Who really has a macro lens?

On so many of the announcements there's the blurb "Bring your macro lens!"

Who has macro lens? I don't!

The macro lens lineup by Canon:

• 50mm compact w/ Life Size Converter: $500
  
• ef-s 60mm usm: $400
  
• ef 100mm: $490
  
• mp-e 65mm:$865
  
• ef 108mm L: $1,300
  

You rich folk with all your fancy gear should realize some of us cannot afford it and some with point-n-shoots, it's an impossibility. Yet again the hotshots acting like Marie Antoinette!

Doug,

When I was scheduling the events, I was the one including that blurb. I've only seen Len mention it on one out of the five events he scheduled since taking over. With that aside, there are other solutions than the one you listed. Here are the two solutions I can offer:

1. A reversed lens as a macro. There is a detailed discussion and examples on Flickr, here: Using a reversed prime lens as a Macro

2. Used equipment. I bought several used items from either eBay or KEH. I prefer KEH because of their rating system on used equipment is very accurate. I am not familiar with Canon gear like I am with Nikon gear. But I was able to find the Nikon 60 mm Micro (F/2.8) ranging from $254-$325. Not exactly dirt cheap, but still a better price.

And regarding the point-n-shoots, many of them have a macro setting allowing for the shallow depth-of-field and closer focal points. Some entry level dSLRs have a similar setting that will automatically adjust the aperture and shutter speed on a standard lens. It won't get you as close as a Macro, but it will get you a similar depth-of-field affect.

I hope this helps Gimil-Ninurta.

I guess just to answer the question, I have 2 lenses with Macro features. neither of which are dedicated macros but work just fine in close ups on Flowers or things like that.
Doug I recommend adding another comment here. I just want to go on record that its hard to tell what someone's tone is on messages like this and have never met you Doug I don't know what kind of person you are. When I first read through this, I felt that you are very upset and more or less Ranting. I hope this is not the case.
Another thing about the Blurb saying bring your macro lenses. Since everyone in these meetups are so friendly that i would strongly urge everyone to bring all their equipment because My biggest complaint about photography gear in hawaii is that it all has to be ordered online and you never get a chance to see it up close or try it out. Well these would be the best chances to do that. I know that I would gladly let you try out anything i have in my bag at a meetup no question asked! I know some others are the same where here. Like this one great lady that brought a LensBaby to a Sunrise shoot and let me and a few others check it out!

It was never my intention to upset anyone with the comment "bring your macro lens" It was just a mere suggestion for people when they ask "what can I bring to the group meet up that others could try"

I realize that we are not all professionals and do not all have the fancy equipment. But I know that some of the group have had the benefit of taking classes and might have the knowledge to share some other tips with the group.

I agree with Sean that it is a very friendly group that is always willing to share both knowledge and equipment and people shouldn't get hung up over what they do and don't have.

So lets try and remember that this photography group was developed to allow a group of regular people to get together to discuss and share something that they enjoy

Oooo, I really want a macro too! And on a lot of the shoots, it would be a nice option, but definately just an option. So until next year's tax returns, I'll still just be zooming in really tight. And when I DO get a macro or a fisheye or other equipment I'll let you guys know so you can try it out at one of the meet-ups. Even items like tripods are optional-I know I hate mine, and it's usually more trouble than it's worth, but Len let me try his out at Waimea Falls.

Hi. I'm new here. :-)

When I can't find anything else to shoot, I like shooting flowers, bugs, geckos and other small things. I picked up a 50mm compact macro lens on ebay sans life-size converter on the advice of a friend. It has been great so far. It was relatively inexpensive and gets 1/2 life size.

Canon also has the 250d and 500d lens adapters. With the 500d, you can attach it to a lens with a focal length of 70mm to 300mm. I think that would be interesting for wildlife shots at longer distances, or smaller subjects like little bugs and whatnot where you can't get close without scaring them away. The 250d is for focal lengths less than 70mm. I think the Canon adapters range from $75 to $150. You can also find generic adapters for (much) less.