Macro lens options for video work, cheap vs expensive. Ideas? at DVinfo.net

James Palanza · December 21st, 2012, 05:39 PM

So I'm trying to build a little setup for when I want to shoot macro video of rings and such at weddings. I hear great things about the lecia 45mm but it is like 600 dollars and thats a lot more than id like to pay for something im using for only 1 or 2 specific shots.

I read about the Vivitar 55mm f2.8 as well as the Vivitar Series 1 90mm F:2.5 Macro Lens 1:1 Macro. The 55 is about less than half the cost of the 90mm.

If I would go with the 90mm and the 1:1 macro addition, im at about 380 and now we are getting close to dedicated brand new m4/3 macro lenses such as the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens.

I'd like to also be able to put this on a little orbiting dolly so I can get table top movement shots.

Is there any reason I should be considering the newer more expensive options? What about macro lens adapters I could just slap on my 25mm 1.4? Or is there some benefit to having a 90mm macro lens over the 55mm?

Mark Watson · December 21st, 2012, 06:19 PM

James,

A cheaper alternative would be to use extension tubes, which reduce the minimum focusing distance. If you don't get the ones with electrical pass-thru connections the camera won't be able to control the lens though. Just a thought...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/859014-REG/Kenko_AEXTUBEDGM43_DG_Extension_Tube_Set.html
Mark

Oren Arieli · December 21st, 2012, 06:25 PM

Even cheaper, get a set of close-up lenses that simply screw onto your existing lenses. They come in various strengths (diopters) from +1 to +10. You can find a set for $20. They won't be as sharp as a dedicated macro lens, but for $20, it's a no-brainer addition to your kit.

James Palanza · December 21st, 2012, 07:37 PM

Now that's what I'm talking about. Will give that a shot.

Stephen Brenner · December 21st, 2012, 11:34 PM

Compared to the 55mm, the 100mm is going to give you more room to shoot (and light) your subject.
I've got the Kiron 105mm f/2.8. It can be had quite reasonably. Even cheaper and equally sharp is the Nikon 55mm f/3.5. Mine are Nikon ai mounts. The build on these old lenses is fantastic and you also get the wonderful full macro focus range for accurate focus closeup. As macro lenses they are specifically designed for the job.

James Palanza · December 21st, 2012, 11:55 PM

So many choices :) I think going a little bigger length wise is the best call for now.

December 21st, 2012, 05:39 PM	#1
James Palanza Major Player Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 310	Macro lens options for video work, cheap vs expensive. Ideas? So I'm trying to build a little setup for when I want to shoot macro video of rings and such at weddings. I hear great things about the lecia 45mm but it is like 600 dollars and thats a lot more than id like to pay for something im using for only 1 or 2 specific shots. I read about the Vivitar 55mm f2.8 as well as the Vivitar Series 1 90mm F:2.5 Macro Lens 1:1 Macro. The 55 is about less than half the cost of the 90mm. If I would go with the 90mm and the 1:1 macro addition, im at about 380 and now we are getting close to dedicated brand new m4/3 macro lenses such as the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens. I'd like to also be able to put this on a little orbiting dolly so I can get table top movement shots. Is there any reason I should be considering the newer more expensive options? What about macro lens adapters I could just slap on my 25mm 1.4? Or is there some benefit to having a 90mm macro lens over the 55mm?

December 21st, 2012, 06:19 PM	#2
Mark Watson Major Player Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Whidbey Island Posts: 873	Re: Macro lens options for video work, cheap vs expensive. Ideas? James, A cheaper alternative would be to use extension tubes, which reduce the minimum focusing distance. If you don't get the ones with electrical pass-thru connections the camera won't be able to control the lens though. Just a thought... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/859014-REG/Kenko_AEXTUBEDGM43_DG_Extension_Tube_Set.html Mark

December 21st, 2012, 06:25 PM	#3
Oren Arieli Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 919	Re: Macro lens options for video work, cheap vs expensive. Ideas? Even cheaper, get a set of close-up lenses that simply screw onto your existing lenses. They come in various strengths (diopters) from +1 to +10. You can find a set for $20. They won't be as sharp as a dedicated macro lens, but for $20, it's a no-brainer addition to your kit.

December 21st, 2012, 07:37 PM	#4
James Palanza Major Player Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 310	Re: Macro lens options for video work, cheap vs expensive. Ideas? Now that's what I'm talking about. Will give that a shot.

December 21st, 2012, 11:34 PM	#5
Stephen Brenner Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Brownsville, OR Posts: 116	Re: Macro lens options for video work, cheap vs expensive. Ideas? Compared to the 55mm, the 100mm is going to give you more room to shoot (and light) your subject. I've got the Kiron 105mm f/2.8. It can be had quite reasonably. Even cheaper and equally sharp is the Nikon 55mm f/3.5. Mine are Nikon ai mounts. The build on these old lenses is fantastic and you also get the wonderful full macro focus range for accurate focus closeup. As macro lenses they are specifically designed for the job.

December 21st, 2012, 11:55 PM	#6
James Palanza Major Player Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 310	Re: Macro lens options for video work, cheap vs expensive. Ideas? So many choices :) I think going a little bigger length wise is the best call for now. Last edited by James Palanza; December 22nd, 2012 at 01:23 AM.