Close ups

[Duane]

Hello everyone, I have a question about suitable lenses for close up shots. I’m very new to photography, and I’ve had very little time to even read the instruction manual for my Canon Rebel XTi. I’m a father of twin 10 month girls and they keep me very busy.

Anyway, I’ll get on with my question. Earlier this evening I was working on a project and was trying to get a very close shot of a toy block that belongs to my daughters. I was working in High light and had my camera on a tripod. Try as I might, I could not get the darned thing to focus onto this block! I tried automatic, as well as manual focus. I tried putting the camera as close as I could with no zoom, and further back while using zoom. I just could not get it. Oh yes, I was shooting in Program Mode. I tried using Macro and other modes.

The lens that I was using was one that I purchased separately (EFS 17-85mm). After trying for about fifteen to twenty minutes, I put on the kit lens (EFS 18-55mm) and it worked perfectly! It focused right away! I was happy to finally be able to get the shot… but was very disappointed that my semi expensive lens was not up to the challenge, while the cheapo kit lens worked like a charm. Sadly the images that I get with the kit lens are not as good as what I’d get from the EFS 17-85.

I was wondering if you guys could help me understand why it was that I couldn’t get the camera to focus with the EFS 17-85mm, while the EFS 18-55mm kit lens worked like a charm? Perhaps I could even get suggestions on other lenses that might be more suited for this type of work? My budget would be $500 for a new lens.
Thanks in advanced for any suggestions and advice. I’ve looked around this site and I find it very informative, and I really enjoy browsing the member’s photos. I hope to frequent this site as time permits.

[tirediron]

Hmmm interesting question. Looking at the specs on Canon's website, they both focus down to a fairly similar distance; the 18-55 to about 9" and the 17-85 to between 4" and a little over 12" dependin on FL. My initial guess would have to be that because you were shooting in program the cameara was selecting a different aperture and giving you more DoF with the shorter lens. Perhaps some of the Canon shooters could weigh in with their expertise?

[Travis]

what distance between the camera and the subject?

If ur 70mm was extended you may have exceeded the close focus distance...

if you want try close up photography with $500 to spend I would advise you to get a 3rd party macro lens....

sigma 105mm 2.8 macro

tamron 90mm 2.8 macro

these lenses allow 1:1 reproductions and also double as great portrait lenses..

[Marko]

The only thing that comes to mind is that you exceeded the minimum focusing distance as Travis suggested OR the lens is damaged.

As you backed off, the block should have been in fine focus even though it would no longer be a 'macro' shot. Many lenses are useless for macro type shots and you'll need to add extension tubes or close-up filters in order to use them for macro.

Hope that helps
Marko