Macro filter

Although I have a 100mm macro lens I don't always want to be carrying it around, so I decided to try a macro filter which as well as being slipped into the bag also has the advantage of not having to change lenses and exposing the sensor in the field. The one I chose is the Marumi DHG Achromat Macro-200 (+5) with a 62mm thread to fit onto the 28-105mm ED DC WR lens. Here are a few uncropped images with minor adjustments in Elements:
1 At 105mm

2 Same view and distance at 28mm

Whatever the focal length of the lens the distance to a sharp focus point is the same, but the depth of field changes. Here are a few more at 105mm




These were all on a K-1 hand held or with a monopod.

Reviewing these images they don't reward zooming in as the files are reduced, so here is no.4 unprocessed except for cropping & converting to jpeg:

I like #3 with the little white flowers, particularly the little purple details. Very nice.

Have you ever tried the Raynox? With their clever spring-loaded appliance, the glass can be used with most lenses. And it comes on and off in seconds. I use it with with my Pentax M 100mm f/4 macro and a close-focus manual 75-205mm f/3.5 zoom along with my Pentax 18-135 and 55-300 kit zooms.

Thank you AggieDad, I did consider the Raynox but a couple of reviews said the mount wasn't always that positive a connection so it would have been nice to have tried one in a shop instead of relying on the Internet. This arrangement at least gives me the option to use a ring flash; the down side is of course using stepping rings for other lenses.

Interesting. I can't think of a comment on the US Pentax Forum that mentions that as a concern.

The connection is by two spring-loaded tabs that press against the filter threads of the lens. Those two "ears" that you see on the outside of the filter are what you squeeze together to mount the lens. They have a number of diopters available; the most popular being the DCR-150 (4.8 diopter) and the DCR-250 (8 diopter).

For about $50 (£35?), its worth a try.

BTW: please try to refrain from referring to a close-up "lens" as a macro "filter" because it's not a "filter"!

Unfortunately calling it a lens gives the potential for confusion with a dedicated macro lens such as the DA100 Macro... IMO 'filter' whilst inaccurate is easily understood.

I try to refer to them as 'close-up diopters' myself - but that probably confuses loads of people too. (The number of the filter/lens '+1', '+2' etc is technically its strength in diopters).

I know it's not a filter but to keep referring to it as "the magnifying glass that fits onto a lens" is a bit of a pain and doesn't Google so well!

Close Up Lens would be the usual designation, usually available in dioptres up to +10.

Some are doublets, and I think the Raynox is. That is, two elements cemented together to reduce aberrations.

Marumi call it a close-up lens filter, which they produce in four versions; +3, achromats in +3 & +5, and a +10. The achromats have 'multiple lenses', as John says to reduce aberrations. Not the cheapest and prices vary with thread size but first impressions are good. If you are interested: http://www.marumi-filter.co.jp/en/product/05/

PS here is an informal review using one of these on Pentax: http://christinewiddall.co.uk/marumi-achromat/

The alternative is to dispense with the Raynox adapter and mount the supplementary lens with a stepping (down) ring.

I have used both variants of the Raynox and been impressed by their performance, ease of use and portability. So much so that despite having true (1:1) macro lenses (Sigma EX DG 70mm and Pentax DFA 100mm) I consider them 'core accessories'.




The image above was captured using the DCR-250 attached to a DA 50-200 ED.

If you would like to have a 'play' with the Raynox supplementary lenses, send me a PM and we'll work something out.

Jon

There's an excellent web page on using the Raynox HERE.

It gives you a lot of information, including how to stack them and a nice calculator to give you magnification and working distance with different lenses.

I use the Raynox 250 when I don't want to carry a macro lens around. I have found it to be an excellent alternative and have had no problem with the connector.

I was very impressed whith how it performed on the 50-135mm ... almost made me sell my macro lens.


Scorpion fly by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr

Thanks for the feedback, and your generous offer Jon, but I have just spent about £55 on the Marumi so am unwilling to switch now! The examples are great, and dare I say that the quality of both the Raynox and Marumi are able to give outstanding results from such a modest piece of kit. I only came across the Marumi brand recently in a photo shop when comparing polarizing filters and it seemed the best available there. Of course large contributing factors are the lens it is mounted on as well as the skill of the photographer as seen above.