I'm thinking about giving myself some better macro capability with my medium format camera, a Mamiya 645E. Here are the options I see:

Used 80mm f/4 macro lens $350 (or so)
Extension tubes: 3 sizes, $100-$125 each

I don't know enough about what numbers mean what in macro terms... the lens says it will focus from infinity to 1/2 life size magnification - minimum focusing distance - 14". The extension tubes say "Using all three rings with the 80mm f2.8 lens provides maximum magnification of 1:1"

The 80mm normal lens I have now has a minimum focusing distance of something like 28"

Any advice?

 

VelVeT, Although my experience comes from 35 mm and large format (4x5), photography is photography .

I would suggest getting the extension tubes. They offer 1:1 reproduction without adding any glass in the pathway ( I hate those macro filters). You will loose some light, depending on the amount of extension. Plus you can do other creative things like using wide angle lenses with the extension tubes and get very close focusing capabilities !!!

Try it you will like it!

Cheers,

MeanGRN

 

I agree with MeanGRN. Unless you're going to be doing lots of macro photography to justify getting a macro lens, a set of extension tubes will do the job just fine and will be very versatile. If you have or are planning on gettting additional lenses, the tubes will work with those, too, and you can use the tubes individually or in any combination to produce different magnifications.

Mark