G12 and Raynox 250

Do any of you use the Raynox with a step down adapter rather than using the Raynox snap-on adapter?

Al

I do. I had to buy a series of step rings to get it to work, however. It's an odd size. I didn't like the spring adapter.

Thanks for that. I have the FA-DC58B adapter and am aiming to buy the Raynox. I thought the Raynox might be a bit heavy for the adapter so using a step down ring might save some weight. Have come across a 58mm - 43mm ring which should fit the bill.

Thanks again,
Al

I have a series too...

My setup goes like this: filter adapter > 58-43mm step down > Raynox > 49-58mm step up > Marumi

I'm always zoomed to max when I use it, but zoomed in and pointed straight down weighs it down just a little, but not enough to fully extend it.

A single ring is the best way to go - Link

A couple of shots from the weekend with a RaynoxDCR250 mounted on a G11

defante wrote in post #14604067
My setup goes like this: filter adapter > 58-43mm step down > Raynox > 49-58mm step up > Marumi

I'm always zoomed to max when I use it, but zoomed in and pointed straight down weighs it down just a little, but not enough to fully extend it.

Thanks very much. Do you think the Lensmate set-up (parts A and C) would be more suitable for use with the Raynox?

Al

John Baker wrote in post #14604543
A single ring is the best way to go - Link

A couple of shots from the weekend with a RaynoxDCR250 mounted on a G11

Great puctures. Would be interested to know which adapter you use - which end of the zoom is best to use for macro?

Thanks,
Al

ALH wrote in post #14604693
Great puctures. Would be interested to know which adapter you use - which end of the zoom is best to use for macro?

Thanks,
Al

Check out this thread in the mean time. Lots of great info from John Baker on shooting macro with a G series.

Hardest thing looks like sourcing rings and adapters for reasonable prices outside the US.

John,

It's always nice to see your posts. Because of your influence, I have lots of great macro shots from my G12. I think I've thanked you before..... but thanks again. Many others in the G thread were also very helpful. Thanks to you all.

Wondering, since I am a beginner with macro, whether I will be better off buying the 150 rather than the 250. Any views welcome.

Thanks,
Al

ALH wrote in post #14605325
Wondering, since I am a beginner with macro, whether I will be better off buying the 150 rather than the 250. Any views welcome.

Thanks,
Al

Either or I think you would be fine. The 250 is just a little more touchy when it comes to focus but you will get used to it, unless you have real shaky hands.

Great shots as usual Jon Baker!

Thanks - getting over the hill age wise so a certain amount of shake inevitable

Al

Anyone have any comparison info between the Raynox 250 and the Canon 250D ?

Looks like the Raynox will be easier to get as even Canon has no 350D's in stock.

Prices are about the same, with Canon possibly a touch higher.

Thanks for the kind comments, I will try to pick up a couple of the issues.

When using these supplementary lenses you need to remember one simple rule. With the camera set on infinity and a supplementary lens fitted the lens will focus at a fraction of a meter. What that means is...
• Canon 250D is a +4 dioptre - so the lens will focus at 1m or 100cm divided by the dioptre, so 100/4 = 20 cm.
• RaynoxDCR 250 is a +8 dioptre - so as above, 100cm/8 = working distance of 10cm.

While the +8 is a real cracker it can be a bit too powerful, while the depth of field is quite good, the close working means it can be difficult to get light on the subject.

The Raynox DCR 150 is a +4.8 so same as above, 100/21cm. So not really a lot of difference between that and the Canon 250D.

I have posted this before but this is a great list of what is available - http://www.ki.tng.de …df/achro_manufa​cturer.pdf

Re tubes, there is not a lot in it. If you want the light lightest kit the zooming tube is great (FA-DC58B), the rigid twin tube (LA-DC58K) is possibly more robust. The Lensmate are beautifully made bits of kit but cost, especially if you are outside the US. There are plenty of Chinese clones on eBay, cheap and cheerful they do the job. I have a couple of sets of tubes so I can easily switch between magnifications without too much fiddling. The clone units are really sturdy and take a lot of abuse, over time mine have had 2.2x teleconverters, 0.75x wide angle units (big and heavy, but getting down to 21mm is so nice!). Plus I also do the odd bit of reversed lens work, so adding a 50mm to the front of the camera is the equivalent of a +20 problem with that is that you are only 5cm from your subject (100/20 = 5 you see I said it was easy!!).

Re dioptre - my suggestion is if you are starting out and want an all-round lens I would go for one of the lower magnifications. So possibly a +2 or a +1.6 these are great fun, have a working distance of about 50cm. Don't forget you can also use the digital zoom, not available if you only shoot RAW, but if you are happy with JPG (after 2years with a G11 I now only shoot JPG!) this will seriously increase your magnification without any real hit to image quality.

When buying the supplementary lenses have a look on eBay and other sale sites, I have built up a really nice collection of lenses for a fraction of the new cost. Many have not been made for a number of years and can be picked up for next to nothing. The double lens units (achromats) are the best, single lenses are far cheaper and fine if you just want to see if you like getting up close and personal…