Using a Telephoto Zoom Lens for Close-Up Photography

With Canon EF 70-300mm L IS USM Lens / EF25 II Extension Tube

With a macro lens (i.e. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM) the photographer can create an image in which the subject is depicted on the digital sensor in its actual size - with a magnification ratio of 1:1. This generally mean very close-up focusing and in most cases using manual focus and a tripod (for added stability due to the increased magnification).

A macro lens is not a requirement for close-up photography. Many photographers don't own a true macro lens and use other lenses for close-up work. One such lens is a 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens (with / without a close-up lens filter). 

I personally prefer using the very sharp and high quality Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM or Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lenses (on crop or full frame bodies) for the additional creativity and close-up compression at various apertures / focal lengths.

A bee captured with the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens and Canon EF 25II Extension Tube.

Image 1: Cropped and processed in Lightroom Classic CC 7.3

Image 2: Uncropped (saved from RAW to JPG only)

With Canon EOS 6D (Av Mode: @ 300mm / f/5.6 / 1/250s)

Objective for using the Extension Tube
Reducing the minimum focus distance of the lens (to focus more like a true Macro Lens - closer to the subject).

Shooting Location
Arnhem, Milnerton Cape Town

More about working with Zoom Lenses and Extension Tubes

(Close-Up Photography - Click to Enlarge)

Image 1: Cropped  / Processed in Lightroom Classic CC 7.3 - Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm Lens (Extension Tube)

Image 2: Uncropped (saved from RAW to JPG only) - Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm Lens (With Extension Tube)

Canon EOS 70D: Close Up / Macro Flower Photography - Flowers

Canon EOS 70D: Close Up / Macro Flower Photography - Flowers

Canon EF 100mm Macro Lens - Inside A Red Pepper

Canon EF 100mm Macro Lens - Inside A Red Pepper