SX10is - assembling a (super) macro rig

[Zoomly]

Hello all!

I am an absolute newbie ... new to this forum as well as relatively new to the world of digital photography. Please be gentle!

I hope to soon make quite the technological leap from a crap cell phone 1 MP camera and the occasional borrowing and use of a friend's el cheapo no-name dig camera to a nice one to call my own.

I am looking seriously at the SX10is. I am attracted to the fact that it's like a top-of-the-line dSLR (which would really require me to make an even bigger leap) without being one.

I have in mind a specific use for such a sophisticated camera. I want to be able to take extreme closeup pix. For example, to be able to clearly see and read the inscription on a wedding ring.

I've been Googling around about this. The results I have gotten have left me a bit confused (quite an easy thing to do).

On its own, the SX10is has a 20x zoom. I would think that that would be sufficient. But, I have come across information about various add-ons and McGyvered (super) macro rigs made with the SX10is.

For example:
-Lensmate lens adapter
-Raynox DCR-150/DCR-250 macro converter lens
-Kenko extension tubes set

I have seen a picture of an SX10is macro rig on Flickr that included the Raynox 150/250 and Kenko tubes. The owner of that camera also shared pix taken with this rig, and I must say, I was blown away by how amazingly closeup they were.

My question ... for the type of closeup pix that I want to take (again, to see the inscription on a wedding ring, etc.), is this sort of rig the way for me to go? Or is this overkill? Would I just be fine with the Lensmate adapter and the Raynox lens? How about the camera as is?

Opinions/Suggestions/Recommendations?
Any and all are welcome!
Thanks in advance!

-Zoomly

[birdman59]

Since the lens on the SX10is is not removable, extension tubes and lens adapters are out. There is an adapter available for the end of the lens you could purchase for macro adapters. The camera is equipped with a macro and super macro mode, so you really wouldn't need those. I suggest you go to your nearest SEARS store, as they have been known to stock the SX10is and take something small to try out. I own one of these and really like it. If you can't spring $399, try an SX110is for around 249 or so. The macro mode is just a good if not better.

[Moppie]

You could use the Lensmate lens adapter along with a reversing ring an old manual lens from an SLR to do something similar to this:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50124

[selkie]

I don't know if this helps at all

This was done under not brilliant conditions really quickly as an experiment when i saw your post -using a folded white envelope as a background , my wedding ring , a single led reading light and the sx10is.
Both light and sx10is camera in supermacro mode were hand held since I'm ambidextrous.

A tripod and the light source attached and angled properly and experimenting with angles for the ring and camera position would also improve things

100% crop of the hallmark,

alison

[c2thew]

if you don't want to crop your shots. go with a raynox 150 or 250. $50 accessories that kick some really serious butt.

[Jon]

You could use the Lensmate lens adapter along with a reversing ring an old manual lens from an SLR to do something similar to this:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50124
I'd be careful about that; a reversed lens will be a considerable strain on that adapter, which bayonets onto the lens hood attachment rings. The cameras which Canon intended to take auxiliary lenses or filters (IOW, the ones Canon makes adapters for) bayonetted firmly to the camera body. With the zoom range of the SX10, such an approach would be impractical unless the adapter accessory was also telescoping.

[McMaster]

Zoomly, I think we're on the same page .. I just got into this and bought the SX10 after 2 weeks of research and checking out ton's .. Not sure where you're at, but the people at Henry's and Black's were great resources to talk to during my tire kicking .. I'm playing with the Macro and will try out the super macro once I've figured out the manual settings a bit ..

[Moppie]

I'd be careful about that; a reversed lens will be a considerable strain on that adapter, which bayonets onto the lens hood attachment rings. The cameras which Canon intended to take auxiliary lenses or filters (IOW, the ones Canon makes adapters for) bayonetted firmly to the camera body. With the zoom range of the SX10, such an approach would be impractical unless the adapter accessory was also telescoping.


Yeah that dosn't sound like such a good idea.
Even a nifty fifty might be heavy enough to put strain on the lens.

Maybe an A series would be better for the Supermacro then.

[Techuser]

if you don't want to crop your shots. go with a raynox 150 or 250. $50 accessories that kick some really serious butt.
Yout best option for macro.