.

 

By the way I don't think you will be very pleased with the macro capability offered by either of these on a 50 mm lens. To get any sort of useful macro result you would want to be closer to 100mm. I use my 4T exclusively on a Nikon 75-100 Series E zoom. A prime lens with a close up filter is very awkward to focus.

[michael_peters1]

<i>A prime lens with a close up filter is very awkward to focus.</i>

<br> <br>

Not arguing - but I am curious as to why you say that. I know zooms have the advantage of changing the magnification ratio without changing the working distance, while primes have only one magnification ratio available for any particular working distance - but I did not think they would be harder to focus.

<br> <br>

Oh btw - great last name ;)

[mark_peters]

Good point, Michael, I didn't say that right. It isn't more difficult to focus at any given focal length, it's so just much more difficult to work with a prime lens + close up because the working depth of field is fixed and very shallow.