Macro Lens vs. Magnifying Glass

[z740]

I got bored a few hours ago and was staring at my desk listening to music when I noticed my magnifying glass next to my 350D. I was bored so I thought I would go try something new. I placed the magnifying glass at the end of my lens(the lens cover was the perfect thing to hold it) and went out into the yard and starting taking pictures of flowers, leaves, etc. I came inside and uploaded the shots to the computer. I noticed that they were a tad soft and a touch out of focus. Is this something that is because of the extra glass at the end of the lens or can this be fixed through practice? Also, I was looking at a few Canon macro lenses and noticed that they are a pretty darn cheap(the 100mm goes for about $450). I was wondering if they are worth the money or is the macro effect something that can be achieved with a cheap magnifying glass. What I'm really getting at here is if I would get sharper and more in-focus photos if I purchased a macro lens instead of shooting through a magnifying glass.

-Chris

[z740]

Here are some sample shots through my Sigma 28-70mm f2.8-4 DG lens.







One of my main concerns with the magnifying glass is the very limited area that is in focus. Does a macro lens offer more depth-of-field?

-Chris

[Will_Power]

Im sorry I cant answer your question, but I have to say, those photos are very nice!

[z740]

Im sorry I cant answer your question, but I have to say, those photos are very nice!

Well thanks you Will. I don't expect a quick answer to this as there aren't too many people worried about macro photography on an aviation forum, but it's the only forum I belong to.

-Chris

[Burrd255314]

AFAIK, a macro lens also has a VERY small depth of field. You have to be careful with focus

[exmanx]

Nice pictures, if a little soft as you say. You can't beat a good Macro lens though. It's one of the gaps in my armoury at the moment and I am tempted to have a hunt on e-bay to see what I can find.

Andy

[Tanner_J]

There was a recent thread about macro which I posted a few of my macro shots. I have the 100 2.8 and absolutely love it. I really only use it for wedding work, but it's awesome.

[z740]

There was a recent thread about macro which I posted a few of my macro shots. I have the 100 2.8 and absolutely love it. I really only use it for wedding work, but it's awesome.

Can you post a link of the thread that you are referring to. I can't seem to find it.

Thanks Andy, they are the better pics in the batch. My success ratio is about 1 out of 20 or 30, but I'm getting better. The main problem is the small depth-of-field so i have to keep the camera really still. If I move a few centimeters the entire image goes out of focus. Aperture priority has been a godsend.

-Chris

[Tanner_J]

http://forums.jetphotos.net/showthread.php?t=43483