What’s Your Preference?

Muhammad Mahdi · #1 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 11:14 AM

Hi,
I have a dedicated macro lens, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 which gives me 1:1 magnification. I want to purchase the Raynox DCR-250 to use with this lens for greater magnification. The filter size of the sigma however is 72mm and the adapter provided does not cover the range. I found another adapter Raynox RA4372A for 43mm to 72mm, and was wondering if this would allow me to use the DCR with the sigma.

Another question, if I have two lenses of the same focal length, one being a dedicated macro lens, will I get different magnification after using the DCR?

Thanks

Muhammad

wulf · #2 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 11:41 AM

I've done some experiments like that, using my Vivitar 90mm (macro) lens and my Raynox:

It does let you get closer still - the main challenge is the incredibly narrow DoF.

Wulf

daft_biker · #3 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muhammad Mahdi

Another question, if I have two lenses of the same focal length, one being a dedicated macro lens, will I get different magnification after using the DCR?

Yes, if you use the lenses at different magnifications - the macro lens will focus closer and will allow you to get greater magnification.

As Wulf says the narrow DoF and accuracy of focus is the tricky part but that's pretty much the same whatever method you use.....that's just par for the course in macro

Muhammad Mahdi · #4 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 05:24 PM

DOF is not a problem as I will focus stack.
My concern is will it the DCR work with a 72mm filter lens. ie does the Raynox RA4372A adapter allow a 72mm filter to be attached to the DCR?

Thanks wulf and biker for the help with the 2nd question

PS, great macro there, wulf. What size beetle, and how much cropped?

wulf · #5 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 06:43 PM

It's an unmodified image. The beetle wasn't large. I'd estimate this as being about 1:1 - both the Raynox and my Vivitar (when I don't stick the extra extension on) give about 1:2 on their own.

Wulf

Muhammad Mahdi · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009, 05:59 AM

Thanks wulf

Well, if anybody can answer about the adapter...

wulf · #7 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009, 08:33 AM

Have you got a link to where you have found the adaptor?

Wulf

daft_biker · #8 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muhammad Mahdi

DOF is not a problem as I will focus stack.

In theory stacking might sound like it solves the problem but I think you'll find it quite difficult to do anything more than a few shots handheld, and even then you will likely miss bits of focus.

Even when using a tripod and focus rail focus stacking is quite fiddly and I think the best results are obtained from stacking manually in photoshop (or similar) and that is very time consuming.

Stacking is no good for moving subjects.

There's also perspective to consider - if you stack a macro shot so it's sharp from front to back (like a landscape) then there is no perspective. I think it looks odd.

EDIT - oh aye, I also forgot about the issues of stacking hairy subjects and subjects with lots of legs, objects in front of one another and how the metering changes as you stack and also the problems of light levels changing while shooting a stack. There's much fun to be had stacking

Muhammad Mahdi · #9 (**permalink**) 04-04-2009, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wulf

Have you got a link to where you have found the adaptor?

Wulf

I found a link on the raynox website
http://www.raynox.co.jp/adapterlist/...page.htm#F43mm

Unfortunately, they don't have any email so I can ask them.

Daft biker thanks about the info abt focus stack. I have done quite a few, and they have come out quite nicely. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tachinidae.jpg

However, I was under he impression that the DCR would get me a 2.5x magnification. Do I get this much, ie 2.5:1?