Do I need a macro lens?

[CUunderH2O]

Hi everybody,

I have an Oly C-4000 in the PT-010 housing. I've been shooting both big & small things underwater. I know that a WAL will let me get better shot of the wrecks that I normally dive, but do I really need a macro lens? At this time, if I want little critter shots, I use either Macro or Super Macro mode. Is there any advantage of using a macro lens, and would you use it while in Macro/Super Macro modes or not?

Please help me out with this.

Thanks

 

[hvulin]

Since you're asking you probably don't need it...

If you are often trying to take pictures of small things and they are simply too small, then you probably need additional lens...

 

[CUunderH2O]

well, someone I asked this afternoon says that the macro on my camera could be digital, in which case a macro lens would be better (optical macro)

 

[alcina]

If you are happy with the in camera features, I'd go on using those and save that money for something else.

That being said, I'd never be without my add on macros! I love 'em. Get two and stack them. I did use supermacro sometimes, but used my stacked macros more.

I'm not sure what your source was talking about, but there isn't, AFAIK, "digital" macro. There is "digital zoom" and that isn't helpful

 

[CUunderH2O]

Yeah, I turn off the digital zoom feature, it ruins the quality of the photos. But your post confirms that I should just save my $ for a wide-angle lens instead. I only shoot macro once or twice a year, on vacation, unless I want more photos of the crayfish in the river!

 

[Aggie Diver]

dp

 

[Aggie Diver]

alcina,

What did you get for the macros for the PT-010 housing, where, and how much did they cost? Thanks.

 

[Aggie Diver]

And same thing for the WAL - does anyone have an recommendations? Doesn't the PT-010 housing require a WAL adapter ring before you can add a wide angle?

Thanks.

 

[alcina]

Inon. From Ryan ryan@reefphoto.com www.reefphoto.com

 

[Gilligan]

CUunderH2O I have the same camera and housing as you. I also have the Inon wide angle lens and the Inon close-up lens.

I don't use the close-up lens very much. I personally find it difficult to use because its depth of field is very limited.

If you are not within that depth of field the pic is out of focus. Its all but impossible to tell from the monitor underwater. You won't know until you check your pics on the computer. Every time I have used it I have taken additional photos of the same subject without the close-up lens.

You are lucky with your camera as you can use your zoom control in the Macro Mode. A lot of the newer point-and-shoots are fixed at wide angle in the macro mode which means you have to move the entire camera to and away from the subject.