Lens question

[Heller109]

I recently purchased an E-500 with the 2 kit lenses. I really enjoy the close macro shots I see of bugs, flowers, etc. What lens would you recommend for shots such as this ? I am a bit confused with everything I read. Do I just need an extender like I see on the Olympus website or would you recommend a new lens?

I was thinking about the 18-180, but I understand it's not a true macro lens.

Thanks for your help !

[pippafox]

that what i've got, e500 with the two lenses sold as a kit.

when i was shopping around for it in the first place i was drawn to the offer but now am wondering how versatile these two lenses are. some of the camera shops i phoned at the time poohood the offer and spoke of the "quality" of the lenses and i wondered if it might be sour grapes because they did not have the financial advantage that the high street chain stores had.
being new to this i am in the dark too and the next lens i buy will be for macro photography -so am interested to learn the outcome of your quest.
pippa

[Aladyforty]

I don’‚’‚…‚’‚…¾‚t know a lot about your camera as I use a canon 30D but I can tell you that a true macro lens makes a huge difference. They are usually prime lenses (fixed length) and much sharper than a zoom. For your camera I would look into the Olympus 50mm f/2.0 Telephoto Macro ED Lens. You have to get physically closer to what you are photographing but its worth it for the amazing shots you can get of things you would not normally think of photographing


the possibilities are endless and things look so different up close

these shots were taken with a 60mm macro lens and you should be able to get similar shots out of a 50mm

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/s...cat=503&page=1

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/s...cat=500&page=1


http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/s...cat=500&page=3

[pippafox]

aladyforty thankyou -
i have viewed your links and was stunned by what you have managed to achieve with your lens.
to be able to see what a lens can do cuts out so much confusion when making such a big decision, especially when pennies are tight.
Hope its not too late for heller109 or at least found something suitable.
pippa

[MasterRed]

As a sugestion, you may want to consider a closeup lens...probably 50 ish bucks.

They attach to your exisiting lens like a filter. Sort of like reading glasses for your camera. Even if you want a 'real' macro, it could buy you some time.

Another alternitive is an extension tube. These devices are just that - a hollow tube. It reduces the focal distance without adding any optics. Olympus now makes one.

Remember there is no substitute for a good quality chunk of glass hanging from your camera. But there are always reasonable compromises along the way....