Category: Tests and trials

Getting close with additional lenses: Part 1

I have been undertaking a few experiments to see how close I can get with macro photography using ‘standard’ lenses rather than specialist extreme macro or microscope lenses. Here are my results.

First, as a starting point I used my normal macro (1:1) lens without any close-up attachment fitted:

Dead flower petals: Closest focusing with 1:1 macro lens
Ruler at closest focusing with 1:1 macro lens for determining the magnification (1x)
This shot with the ruler show how close the lens is to the subject

The next set shows the closest focus with a Raynox close-up attachment fitted:

The same dead flower with the Raynox lens showing the increased magnification.
The same ruler using the Raynox lens showing the increased magnification – about 1.6x
Photographers view of the setup
This shot with the ruler shows the lens is much closer to the subject

Finally, using the 80mm macro lens I tried putting a reversed vintage lens (Olympus OM 24mm) on the front via stepping rings – Not good!

View of the ruler using the 24mm lens attached to the front of the macro lens
This setup shows how the 24mm lens was attached to the macro lens for the previous shot

This has been a useful exercise in learning what my equipment is capable of.