cheap but effective macro start up
 

hi,
i really get inspired when looking through the images on here at the macro photos and was wondering what is the best way to get into it for not too much money. i have considered the raynox 250 converter but not really sure and also would i be best with a flash light/speedlight. if so are the chinese/japanese cheapo ones off ebay gonna be any use until i can eventually afford something else?

any advice welcome anthony

i use the raynox 250 with my kit lens, or some £10 screw-in close up filters and am able to take shots like these:

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexharrison101/8108138276/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8047/8108138276_b65353cdb5.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexharrison101/8108138276/]dew spider 1[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/alexharrison101/]alexharrison101[/url], on Flickr

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexharrison101/8085356543/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8085356543_a69b140565.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexharrison101/8085356543/]frosty flower 2[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/alexharrison101/]alexharrison101[/url], on Flickr

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexharrison101/7813695362/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/7813695362_ddc460cf5d.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexharrison101/7813695362/]who you looking at?[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/alexharrison101/]alexharrison101[/url], on Flickr

so i would say these options are a good start for macro, especially if you're unsure about investing the sizeable sum that a true macro lens will set you back.

as for lighting - i'm not sure, so hopefully someone else will help with this one!

Tubes. I use extension tubes. They do not change your lens optically, but they let you focus much more closely. I use these ones myself: [URL="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/792552-REG/Vivitar_VIV_EXT_C_Macro_Extension_Tube_Set.html"]Vivitar Tubes[/URL]

Those have contacts for auto focus, etc. I used a set without first, they were $7. The downside is no control over lens settings, but it did not matter much. Canon lenses go wide open when there is no control, I hear Nikon go the other way, so I was able to use them well and focus manually. I focus manually even with the others.