New Toy - new stuff?

[ali_kat]

I've recently bought a Sony a230 DT18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM and 75-300mm F4.5-5.6

I'm enjoying playing with it and am gradually learning what to do

I've been looking at the results that you guys get on the Macro thread and love them! My 1st question is - do I need a Macro Lens to acheive that sort of result?

Also, please can you recommend a good (lightweight) tripod?

I've signed up to DPS

[Simpo Two]

ali_kat said:

I've recently bought a Sony a230 DT18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM

Surface to air missile?

[ali_kat]

I copied it direct from the box

[Yellabelly]

ali_kat said:

I've recently bought a Sony a230 DT18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM and 75-300mm F4.5-5.6

I'm enjoying playing with it and am gradually learning what to do

I've been looking at the results that you guys get on the Macro thread and love them! My 1st question is - do I need a Macro Lens to acheive that sort of result?

Also, please can you recommend a good (lightweight) tripod?

I've signed up to DPS

Hi Ali, to make a sart with macro you could buy a set of Kenko extension tubes off ebay, for the Sony they are about £70 - £75 for a set of three, you could use them with the 18-55 as a start then as you progress you could try using a reversing ring and something like a Minolta 50mm f1.8 lens, reversed with the extension tubes they give very good macro images. The alternative is to go to a macro lens such as the Tamron 90mm f2.8 or the Sigma version but that is someway in the future. Try with the extension tubes, they will still enable you to autofocus and see how you go.
Best of luck

YB

PS, just don't go looking at that 4hero chaps macros otherwise you'll give up before you start, he is a bit special! well that's what he told me to say

[ali_kat]

Will have a look at those