topic Re: Is it possible to make Canon EF-S 18-138mm lens magnification 1.0x & acceptable image qualit in EF & RF Lenses

Is it possible to make Canon EF-S 18-138mm lens magnification 1.0x & acceptable image quality?

Dianoban — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:13:43 GMT

The closest focus distance of this lens is 39 cm. And the max magnification is 0.28x. Wonder if Close-up filters can do the trick.

Your suggestions, please?
Thank you.

Re: Is it possible to make Canon EF-S 18-138mm lens magnification 1.0x & acceptable image qualit

p4pictures — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:56:38 GMT

You can use magnifying filters on the lens front, and also use an extension tube to bring the point of closest focus closer than the 39cm of the lens alone. The problem is that to get to 1.0x you would need so much extension that the point of focus is inside the lens itself. Using a magnifying filter - Canon used to sell 250D and 500D magnifying filters - you get a larger subject for the lens to see, but the quality of the magnification is important, and if you stacked enough filters to get 1.0x magnification the quality will suffer. Rather than spend money on filters and tubes, you will get much better results seeking out a dedicated macro lens that will do 1.0x magnification.

While no longer in production you might want to find a used version of one of these lenses for your APS-C DSLR camera, all can achieve 1.0x magnification.

EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Re: Is it possible to make Canon EF-S 18-138mm lens magnification 1.0x & acceptable image qualit

kvbarkley — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 14:12:28 GMT

See if you can find a used EF-S 60mm macro.

Re: Is it possible to make Canon EF-S 18-138mm lens magnification 1.0x & acceptable image qualit

ebiggs1 — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:47:27 GMT

"Wonder if Close-up filters can do the trick."

Simple answer, no. Don't waste your money unless you just have a wheelbarrow full of disposable money to spend.

"See if you can find a used EF-S 60mm macro."

Yes

Re: Is it possible to make Canon EF-S 18-138mm lens magnification 1.0x & acceptable image qualit

Dianoban — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 03:38:41 GMT

Thank you.

Accept your good advices.

Appreciate very much.

Re: Is it possible to make Canon EF-S 18-138mm lens magnification 1.0x & acceptable image qualit

Dianoban — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 03:40:16 GMT

Thank you.

Appreciate your goodwill trying to help.

Re: Is it possible to make Canon EF-S 18-138mm lens magnification 1.0x & acceptable image qualit

Dianoban — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 03:45:00 GMT

Thank you.

I'll leave the EF-S 18-135mm lens alone.

Appreciate.