5 in1 reflector kit and close up filters

[mdonahoe1]

I am thinking of getting a reflector kit but am not sure which to get. Seems like they are all relatively the same size (40-44 inch). Some are round, some square. Some better than others? Should I get the stand that holds them or just the reflector? Also, I am considering a "Professional Filter Kit" by Clearmax, specific for my camera lens, which includes 4 close up lenses. I can't find any information on this company. Amazon customers have 2 reviews: 1 "5 star" and 1 "1 star". The sales guy at Ritz Camera talked me out of extension tubes and promoted the close up filters. I left with neither! Any opinions are appreciated!

Marianne

[eyerkish]

I am thinking of getting a reflector kit but am not sure which to get. Seems like they are all relatively the same size (40-44 inch). Some are round, some square. Some better than others? Should I get the stand that holds them or just the reflector? Also, I am considering a "Professional Filter Kit" by Clearmax, specific for my camera lens, which includes 4 close up lenses. I can't find any information on this company. Amazon customers have 2 reviews: 1 "5 star" and 1 "1 star". The sales guy at Ritz Camera talked me out of extension tubes and promoted the close up filters. I left with neither! Any opinions are appreciated!

Marianne

Hi Marianne,

I'm afraid I can't help you with the reflector kits as I do not yet have any experience with these. I did purchase some close up lens filters, though, and have been less than impressed. It could very well be that I am not using them properly but I have tried it with one or a combination of stacking them up and I just end up leaving them sitting in my bag. I suppose I should give it a thorough try before writing them off but my initial experience would not be rated five stars. Perhaps the Ritz camera guy will allow you to bring your camera in and put one on while he demonstrates how to use it - that might help you make your decision. Good luck with it, let us know how it turns out.

[shirlm2]

Hi Marianne I have the 5 in 1 circular reflectors & am amazed at how they bounce light around. However this is only a recent purchase and not used for any of my assignments. I got it for macro photography as am starting to experiment a bit more with lighting. I have not used them for portraiture but know Doug (MrDoug) made positive comments in this regard a while back. On the down side I do not have a stand and find positioning them can be a problem but I get round that but using a remote shutter released and then hold the reflector myself. Not always successful as I can't see what's happening in the lens. Maybe worth waiting until you decide whether this is something that will be useful in the future.

[kinetic]

Hi Marianne how are you. Just been looking at this thread and it was just to ask if you still need help with this.
Mark

[mdonahoe1]

Mark, thanks for your offer to help!
After a little more research I've decided against the close up filters. I'm back to extension tubes for consideration now. It seems while I'm still learning the basics of photography, to invest in a macro lens that costs nearly as much as the camera is a bit over the top. What do you think? I'm ok with the reflectors. I've got them in the "cart" on Amazon just waiting to decide about the extension tubes. thanks Mark, I always appreciate your feedback.
Marianne

[kinetic]

Hi Marianne, so you have the reflector in the shopping cart, so that covers this one. The reflector is a handy inexpensive thing to have as part of your kit. I buy and make my own.

On the matter of the close up filters. I think Eddie brings up a very valid point of taking your camera to the store and having them take a photo with the close up filter and one with the extension tube.
You can read articles and reviews till you are blue in the face but the proof of the pudding is in the eating, or in this case, the trying.
I would seriously follow what Eddie is saying and have the store demonstrate on your camera both items at work.

I understand what you are saying about the purchase of a lens, although this would be the more desirable way to go but as you mention, you can pay many times more than the cost of your camera for top end glass. I am sure as you progress in photography the lens will become the more desirable option.

Mark

[gjtoth]

Have you considered the Raynox DCR-150 or DCR-250? They provide excellent IQ, are a snap to use once you get the hang of them, and are relatively inexpensive.