Closeup filter

[bukitimah]

Hi, I am not sure if this is the right place to ask the following questions:

I am learning how to take macro shots and have started with Nikon 55 mm F 3.5 micro Ai'D lens on my Nikon D5000. Although I am able to take close up shots, I am facing 2 problems.

1) I cannot trigger my flash because the camera cannot detect the lens.
2) I want the subject to be magnified further, I am not sure this lens I am using is consider 1:1 macro but can I use close up filter to improve on it?
3) If yes, what should I use? close up +2 or +4?

I hope someone can assist with some guides. I am attaching one of the macro I took with the lens for illustration.


Thank you.

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[siodre]

1 - absolutely no idea because i shoot canon.
2 & 3 - yes you could get close up filters, but extension tubes are a better option and won't degrade your image quality. kenko makes a nice set of 3 for around $100USD, be sure to purchase the ones for your camera mount. filters have glass in them that can make your images soft, extension tubes are just hollow tubes mounted between the camera and lens, no glass means no image degradation.

[bukitimah]

1 - absolutely no idea because i shoot canon.
2 & 3 - yes you could get close up filters, but extension tubes are a better option and won't degrade your image quality. kenko makes a nice set of 3 for around 0USD, be sure to purchase the ones for your camera mount. filters have glass in them that can make your images soft, extension tubes are just hollow tubes mounted between the camera and lens, no glass means no image degradation.

Hi, thank you for your response. Do you happen to have any idea how this close-up filter works? My current lens working distance is already almost 12 cm from subject, if I add a close-up +4, would that mean I need to get too near or the distance can be maintained but the image magnified?

[Grandpa]

Extension tubes fit between the camera body and the lens and allow a closer focusing distance.

[bukitimah]

Extension tubes fit between the camera body and the lens and allow a closer focusing distance.

Yes, I am aware of that. However, I was advised that using standard lens with extension tube has its limitations. A macro lens would be the best option. I am just wondering if I add close-up filter to the macro lens, would it affect the focus distance?

[siodre]

if you have a magnifying glass at home put it in front of your lens and play around. it's the same effect as a close up filter. yes, it will affect the focusing distance. you'll have to be much closer to your subject to get it in focus. in other words, that fly you have in the photo will be gone before you get it in focus.

using an extension tube with any lens will limit your ability to focus to infinity. overall it's a much better way to go, with less limitations, than a close up filter.

[Bynx]

As you add close up filters the dept of field decreases dramatically. Also when you add close up filters always go in decending order from largest number closest to the camera. Personally I have never noticed any softness due to close up filters.

[Cameron]

You can use close-up filters on top of each other to further magnify your subject, or you can use a close up filter on a telephoto lens. I have used one on a 200mm telephoto with good sharpness. They can be difficult to use because the depth of field is extremely shallow which makes focusing quite a challenge. A tripod or a fast shutterspeed is an absolute necessity.

Cameron