MMC
Loc: Brooklyn NY
I have Nikkor 105mm macro lens and Kenko extension tubes. I am not satisfied with magnification even when I am using 3 tubes. I have seen macro photos other Hog members where magnification is much bigger. Can I have bigger magnification with add-on diopter lenses? How can I have better result using my lens and extension tubes?
How much magnification do you want?
Bellows for larger magnification.
+ diopter filters will get you closer without light loss but you loose focal length (working distance) and some IQ.
Enlarging lens mounted in reverse on ( medium format) bellows with a tube on the end is what I would use. The low profile of the lens will facilitate lighting.
MMC
Loc: Brooklyn NY
twowindsbear wrote:
How much magnification do you want?
Very interesting question. For beginning at least 2:1. I mean 2x bigger on sensor then real.
MMC
Loc: Brooklyn NY
imagemeister wrote:
+ diopter filters will get you closer without light loss but you loose focal length (working distance) and some IQ.
Enlarging lens mounted in reverse on ( medium format) bellows with a tube on the end is what I would use. The low profile of the lens will facilitate lighting.
lightcatcher wrote:
Bellows for larger magnification.
I do not have bellows but can put it in my waiting list. Thanks.
gym
Loc: Athens, Georgia
MMC wrote:
Very interesting question. For beginning at least 2:1.
I'll go out on a limb & suggest another set of extension tubes. This should give you pretty good IQ.
Good luck!
MMC
Loc: Brooklyn NY
gym wrote:
A few of us are using a Raynox snap on lens for better enlargement.
Thanks for your reply. Is it working like macro filters? How good is IQ with it?
MMC
Loc: Brooklyn NY
twowindsbear wrote:
I'll go out on a limb & suggest another set of extension tubes. This should give you pretty good IQ. Good luck!
I do not complain about IQ. I know that Kenko extension tubes are good enough. What other set can you recommend me?
gym
Loc: Athens, Georgia
MMC wrote:
Thanks for your reply. Is it working like macro filters? How good is IQ with it?
I don't know the extent that the Raynox is being used. I'm sure other users will chime in when they read this post. When that happens, you can take a look at their images and decide for yourself.
MMC wrote:
I do not complain about IQ. I know that Kenko extension tubes are good enough. What other set can you recomend me?
I didn't mean a 'different' set, I meant an 'additional' set - to give you even MORE extension & more magnification.
Something else to consider: IF you already have a prime lens in the 24, 28, 35, or 50mm lens, would be to get a simple reversing ring. The 'shorter' lens will give you the most magnification, and the closest working distance. This will give you a really inexpensive option. The 'down side' - IMHO of course - is that this combination is not very flexible.
Going back thru you archives I'm not running across any macros in the 2:1 range and only a handful of true macro 1:1. I would give the extension tubes a chance first by practicing exclusively in the 2:1 range. Just because you have a full set of tubes on your camera does not mean your focusing at 2:1. I would adjust my lens manually to the Closes focusing distance which will give you the magnification you seek. If shot in this fashion, a little cropping will give you even better results. I personally use the Raynox DCR-250 for higher magnification from time to time, but must Warn, the DOF is extremely thin, and requires an absolute flat focal plan on subject to achieve the best possible results. This is much harder than learning to shoot with the full set of tubes set at the closes focusing distance. It Takes practice and more practice to get good at this. Some of these guys have been practicing Daily, for several years to get consistent results. No easy way around this, other than practice.
A few points for clarification:
1.) You capture true macro (1:1 magnification) ONLY if your macro lens is set to
Minimum Focusing Distance;
2.)
Adding 68-mm of extension tube (12 + 20 +36) with 105mm macro lens set to MFD will yield 2:1 mag (2x life-size);
or
3.)
Adding a 4.8-diopter (close-up) Raynox DCR-150 lens to front of macro lens (set to MFD) will also yield 2:1 mag;
4.) It is possible to use both extension tubes & add-on diopter lens simultaneously, but Working Distance is radically reduced;
5.) There are several threads here worth reading:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-36372-1.html .
Specifically, read more here:
FAQ: Extension Tubes vs Bellows vs Tele-Extenders vs Add-on "Close-Up" Diopter Lenseshttp://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26496-1.html
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