Lens help required

[Rob MacKillop]

We bought a Canon EOS 1100D on Saturday for our daughter. It came with an 18-55 lens, but as Rhona wanted some real close up shots, they gave her a f/1.8 50mm lens as well. She just put that one on today for some macro work, but it doesn't seem to be suitable for that at all, even with the Scene set to Flowers. In fact the other lens gets closer to macro.

Did the saleswoman in Jessops give us the wrong lens, or are am I missing something obvious?

 

[Jim Kuo]

How close does Rhona want to get to the subject? Canon 50mm f1.8 (I have one myself) has minimum focus distance of 45cm, it is not designed for easy macro work but you can make it work by:

0. Take picture at 45cm, then crop afterwards on computer.
1. Move in closer and try manual focus + live view, if this does not achieve the focus or magnification she desires, then
2. Move in even closer and use manual focus + live view + close up filter, e.g. B+W 58mm Close-Up +3 (NL3) Filter (BW76240) - Wex Photographic

50 f1.8 is not as convenient for macro work as a dedicated macro lens (e.g. Canon EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM Lens (3554B005AA) - Wex Photographic), however, it's a lot cheaper and is able to deliver nice result if you work a bit harder.

Good luck.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, Jim. We'll try that out!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

No luck. It looked no bigger, closer or better than the 18-55. What is the advantage or specific characteristic of a 50mm f/1.8 lens?

It's all new to me, as I'm just used to fixed lenses.

 

[Jim Kuo]

close up filter might be your next step

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Rob - I would recommend the older model Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens as a cheap(ish) way of getting the shots she's after.

Th Jessflops lady gave you poor advice 50mm f.18 is good for general & portrait, narrow DOF work

There have been 3 models of the 100mm Macro, all are excellent - I use the oldest and slowest (also the cheapest) and have had great results.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Lens 5050053083210 | eBay

Not a speed demon of a lens for AF - but for macro you don't need it - worth a look.

Samples:

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Well, we can't afford that macro lens right now, but you said a magical word there, Chris: portrait. Rhona has decided to keep the lens, explore its use in portraiture. We shall see what she comes up with. She's obviously, and naturally, shy about it all just now, but she did some cracking shots today. I'm letting her get on with it in her own way, and will be there if she needs guidance - and through me, you guys!

 

[Dave Green]

You could try getting hold of a reversing ring for the 50mm. Cheap as chips and will get you very close - but manual focus and very limited shooting distance.

 

[Jim Kuo]

Yes, what Dave said would be #3 to try.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I'll keep it mind. All new to me...

 

[Allan Batchelor]

Im having some fun learning to use the 50 prime on my mates canon(cleans mouth out with soap) Rob. And its not portrait stuff

 

[Rob MacKillop]

We never stop learning, eh? Good stuff.