what close up/macro add on lens would make the canon 50mm f/1.8 II a 1:1 lens?

Answer 1

The Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens accepts 52 mm filters, so you can use a 52 mm close-up lens.

I see a Hoya 52mm Macro Close-up +10 Lens which claims to convert your 50 mm lens into a 1:2 macro lens. (Cut and paste this into your browser: www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=94232&is=REG&addedTroughType=search )

For less than half the price of the Hoya, check the B+W 52mm Macro Close-up +10 (NL10) Lens . B+W is an excellent company as well. (Cut and paste this into your browser: www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=11207&is=REG&addedTroughType=search )

A real macro lens would provide superior results, but it would cost about ten times as much as the relatively inexpensive close-up lenses that screw onto the front of your lens like filters. Be sure to use the smallest aperture that you can to achieve some degree of depth of field. The focal range using close-up lenses is _extremely_ small.

Answer 2

If you need a macro lens, buy a macro lens. Canon makes several. Add-on lenses for dSLR cameras are only available in the form of teleconverters.