BetterPhoto Q&A
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Robert Sanford		Depth of Field on close-ups I have a 28-80 and a 70-210. I also have close-up rings. I lke to take close-up photos of flowers, mostly the full blossom, although closer would be OK, too. How much more depth of field could I expect with a macro lens than I'm getting now? What's my best option for close-ups now? To love this question, log in above August 05, 2002

doug Nelson		A macro lens will not improve your depth-of-field. Close-ups always result in shallow depth-of-field. A macro lens will give you a sharper image, and allow you to focus closer. You could try a makeshift set-up, such as extension tubes or screw-on diopters, and these may do what you want them to do. A 50-mm lens for your camera will work better for this than will a zoom. However, if macro is really what turns you on, consider a macro lens for the camera you have, or look for a good deal on an older manual focus macro, a 50 or a 90, or a 100, or a 105. Get the best deal you can, then look for the matching manual focus body to dedicate to your macro lens. For example, ebay now has two listings for the legendary Vivitar Series I 90-mm macro, with the 1-to-1 adapter, under lenses for Canon SLR's. Go for the best deal on a 90, then look for a TLb, TX, FTb, F-1, A-1, AT-1, AE-1, or AE-1 Program. The total cost may come in at under $200, and you'd have the BEST macro optics. To love this comment, log in above August 14, 2002

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