When I chose my Canon Rebel T6 last year, I purchased it as part of a photography package. At that time, as I unpacked several of the added items which were part of the kit, I had no idea how to use these tools to improve my photography. One of those items was a macro filter which is sometimes called a closeup lens.
The above photograph was taken with a .43x closeup lens which was attached to the end of a 18-55mm standard camera lens.
Next, I added 49mm lengths of extension tubes. Since I was attempting to get the closest image possible, I left the .43x closeup lens on the standard camera lens. I natively thought that the more macro tools I used, the more magnified the image.
When I compared the photos where extension tubes had been used in both, I noted that the photo (above) taken with the closeup lens was not as magnified as the photo (below) which was taken without the closeup lens. And as I was taking the photos, I noted that when using the closeup lens, I had to back up (lengthen) the focal distance to get the flower in focus.
What I had not realized was that sometimes the combination of extension tubes and closeup lens are dependent on the manufacturer. Some extension tubes or closeup lens are made to be used only on their own to magnify an image.
Each macro tool has its own challenges to overcome; for example, when a closeup lens is used, focal distance becomes a factor to consider. When extension tubes are used, more light is needed for magnifying the image.
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