Macro Lenses for my G3

[DCampo]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and I need some advice on some excellent close-up photography techniques. First off, I need a good recommendation on which macro lense will give me the best results. I've been thinking about the Raynox M-250 macro lense as well as the Hoya +10 close-up filter....any suggestions?

[darrylr]

I believe you will get the best results with the Canon 250D which is a +4 diopter. It is quite pricey though at $70 US for the 52mm and $83 US for the 58mm and only available as a +4.

I have the B+W 52mm +4 (NL4) (around $19 US) and am pretty happy with it. I would bet the 250D will produce a slightly better image especially at the edges but is it really worth over 3x the price.

I have also read good reports on others from Hoya and B+W.

If you want more magnification I was planning to get the Hoya +10 which is around $80 US and can be found here at the link below. I haven't got it yet but it may be one of my next purchases. I have read reports that the much cheaper (around $33 US) B+W +10 (NL10) isn't as good.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=94232&is=REG

-Darryl

[DCampo]

Hi Darryl,

Actually, Lensmate sells the Hoya +10 for less than B + H does....you may want to check them out.

Also, what's the difference between a macro lense (like the 250D) and a Hoya +10 lense? Don't they really do the same thing?

[darrylr]

Thanks for the price info. I had forgot to check out Lensmate. I did buy my adapters and other items from them with no problems.

My understanding is that a B+W NL4 is exactly the same thing at the Canon 250D except that the Canon is probably higher quality glass and costs more. Maybe if that is wrong someone else can correct me.

-Darryl

[house]

Hi Darryl,

Actually, Lensmate sells the Hoya +10 for less than B + H does....you may want to check them out.

Also, what's the difference between a macro lense (like the 250D) and a Hoya +10 lense? Don't they really do the same thing?

Yes they do the same thing, but the Hoya +10 allows your lens to focus closer to the subject than does the 250D (which is a +4) and thus allows your object to fill more of the shot - getting you closer with more detail. I just sold my 250D and bought a +10 and am quite happy. Thats my 2 cents..

[DCampo]

Thanks for the info, house....

I have two questions:

1) I meant to say the Raynox DCR-250 macro lense (not the 250D from Canon)

2) Is the Hoya +10 you're using a 52mm attachment? If so, are you using the Lensmate 52mm adapter? Is there any vignetting?

[house]

2) Is the Hoya +10 you're using a 52mm attachment? If so, are you using the Lensmate 52mm adapter? Is there any vignetting?

Yes - Hoya only makes the +10 in a 52mm mount as far as I know, the adapter is a 52mm no-name brand that I got 'tricked' into buying :x , and I have seen no vignetting so far, although, pretty much all my shots are at full zoom.


**Edit - I take that back - they make the +10 in a 49mm mount as well.

[Lenny_D]

Hi,

I own the lensmate 52 mm adapter, the Hoya +10 and the G3. The combination works fine for me. You have a small depth of focus but is gives nice dramatic effects. I have no problems with vignetting at all.
Good combination!

[DCampo]

Thanks for the post, Lenny. I was just trying to decide whether to go with the Hoya and 52mm Lesmate adapter or should I go with the Raynox DCR-250. Has anyone had any experience with Raynox?

[MackRoe]

Dcampo....I've been using Raynox lenses for 6-8 months now, after doing a lot of reading and having them recommended to me I decided to give them a try. I bought the DCR-1850 1.85X telephoto, the DCR-250 Super Macro, and the DCR-5000 Super Wide Angle lens (which was later stolen) from Digital Distributors in NY... 800 774-7282. I spoke with Sam at X224 and he was very helpful and polite. I've had good results, but have never been able to compare my shots with Canon's glass, but if I had it to do over, I think I'd stick with Canon just because they were designed for the G3. But then again, my cost for the above glass was $341.00 total "with shipping." Hope this helps, dude.....Ciao, Mackroe 8)