Customer Reviews

Canon 250D 52MM Close Up Lens for A10, A20, A40, A60, A70, A75, A80, A85, A95, A510, A520, A520 & A540

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Canon 250D and 500D are doublet type close-up lenses which are corrected for chromatic abberation ("achromat"). They offer better performance than the less expensive singlet type lens. I have been happy with the performance of these lenses used on an EF 100mm/2.0, even when used stacked together for higher power (which Canon does not recommend).

I bought this item as a cheap way of exploring the world of close-up (i.e., "near-macro range") photography with a digital SLR. I cannot comment on how the product works with one of the many compatible Canon P&S cameras. It is a high-quality, well constructed piece of optics, perhaps a bit pricey for what it is, but it appears to definitely fill a need. For me, it wasn't what I needed, and so I sent it back. I did do some homework before purchasing, but should have taken it to heart when I read other reviews stating that it really doesn't allow you to get close enough to explore digital SLR close-up photography, at least not when used alone on a non-macro lens. The difference between what I could capture with this close-up lens on my 35mm f/2 or 50mm lens, versus what the lens could do on its own, was pretty minimal to non-existent, from what I could tell. I think this close-up lens might work better for the A series cameras, or perhaps in conjunction with other close-up lenses and/or other tricks of the macro photography trade. I'm giving the item 4 stars because of its high quality construction and also because it apparently does do what it promises to do. It just didn't fit my needs, and that is why I was glad I purchased it from Amazon. I went on to buy a dedicated macro lens, which I LOVE!! It stays on my camera nearly all the time.

I bought this to take pictures of small artificial flies (sizes 18-20). The pictures came out great.
One can see all the details of the flies.

Encouraged by a raving Bryan Peterson I decided to get myself a 250D close-up lens. It probably delivers - I was just expecting more out of it.

THE GOOD: very well made (before you say "one metal ring and two glass elements, what could go wrong" - I can give you an endless list of needlessly shoddy built cheap accessories). It's also easy to use and it comes in a container similar to some that you put filters in (the screw model), but it doesn't open as easily. Which is good since I usually find my filters at the bottom of my bag and the container open, unlike the container this lens comes in. Distortion and sharpness remain well defined - the optical quality of this design is without complaints from me.

THE BAD: it enlarges the images, but not by a tremendous amount. I'd say about 1.5x. That allows you to get closer than without it but not as close as I'd want to. Obviously a macro lens will do better.

BUT: unlike a macro lens, this doesn't break the bank, and doesn't take up significant space or weight in your bag either. If like me you have a "daily" camera bag this is a great addition. If you're a hiker who wants great shots of flowers, consider bringing a "real" macro lens. And if you cannot afford that, consider a reverser ring and a cheap 35mm or 50mm (used, manual focus) that goes with it instead.

The lens is a great addition to my camera as I plan on doing lots of closeup work this summer and I need a small camera for that task.

Only problem is I live in Holland and have to have things sent to my daughter in the US and then forwarded since you don't ship overseas. Any hope that may change in the future?