Close up lens for Lumix GF1

DragonLady138 · #1 (**permalink**) 18-05-2010, 01:18 AM

Hi, I have a Panasonic DMC-GF1 + 20mm Pancake f1.7 ASPH (46mm diameter), a Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 (46mm diameter) and a Panasonic Lumix G VARIO 45-200mm F4-5.6 ASPH Mega O.I.S lens (52mm diameter). I am quite happy with the photos on flowers using the Marco lens.
Can I add a close up lens to my Marco lens to take close up photos on smaller insects such as ladybirds, ants and flies? If so, can anyone suggest what kinds of close up lens which best suit my GF1 and the 3 lenses I have got?
Thank you.
DragonLady138.

squishy · #2 (**permalink**) 18-05-2010, 09:29 AM

You could try adding a raynox DCR 250, which should let you get a little closer.

Or you could try added extension tubes to the 45mm.

You'll probably get quite a large addition to the ratio if you add a full set of extension tubes to the 45mm.

You can get very cheap no-contact extension tubes, or spend more on a set with proper electrical contacts.

The raynox is cheaper, but the extension tubes would have a greater effect.

The raynox on the 45-200 would probably give a similar ratio to that of the macro lens without any additions.

I can tell you I've been very pleased with my raynox lens, most of my Gallery photos are taken with it (mounted on a Fujifilm superzoom). Like I said though, I do not know how effective It'll be on enhancing the abilities of a dedicated macro lens.

I only have experience with the raynox DCR 250 personally, but I'm sure some other members can report on the use of extension tubes.

EDIT:
I've just had a quick look, and I'm not sure if extension tubes are yet available in m4/3rd mount. If not, I'd imagine they will be soon

.

DragonLady138 · #3 (**permalink**) 18-05-2010, 05:25 PM

Hi Squishy, thanks or your post. After doing some Google search, I am also thinking about the RAYNOX DCR-250 lens (includes a snap-on universal mount suitable for 52mm to 67mm filter size) which I am sure it will fit my 45-200mm lens. The Raynox DCR-250 filter size is 49mm while the thread Size is 43mm. Any suggestions for my 45mm Marco lens? It has 46mm thread. How about Sigma AML-1 Close-up Lens which has a 46mm thread, but not sure about its diopter/magnification. It is said to be used with Sigma DP1. I don't know whether it will fit Micro 4/3 system.
Another option I found from the search is Canon 250D or 500D, any ideas please?
DragonLady138.

squishy · #4 (**permalink**) 18-05-2010, 06:03 PM

You could get an adapter for the raynox to let it fit the 45mm.

Lancashire Lad · #5 (**permalink**) 18-05-2010, 06:17 PM

Hi Dragonlady138, and welcome to WAB.

If you buy a Raynox DCR-250 (which as you say has a 43mm thread), you don't need to use the supplied clip-fix mount, and could leave it to one side for potential future use.

You can mount the DCR-250 lens itself directly onto your macro lens by using a metal M46-F43 step down ring.

One supplier of these rings is Digitaltoyshop - Their reference number for that item is AR4643 - (i.e 46mm male threads, & 43mm female threads).

They are a UK based company, and they also sell the complete Raynox range, including the DCR-250 as well.

I ordered a 72-67mm step down ring from the same range last week. At the time of ordering, they said it was in stock, but the item arrived 5 days later having come from Spain.

Still - not bad considering price & quality.

I second squishy's endorsement of the DCR-250. It is an outstanding performer. (As is the DCR-150 and MSN-202). For the price, I don't think they can be beaten.

Regards,
Mike.

EDIT - Thinking more about this, I believe that you would get a much greater magnification by using the DCR-250 on your 45-200 zoom.

I've used one on the front of a 180mm lens, and the full width horizontal field of view is only about 10mm.

The benefit of using the zoom, is that you can control the amount of magnification over quite a large range.

DragonLady138 · #6 (**permalink**) 19-05-2010, 06:39 PM

Hi Lancashire Lad & squishy ,
Thank you for your advice. I decide to go for the Raynpx DCR-250 plus a step down ring M46-F43. Thank you guys. The next equipment I am looking for is a Viewfinder for my GF1. I find it very difficult viewing from LCD when using the camera in bright sunny days.
Best wishes
DragonLady138.

squishy · #7 (**permalink**) 19-05-2010, 07:44 PM

You wont regret that choice.

I would still prefer the dedicated macro lens if I were you, but if you want to reduce your kit bag size for most trips out, the 45-200 with the raynox should do the job great

DragonLady138 · #8 (**permalink**) 22-05-2010, 06:33 PM

Hi,
The Raynox DCR-250 and a step down ring 52mm-43mm arrived today. I mounted the Raynox onto the 45-200mm zoom lens using the step down ring. Unfortunately I cannot get any object in focus (I tried both Auto focus and MF). Is there any technique I need to look at it. I am new to using the Raynox may be I miss something? Please help.
Best wishes
DragonLady138, Asa.

squishy · #9 (**permalink**) 22-05-2010, 07:03 PM

Switch to manual focus and move the lens in and out a bit looking at an object closer than 20cm to you.

The raynox lenses mean you lose the ability to focus to infinity: if you set the manual focus to infinity, it'll probably actually be focuses about 20cm.

The range I get is about 10cm (Minimum focus distance) to 17-ish cm (infinity focus).

The same will happen if you mount it on the macro lens. (but the MFD will still be closer).

Using the raynox lenses takes a bit of practice. Try using aperture priority mode, and setting the aperture to an f/ number anywhere from f/8 upwards to maximise DoF (this is much the same technique that will get good results with the macro lens).

DragonLady138 · #10 (**permalink**) 23-05-2010, 02:33 PM

Hi squishy,
I tell you what I do for the testing of the Raynox on my 45-200mm lens :
1. I mounted the camera to a tripod
2. Set the lens to 200mm maximum end
3. Point to the object from 1 meter distance (the minimum focal length is 1 meter for this 45-200mm lens)
4. Focus on the object with AF or MF (both working fine)
5. Switch to manual focus
6. Set the manual focus to infinity
7. Set aperture priority mode and set to F.8
8. Mount the Raynox onto the 45-200mm lens

What can I do next? You mention about looking at an object closer than 20cm, how does it work when my lens minimum focal length is 1 meter? After mounting the Raynox to the zoom lens, am I still using the manual focus or switch it back to auto focus? I tried both but in vain. Just can't get the object focused.
Your help and advice is very much appreciated.
Best wishes
DragonLady138 (Asa).