Raynox Tip

[Lancashire Lad]

Get rid of your plastic holder & replace it with metal step down ring(s).

I've never really been satisfied with the adjustable (52-67mm) plastic lens holder provided with Raynox DCR-150 & DCR-250 close up lenses, as it is all to easy to get knocked off the camera, and seems somewhat arbitrary when using this as to whether the Raynox lens is properly centered along the optical axis of the primary camera lens.

Having recently managed to break the flimsy "grip tab" from one side of the adapter, I decided to replace it with a metal step down ring assembly, which would be more robust, and would ensure correct optical alignment.

Being unable to readily source single 58-43mm rings, I obtained 58-52mm and 52-43mm KOOD step down rings to use in tandem. (Obtained from JackTheHat Photographic @ £5.49 each inc. p&p - Hope it's OK to give a plug for a company that has given excellent service ).

Strangely, I was able to find a single 58-37mm step down ring for use with the Raynox MSN-202. (Same price, same supplier).

I'm finding this set up much better to use, (on a FinepixS9600) - optically aligned and can never fall or be inadvertently knocked off!

I will be obtaining further rings to allow similar use directly with the 72mm filter threaded Sigma 180mm.

I'm sure that a single ring or combination of rings could be found for virtually any lens with a screw in filter thread.

In case it's of interest, quick tests show that the full width side to side field of view on the Finepix S9600 is: -

S9600 Lens alone (closest focus "supermacro" setting) - 39mm.
S9600 Lens + DCR150 on 58/52 & 52/43 rings (zoomed to 300mm) - 27mm.
S9600 Lens + DCR250 on 58/52 & 52/43 rings (zoomed to 300mm) - 22mm.
S9600 Lens + MSN202 on 58/37 single ring (zoomed to 300mm) - 6mm.

Regards,
Mike.