Is it advisable to add a Close-Up lens to a Canon 70-200mm, or should I just buy a Canon 100mm MACRO lens?

Question

I would like to know if it is a good idea to add a Close-Up lens to my Canon 70-200mm f/4 IS lens to allow it to take Macro shots. I am not aware of any drawbacks to this so if someone is familiar with any please let me know. Or should I just get a specialized Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens for shooting macro? Someone please help me!

Answer 1

It will work fine the only problem will be that the image quality will not be as good as the macro lens would be. The quality of the glass will make a huge difference in the quality of the photo. If you can swing it go for the macro you will be happier in the long run.

Answer 2

A macro lens is one that's *capable* of making a subject ( say a bee ) the same size on the sensor ( film, CMOS, whatever ) as it is in real life. This is also called 1:1 magnification, or life-size.  Which is why so many people use Canon's 100/2.8 Macro for portraits, and as a short telephoto lens.

Answer 3

Buy the 100mm macro. You'll be glad you did.