Started by gemma_beckett, 24 Oct 2026. 5 replies, 187 views
Gear in this topic: Canon EOS RP, RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM
Hello all! Now the mornings are getting colder I keep finding lovely frosted leaves and bramble edges on early walks, but my 24-105 just can't get close enough.
Cheap set of extension tubes (the ones with the electrical contacts seem to be about £40-60) or save up for a proper macro lens? I'd be hand-holding, I really don't fancy carrying a tripod on top of everything else.
G
Tubes are a great cheap way in (I started with tubes and a kit lens before I lost all self-control). Two things though. You lose light (so your shutter speeds drop just when you're cold and shaky), and the focus range gets tiny (you end up focusing by leaning, not with the ring). Use the long end of the 24-105 with them (at the wide end you can end up with focus practically touching the front of the lens).
Overcast frosty mornings are gorgeous for this, by the way. Soft light, no harsh highlights on the ice.
If you think you'll stick with it, save for the macro! I tried tubes for a summer and spent more time swapping them than shooting. On Canon the RF 85 f/2 macro gets mentioned a lot here. It's half life-size rather than 1:1, but that's plenty for leaves and it doubles as a portrait lens.
I've been photographing frosted leaves with my little Lumix for years and never needed anything extra; it focuses surprisingly close. That's probably no help at all for your Canon, but it's a lovely subject and I hope you enjoy it.
F
I would only add that a small reflector, or even a piece of white card, does wonders for frosted leaves when the light is flat. It costs nothing and fits in a coat pocket.
Kind regards
salticid said:You lose light (so your shutter speeds drop just when you're cold and shaky)
Ha, that's me at 7am exactly. Going to try a cheap set first and see if I actually use them before I spend proper money on a lens. White card is a lovely idea too, thank you! G