Close Up Filters

7 Building Blocks of Photography 2

If you'd like to shoot macro style close up images but don't want to commit to buying a dedicated macro lens, a close up filter could be the way to go.

These brilliant little filters are basically a magnifying glass you screw into the end of your lens. This lets you get in close and still be able to focus.

The top image was taken with an ordinary 18-70mm lens zoomed to 70mm. The second image was shot with the same lens with a close up filter attached. Well actually there were three in this instance.

The great thing about close up filters is that you can use them with any focal length lens, whereas a dedicated macro lens has a fixed focal length so the perspective and field of view will always be the same.

In this video we show you what a close up filter is, how to use it and how to find out which diameter filter you need for your lens. We'll also explain some of the benefits of a close up lens over a dedicated macro.

If you're interested in close up photography take a look at the Macro Photography Tips film for some easy tricks that'll help you find and shoot great close up shots - whether with a macro lens or a close up filter.

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