I want to take close-up photos of flowers, for example.
I would like to buy a close-up lens and am trying to figure out what power I should buy.
My current lens, a 24-240 zoom, has a minimum focusing distance of 1.50 m.
If I understand correctly what I have read on the Internet, a 1 diopter closeup lens gives me a focusing distance of 1 m if the lens is set to infinity. If the lens is set to the closest distance, it seems that the focus distance varies very little.
So, with a diopter, which is the minimum power available, I will have a gap in the focus range.
If any of you have experience with this, please confirm your observations.
The other thing is using extention rings which I use. You need to ensure they have full compatability with your camera and lense for communication
Yes I know and have one set but I don’t want to unmount my lens ‘on the road’ and get some dust ; the main advantage of my zoom 24-240 is to be avalaibale for any type of picture and no need to unmount.
At home, I use extension rings for film numerisation.
The next question is : it is recommended to have close-up lens with two lenses for better chromatic correction.
But it not easy to find the information; so have you a recommandation ?
You might like to check Kenko Global - Filters.
Long long ago I used Kenko AC Nr. 0, 3 and 5 (all 52mm diameter), which were known for their quality at the time.
The Nr. 0 seems to be a bit strange, but if I remember correctly it was the right one to just “extend” the close up range of my beloved Nikon F 2,5/105 mm, like reading glasses for the camera … well, long ago. Must have been using close up lenses with other optics too. – I still have other stuff, but no experience how to with a super zoom lens.
So I think you have to try it out yourself.
Thanks ; after googling a lot, it seems that achromatic closeup loses begin at 3 diopters at least.
Many web sites say that closeup lenses are unavalaible. Closeup no longer in fashion!
I agree about dust I use my current 6700 but keep the old 6400 with different lenses to avoid changing when out.
I have the Olympus MCON-35 which, I believe, is +3 dioptre. The 35, I believe, is the working distance.
When used on a good lens, the image quality is excellent.
However, it is heavy and may require an adapter ring. The mount is 62mm. I would be hesitant to use this on a lens that extends and has a plastic filter ring. I have used it carefully on my Panasonic 45-200 but my favourite lens to use it on is my 1972 Nikon 105 f2.5
There is also the Raynox DCR-250 which also gives very good results but is a bit more limited in use.
Overall, I prefer to use my extension rings.
man_mcon35.pdf (780.2 KB)
I prefer the best glass I can afford. I also prefer fixed vs zoom when it comes to macro, but that’s probably a bias from the Olde Days of the early 70s when I started getting into photography and zooms were heavy and crappy.
I current shoot macro with the Nikkor Z MC 105mm F/2.8 VR S , which many reviewers have dubbed the sharpest piece of glass Nikon makes. Nikon has long manufactured microscopes, so they know a thing or two about macro. Ken Rockwell has a good review of that lens on YouTube.
It also is my portrait lens of choice, providing just the right amount of compression for my taste.
My main shooter however is the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f4 S, as I am very fond of wide-angle shots, and I still miss my old Vivitar 20mm.
Here’s a portrait I shot yesterday with the 105mm; I couldn’t get any other angles because the engine was on private property, so I stood on a nearby grade crossing. This engine, because of the livery, has earned it the nickname “Peaches” among the locals.
Here’s a macro shot taken with the same 105:
