www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

hello everybody,
Can I have a quick sound off from people about the canon 500 close-up lens please? I have the chance to buy one from a collegue very cheaply but am not sure it is best to save the ££ for my sigma macro.

thanks
Martin
( http://www.mgnastro.org/wildlife.html )

I dont know what the Canon 500 lens is like as far as quality is concerned, but if I were you I'd save for the Sigma macro.
At the end of the day the Canon is only a screw on supp lens, and is a make do alternative to a proper macro lens.

Thanks Mike - it was slowely dawning on me that is the wisest choice of action to take - roll on july - my eta for my sigma ( well the wife points to get it anyway )

Martin
( http://www.mgnastro.org/wildlife.html )

I have the 500D and it's the perfect accessory for my little camera which is the Canon S3. It works best with superzoom cameras, particularly those that will focus quite closely at the telephoto end which the S3 does.
In good light I can get first class shots as the quality of the 500D is excellent.
If your camera is a typical 3x or 4x compact then look elsewhere for something more powerful like the Raynox DCR-250.
However, if you're looking to get, or already have a dSLR then save your cash for that as you'll have a lot more flexibility with iso settings, and a proper macro lens will be better as well.

Everyone, please note that 500 and 500D close-up lenses are entirely different animals! The former is a single lens and way inferior in performance. The latter is pretty good and comprises of (at least) two elements, though it looks like just one lens.