AGFA 4-Piece Close-Up Macro Multi Coated Filter Kit 52mm (+1+2+4+10) APCUF452

Summary:I would buy them again, and I did as Christmas gifts. I had difficulty using the +10 on the 70-200, but it works fine for the 17-55. For the 70-200 I recommend using the +4 instead and cropping where necessary. The +2 and +1 are easier to walk-around and take hand-held shots with... and by easier I mean not-impossible. Don't expect autofocus to work. A worth-while purchase for anyone who doesn't take enough macro photos to justify a separate lens, or doesn't want to carry an extra lens.The photos I posted were shot in raw and converted by Picasa, but I didn't do any editing at all.Test ConditionsCamera: T2i with wireless remoteLenses: 50mm 1.4, 17-55mm 2.8 IS, 70-200mm 2.8L IS IINo Flash, and did not attempt to stack filters.Hand-held and Tripod were both attempted.Indoors with and without halogen desk lamp.Focusing:Focusing rarely worked with the +4 and never worked with the +10. +1 and +2 worked some of the time, but not as fast or as well as the bare lens. I was using center point AF, but quickly decided that manual focus would be better and faster.Haze:Even with the large hoods on the 70-200 and 17-55 haze was a major problem at large aperatures. the macro filter just collects light from every direction. A large aperature may be more useable with a flash, but I didn't test it. The haze made me quickly give up on the 50mm 1.4. The +4 and especially +10 have very small depths of field on my 70-200, it was better on the 17-55 but the focal distance was so close for the +10 I had to remove the lens hood.Flash:A significant amount of light is needed to use these filters while hand-held because the shutter speed needs to be as high as possible with the smallest possible aperature to take the best photo. For example the +4 at 100 ISO onthe 70-200 needed 1/25" exposure for f/2.8. Without the filter required the same shutter speed though, so not a huge hit in brightness.Hand-held / IS:The biggest problem I had was image stabilization. Anyone who has used the 17-55 or 70-200 knows they have excellent stabilization, but it just wasn't enough for the macro photos. Out of 5 Shots hand-held one came out good, where the tripod made them great. Perhaps a flash could solve this.Conclusion:In controlled lighting these filters are capable of taking shots you could not get without a macro lens. For $20 and the minimal weight they add to my pack this is a better solution for me. The carrying case is very nice, and has six slots in it, so I will be able to use it to hold additional filters. I probably will re-purpose the +10 as something else. The best photo I took was with the 70-200 @200 with f/32 and focus at 1.2m. This shot took 1.6 seconds to expose.I also took some video, but maintaining focus on anything which moves significantly is very difficult.I would like to try a macro tube to see how that compares to these.If these had some anti-reflective coating they would work better.Advice for taking better photos:Tripod and remoteLens hoodStop the aperature down to prevent haze (f/32 worked best)Lots of light, flash?Zoom all the way inFocus with your feet (set focus on camera to nearest and move camera/subject instead)

I've been a fan of Agfa products and film since I started shooting seriously; so when I saw the attractive price of these filters, I figured, 'Why not.' I wanted a set of filters that brought the subject closer as the images on the page implies; what I got was a very sharp set of optics that (for the most part) force me to get closer to the subject. Shame on me primarily for missing "Macro" in the title; but the images of the meerkat getting closer from a distance led me to believe the filters brought the subject closer... NOT SO.However, this actually is a pretty good deal for me since much of what I do when I'm not shooting family and landscape is close up and macro; and these are sharp filters. They showed me quite clearly that I need to clean my keyboard. There are, unfortunately, a couple of serious "detractors."Using any of the filters in the +2 and up range (you can stack the +1, +2 and +4 filters for differing effects) result in very noticeable distortion on all sides of the image - bowing inward to the center. Using the +10 is an interesting experience - I had to get within 4" of the subject (with my lens focused on infinity), and only about 30% of the image center is usable if you want a mostly undistorted image. The other 70% outside the center looks like a radial blur (zoom) effect. (I have placed an image with the testing I did on the product page for those who want to see how the different filters affect images.)Am I going to return them? Not likely. Like I said, they really are sharp and I do have a use for them... even the +10. I do believe Amazon/Agfa need to adjust the images to more accurately convey how these filters are really used. The distortion effect and incorrect portrayal on the product page cost them a star in the rating.

I'm using it with an underwater camera, so image quality is pretty forgiving. Otherwise I'd send them back for claiming they are coated. These are not, not even an AR coating. Hint, the cloth case is black but has a green tint like the glass in the picture. I took off 1 star for faking the picture of coated filters. Are they worth $10, sure it's a good value for the price. The frames are metal.

Bought this set as Agfa has had a good reputation for photography products. They are, however, made in China, and the Agfa name is just used under license. Never the less, having taken some close-up shots I am very pleased with the results. The optical quality of these lenses is excellent, producing some nice sharp photos. Even the +10 optic gives a good image. Remember that using these lenses reduces the depth of field considerably, so it's best to stop down your camera lens to get more of your subject in focus. The wallet that this set comes in has two spare places - useful for storing your other filters. I would really recommend this set to anyone looking for a first step into the world of close- up photography.

bought this set to go with my 50mm prime lens. the +10 really narrows your depth of field so take care. autofocus was working wich was a supprise, as I thought I will have to manually do that. overall a verry good introductory tool to macro photography.

Amazing product and amazingly fulfilled by ibhejo. The packing of the product was impressive and terrific. Worth buying.

It is an Ok one..You cannot use +10...It is useless. AF will struggle to focus..