Macro on the cheap: bridge cams and macro extenders

A lot of people seem to think that there are not any real choices between a smartphone's macro abilities and that of a full DSLR/macro lens system.

 

Too bad, because that cuts a lot of people out of enjoying the fun and discovery that macro photography can give. And it's also why I'd like to make the case for an alternative 'bridge' between the two: you can have get good macro shots by clipping a macro extender on the end of a good zoom bridge unit.

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The shots on this page were taken by me on a used Canon Powershot SX540-HS with a Raynox-250 extension lens. And yes, all images here have been processed to some extent from the originals—but that's true with just about every image out there too. 

FTR, I got my Powershot used, the Raynox new, and a screw-in camera adapter ring and fitting adapters (so I didn't have to trust the plastic Raynox clips) for a bottom line total of around $200USD. Yep. That's about the amount I would have paid sales tax on for a new Canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens—plus, say, a new lenscap.

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I'll try to get back soon with more details if anyone else is considering this route.

If you've arrived here from anywhere other than the iNaturalist forum, that's where I hang out if you'd really like to reach me until then. Thanks.

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-broacher