Various macro setups and performance

[pinholecam]

This is in response from a query in the macro section.
There are so many types of macro setups for the beginner to choose, so since I have a few of them, I might as well share some of the test shots I have for them for those considering macro to make up their minds.
Here is what I have, but I left out the extension tube : DOh! :

Shot on a Kx and straight from RAW and converted in Picasa, no PP, so not the best image quality conversion, though that is not the point here anyway since they are for comparison within themselves.

#1 Standard issue 100mm macro lens at f8

Min. Focus distance is about 30cm



#2 100mm macro + HOYA+4 Closeup filter

A hood had to be added to prevent quite a bit of loss in contrast
Min. Focus distance is around 20cm


#3 100mm macro + 1.7x teleconverter

Min. Focus distance is around 45cm



#4 135mm + Reversed 50/2

Min. Focus distance is ~15cm


Edited : (Added extension tube 25mm)

#5 100mm + 25mm section of extension tube

Min. Focus distance is ~25cm


#4 gives the largest magnification, even though its on a longer 135mm focal length lens.
The teleconverter option (#3) is the simplest to use, since the setup functions like a 170mm macro lens, that focuses to infinity.
#5 is simpler to carry around and easier to attach than a close up filter since there is no worry over dirty optics and placement into a 'proper' filter case. Less degradation to optical performance as well imo. Of course, longer tubes will give more magnification.

 

[pinholecam]

100% Crop

#1 Standard issue 100mm macro lens at f8

#2 100mm macro + HOYA+4 Closeup filter

#3 100mm macro + 1.7x teleconverter

#4 135mm + Reversed 50/2

Edit : (added extension tube 25mm)

#5 100mm + 25mm extension tube

Do note that this is not the best representation of what an extension tube can give in terms of magnification. It will be far larger magnification using a 50mm or 35mm lens.
Since all of them have different magnifications, the resulting crop of the eye is of various sizes.



Do share other macro setup shots if you have them. Eg. Extension tubes; Bellows; etc

 

[Nanoo]

Thanks pinholecam! :thumbsup:
Mr MOD..... we should sticky this.

 

[Equatorer]

Coooool~

Can introduce more on 135+reverse 50? how is it carried out? with which 50 lens..
Also, is it convenient to focus with this set-up?

 

[pinholecam]

Edited the first 2 posts with 25mm extension tube picts

 

[pinholecam]

Coooool~

Can introduce more on 135+reverse 50? how is it carried out? with which 50 lens..
Also, is it convenient to focus with this set-up?

This is a 135mm (52mm filter thread) mounted normally on the camera. A reverse ring is used to couple a M50/2 to the lens. So the 50/2 is reversed and acts a a good quality magnifying glass. Focus distance drops to around 15-20cm and no more. The good thing is that the 50/2 can be left open and the 135mm retains full 'A' mode functions. The aperture is controlled on-camera or by the aperture ring on the 135mm (normal mounted lens), so the viewfinder remains bright.
AF is possible, but will be a pain since DOF is so shallow, so its mainly MF.

 

[nicorn]

Hi pinholecam, do you have any pic using 50mm with extension tube? is it better to get a af extension tube or mf extension>?

price wise is af is alot more expensive than a mf extension tube ,

just wanna try some cheap macro

 

[pinholecam]

Hi pinholecam, do you have any pic using 50mm with extension tube? is it better to get a af extension tube or mf extension>?

price wise is af is alot more expensive than a mf extension tube ,

just wanna try some cheap macro

I need to go check if I have any taken with 50mm and ext. tube. Likely not, as its not a favored working distance for me (too near).
IMO, MF ones is just fine, but need to have aperture lever so that it remains wide open for easy focusing until the shutter is released.
Don't get the el-cheapo no aperture control tubes that are selling for ~$20.

 

[google]

Thanks Brother Pinholecam for sharing !


But Guys, .... please do not print this out.

 

[otc]

May I add to pinhole current suggestion.

Low cost macro set-up,

Reverse ring..... using 28 mm with reverse ring gives more than 2X magniification Minimum focus distance is about 3 to 4 inches... very near.

Extention tubes 50 mm with 50mm normal lens gives 1:1 magnification.

Also you can use panagor macro converter to convert normal 50 lens to provide 1:1 mag. and cost is low on macro.

Principle of bellows is the same as extention tubes. As it has been suggested, for tubes, better to have a PKA tube than those china made cheapo tube without electrical contact.... strenuous on the eyes:bsmilie:

Also macro converter like vivitar macro converter, double up as macro and teleconverter.

You may want to know the working distance too of the set-up and what is appropriate for different subjects.

marcus

 

[shierwin]

Another cheap method of doing macro with "out-of-favour" lens that you may have:

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/cano...cheap-%96-diy-ef-28-80mm-ef-38-80mm-lens.html

 

[Rashkae]

Another cheap method of doing macro with "out-of-favour" lens that you may have:

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/cano...cheap-%96-diy-ef-28-80mm-ef-38-80mm-lens.html

Why are you resurrecting lazarus threads? LOL