Close Up and Macro Photography

Reply to What’s Your Favourite Lens / Equipment / Setup?

nobody@flickr.com (SheffTim) — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:38:30 -0700

SheffTim posted a reply:

One piece of kit I use on and off is a Raynox DCR-250 Macro lens that clips onto the front of lenses that take filters between 52mm to 67mm.

I bought this for use with a Canon SX20is bridge camera (now defunct) but have started using it again with a Nikon 50mm lens on a DSLR. It’s a useful addition to my bag (small & light when stored its plastic carry case box) that can be brought into use when required. Essentially it’s a thick magnifying lens that clips in front of a normal lens and costs around £45. (I bought from Amazon.)

Attaching the lens using the adapter operates on the same principle as attaching a lens cap; push in both spring-loaded 'prongs' at either side, push onto the camera's lens and release.

Using this lens takes a little practice to get the hang of how to get the best from it. (Instructions are minimal.)
On the SX20is it needs to be used on non-macro settings and focusing is achieved by zooming. I found the best way to fine tune focus was rocking gently forwards and backwards. (I imagine that on a DSLR, when using a zoom lens zooming also will act as a focusing mechanism.)

One issue with using the zoom to focus is it can result in pronounced vignetting (a dark circle appears around the edges, presumably it's the lens barrel showing), requiring careful copping to get rid of it.

On a 50mm lens I find the best way to use it is to switch lens & camera to manual (I also use aperture settings between f10 – f22); focusing is mainly achieved by moving the lens inwards and outwards towards the subject whilst using the focus ring; because of the shallow DoF fine tuning focus needs small rocking movements (millimetres) and steady hands once focus is achieved. Take lots of shots and hopefully you’ll have a keeper. Vignetting isn’t an issue on a prime lens.

Reply to Competition 40 is now open: SPRING FLOWERS

nobody@flickr.com (Alenmurr) — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:28:57 -0700

Alenmurr posted a reply:

# 16

Nearly Albino Forget-me-not

Reply to Competition 40 is now open: SPRING FLOWERS

nobody@flickr.com (magnus.hagdorn) — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:27:56 -0700

magnus.hagdorn posted a reply:

#15 blue and white

Reply to Competition 40 is now open: SPRING FLOWERS

nobody@flickr.com (SheffTim) — Mon, 20 May 2013 08:30:26 -0700

SheffTim posted a reply:

#14. White Dog Rose

Reply to Competition 40 is now open: SPRING FLOWERS

nobody@flickr.com (Gordon McGeachie.) — Sun, 19 May 2013 22:56:47 -0700

Gordon McGeachie. posted a reply:

#13 Bluebells

Reply to Competition 40 is now open: SPRING FLOWERS

nobody@flickr.com (AlvecoteWood) — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:03:16 -0700

AlvecoteWood posted a reply:

#12 Greater Stitchwort

Reply to Competition 40 is now open: SPRING FLOWERS

nobody@flickr.com (AlvecoteWood) — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:02:47 -0700

AlvecoteWood posted a reply:

#11 Bluebells

Reply to Competition 40 is now open: SPRING FLOWERS

nobody@flickr.com (Trevor Jolley) — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:34:36 -0700

Trevor Jolley posted a reply:

#10 Radiance

Reply to Competition 40 is now open: SPRING FLOWERS

nobody@flickr.com (Alenmurr) — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:09:53 -0700

Alenmurr posted a reply:

#9
Tulip

Reply to Competition 40 is now open: SPRING FLOWERS

nobody@flickr.com (Lostash) — Sun, 12 May 2013 14:01:34 -0700

Lostash posted a reply:

No.8 Amongst