The Raynox Macro club

Iceburg98 · 05-03-2010, 09:49 PM

Thinking of getting the DCR-150 to throw on the end of my 55-300 kit lens. Do you all just use the "universal" adapter that comes with it, or do you screw it on with step-down rings (looks like I would have to stack 3 rings)?

Also, I've heard the 150 is a lot easier to work with when just starting out with macro photography. Should I start with that and save the 250 for a later purchase, or just jump in with the 250 to start with?

Perrumpo · 05-03-2010, 10:22 PM

Originally posted by Iceburg98

Thinking of getting the DCR-150 to throw on the end of my 55-300 kit lens. Do you all just use the "universal" adapter that comes with it, or do you screw it on with step-down rings (looks like I would have to stack 3 rings)?

Also, I've heard the 150 is a lot easier to work with when just starting out with macro photography. Should I start with that and save the 250 for a later purchase, or just jump in with the 250 to start with?

I use the adaptor that comes with it, but I did just order step-down rings. I got a 58-52mm and a 52-43mm since I want to use it on 52mm lenses, as well.

I don't have the 250, but it depends on what you want to do, really. If you're going to want to get extremely close to tiny things, I imagine you'll want the 250 since I found that it was much tougher to get crystal clear shots with the 55-300mm when zoomed far in (I actually haven't been able to yet with a wide aperture). Here is an example of the shallow DOF with this lens at 70mm f/5.6 about, oh, 12-18" away, I guess:

Here is an example of the DOF with my 50mm at f/2.8 as close as I could get with the Raynox 150. The DOF was about 2mm.

adwb · 05-04-2010, 02:11 AM

Originally posted by Iceburg98

Thinking of getting the DCR-150 to throw on the end of my 55-300 kit lens. Do you all just use the "universal" adapter that comes with it, or do you screw it on with step-down rings (looks like I would have to stack 3 rings)?

Also, I've heard the 150 is a lot easier to work with when just starting out with macro photography. Should I start with that and save the 250 for a later purchase, or just jump in with the 250 to start with?

Hi have had both and used both on the 18-55
the answer depends on what you want to achieve. The 250 requires a tripod at all times and has a very very small Depth of field an gives amazing close ups of insects and in my opinion is to much for flowers unless you are a botanist.
excellent for insects BUT I found you rarely get the sort of huge insect eye photos you see posted.
The on 150 on the other hand can be used hand held in some circumstances is brilliant for flowers and will show insects up well but not in huge detail but better than you have probably seen before.
on both I used the clip on attachment on the 55dia lens and on a 49mm dia 50mm prime I use a step down.
as long as the lens dia is smaller than the Raynox then you you don't get the dark corner [ vignette] effect.
I sold the 250 as I rarely used it and it required a specific plan of action to use it and thats not the way I work.
buy a 150 first and use it. after all you you can crop and enlarge if your images are sharp and you get a better D.O.F. to work with.
Alistair

audiobomber · 05-04-2010, 04:55 AM

Originally posted by Iceburg98

Thinking of getting the DCR-150 to throw on the end of my 55-300 kit lens. Do you all just use the "universal" adapter that comes with it, or do you screw it on with step-down rings (looks like I would have to stack 3 rings)?

Also, I've heard the 150 is a lot easier to work with when just starting out with macro photography. Should I start with that and save the 250 for a later purchase, or just jump in with the 250 to start with?

I'm betting you looked at the photos in this thread but didn't read the posts.

The magnification of a close-up lens increases with the focal length of the lens it's mounted on. The Raynox 250 mounted on a 300 mm lens is very powerful (almost 3:1 macro). It's far less powerful at lower focal lengths, therefore easier to manage with less spectacular results (about 1:2 macro at 55mm). The problem with a 250 mounted on a 55-300mm lens is that you can use 55 and 300mm,and not much in between, due to ugly vignetting. You can't even do 1:1 macro, which really is the standard.

Get the Raynox 150, it will give you magnifications to 1:1 and beyond on your 55-300. Leave it mounted in its clip-on adaptor, you'll be able to use it on the 18-55 too. It won't give you real macro, but the 18-55 does 1:3 on its own and the 150 will improve on that. Very nice for small blossoms.

Last edited by audiobomber; 05-04-2010 at 07:33 AM.

photolady95 · 05-04-2010, 07:32 AM

Just wanted to add my two cents. When I was looking into getting the DCR's, I was told the DCR-150 worked best for zooms over 100 and the DCR-250 worked best for lenses under 100mm. Since I had/have and use, neither, under 100mm I bought the DCR-150 for use with my Sigma 70-300mm since I use the Sigma mostly on 300mm, it worked out. I will see if I can find my thread on this subject.

Here's the thread where I asked.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/65837-dcr-150-macro.html

Marc Sabatella · 05-06-2010, 09:01 PM

In the spring, a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of macro. Here's a couple with the DA70 + Raynox 150:

[imgtall]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4584725208_d245bd62f2_b.jpg[/imgtall]

adwb · 05-07-2010, 05:24 AM

hand held 18-55 k10 Moth Orchid without and with DCR150 just quickly taken to illustrate the ease of use of the 150 these were taken with a flash so the speed is not tht high for a hand held.
Alistair

Last edited by adwb; 03-31-2012 at 07:01 AM.

Marc Sabatella · 05-08-2010, 02:56 PM

Raynox 150 on M135/3.5:

twokatmew · 05-08-2010, 03:07 PM

Originally posted by Marc Sabatella

Raynox 150 on M135/3.5:

Wow, what a fantastic shot, Marc!! When I see shots like this, I'm inspired to work harder on learning to use the Raynox 150 with my DAL50-200.

mikeSF · 05-13-2010, 09:26 AM

wow Marc- stunning dandelion.
and on that note, i just ordered the DCR150. found it new for $42.95 shipped.

Marc Sabatella · 05-18-2010, 10:17 PM

DA70 + Raynox 150:

DA40 + Raynoox 150:

tinabalagosa · 05-19-2010, 08:11 AM

I think with this picture it is a statement that using 250, you have to use tripod. Most of my of pics are really not that clear

audiobomber · 05-19-2010, 10:30 AM

Originally posted by tinabalagosa

I think with this picture it is a statement that using 250, you have to use tripod. Most of my of pics are really not that clear

I've taken hundreds of photos with the Raynox 250 on lenses from 28-300mm and only rarely use a tripod. My keeper rate is well above 50%, especially with normal to mild telephoto focal lengths. You just need to work on technique.

After I read your post I mounted the 250 on the DA 40 and shot several flower photos all handheld. Five of six are sharp at 100% crop, with a 14.6 mp K20D. I missed three shots at a rapidly scurrying ant, but I'm not blaming the lens, it was that damned ant. The big problems with flower shots are wind and shutter speed. A tripod works well with flowers, is useless with hyperactive insects and won't help calm the wind.

Tulip, DA 40mm Ltd, Raynox 250, at infinity focus distance:

DA 40mm Ltd, Raynox 250, at minimum focus distance:

DA 40mm Ltd, Raynox 250, at minimum focus distance, K20D pixel level crop of the photo above:

EDIT: I forgot to mention that I mounted the DA 40mm lens hood on the front of the Raynox for these photos. Pretty cool.

Marc Sabatella · 05-19-2010, 10:38 AM

DOF is incredibly thin at f/5.6 when shooting macro, and apparently that's even more true when using a Raynox or other closeup lens than with other methods of achieving macro. So while *part* of your problem might be camera shake, it is also the case that your picture is mostly out of focus except for a razon-thin slice that appears to be in front of where you probably intended. That plus wind. It does take practice.

photolady95 · 05-19-2010, 02:46 PM

I've got a couple I took this afternoon and I've come to the conclusion, I just need to sell this adapter. I'm not steady enough even with a tripod to get crisp sharp closeups with the DCR-150 on any lens I have.

These were taken using my 135mm Sears Macro lens. Also these flowers are less than a half inch across.

05-04-2010, 07:32 AM	#140
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Just wanted to add my two cents. When I was looking into getting the DCR's, I was told the DCR-150 worked best for zooms over 100 and the DCR-250 worked best for lenses under 100mm. Since I had/have and use, neither, under 100mm I bought the DCR-150 for use with my Sigma 70-300mm since I use the Sigma mostly on 300mm, it worked out. I will see if I can find my thread on this subject. Here's the thread where I asked. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/65837-dcr-150-macro.html Last edited by photolady95; 05-04-2010 at 07:54 AM.

05-19-2010, 10:30 AM	#148
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806 Original Poster	Originally posted by tinabalagosa I think with this picture it is a statement that using 250, you have to use tripod. Most of my of pics are really not that clear I've taken hundreds of photos with the Raynox 250 on lenses from 28-300mm and only rarely use a tripod. My keeper rate is well above 50%, especially with normal to mild telephoto focal lengths. You just need to work on technique. After I read your post I mounted the 250 on the DA 40 and shot several flower photos all handheld. Five of six are sharp at 100% crop, with a 14.6 mp K20D. I missed three shots at a rapidly scurrying ant, but I'm not blaming the lens, it was that damned ant. The big problems with flower shots are wind and shutter speed. A tripod works well with flowers, is useless with hyperactive insects and won't help calm the wind. Tulip, DA 40mm Ltd, Raynox 250, at infinity focus distance: DA 40mm Ltd, Raynox 250, at minimum focus distance: DA 40mm Ltd, Raynox 250, at minimum focus distance, K20D pixel level crop of the photo above: EDIT: I forgot to mention that I mounted the DA 40mm lens hood on the front of the Raynox for these photos. Pretty cool. Last edited by audiobomber; 05-19-2010 at 10:51 AM.

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05-03-2010, 09:49 PM	#136
Iceburg98 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 48	Thinking of getting the DCR-150 to throw on the end of my 55-300 kit lens. Do you all just use the "universal" adapter that comes with it, or do you screw it on with step-down rings (looks like I would have to stack 3 rings)? Also, I've heard the 150 is a lot easier to work with when just starting out with macro photography. Should I start with that and save the 250 for a later purchase, or just jump in with the 250 to start with?

05-03-2010, 10:22 PM	#137
Perrumpo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 207	Originally posted by Iceburg98 Thinking of getting the DCR-150 to throw on the end of my 55-300 kit lens. Do you all just use the "universal" adapter that comes with it, or do you screw it on with step-down rings (looks like I would have to stack 3 rings)? Also, I've heard the 150 is a lot easier to work with when just starting out with macro photography. Should I start with that and save the 250 for a later purchase, or just jump in with the 250 to start with? I use the adaptor that comes with it, but I did just order step-down rings. I got a 58-52mm and a 52-43mm since I want to use it on 52mm lenses, as well. I don't have the 250, but it depends on what you want to do, really. If you're going to want to get extremely close to tiny things, I imagine you'll want the 250 since I found that it was much tougher to get crystal clear shots with the 55-300mm when zoomed far in (I actually haven't been able to yet with a wide aperture). Here is an example of the shallow DOF with this lens at 70mm f/5.6 about, oh, 12-18" away, I guess: Here is an example of the DOF with my 50mm at f/2.8 as close as I could get with the Raynox 150. The DOF was about 2mm.

05-04-2010, 02:11 AM	#138
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636	Originally posted by Iceburg98 Thinking of getting the DCR-150 to throw on the end of my 55-300 kit lens. Do you all just use the "universal" adapter that comes with it, or do you screw it on with step-down rings (looks like I would have to stack 3 rings)? Also, I've heard the 150 is a lot easier to work with when just starting out with macro photography. Should I start with that and save the 250 for a later purchase, or just jump in with the 250 to start with? Hi have had both and used both on the 18-55 the answer depends on what you want to achieve. The 250 requires a tripod at all times and has a very very small Depth of field an gives amazing close ups of insects and in my opinion is to much for flowers unless you are a botanist. excellent for insects BUT I found you rarely get the sort of huge insect eye photos you see posted. The on 150 on the other hand can be used hand held in some circumstances is brilliant for flowers and will show insects up well but not in huge detail but better than you have probably seen before. on both I used the clip on attachment on the 55dia lens and on a 49mm dia 50mm prime I use a step down. as long as the lens dia is smaller than the Raynox then you you don't get the dark corner [ vignette] effect. I sold the 250 as I rarely used it and it required a specific plan of action to use it and thats not the way I work. buy a 150 first and use it. after all you you can crop and enlarge if your images are sharp and you get a better D.O.F. to work with. Alistair

05-04-2010, 04:55 AM	#139
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806 Original Poster	Originally posted by Iceburg98 Thinking of getting the DCR-150 to throw on the end of my 55-300 kit lens. Do you all just use the "universal" adapter that comes with it, or do you screw it on with step-down rings (looks like I would have to stack 3 rings)? Also, I've heard the 150 is a lot easier to work with when just starting out with macro photography. Should I start with that and save the 250 for a later purchase, or just jump in with the 250 to start with? I'm betting you looked at the photos in this thread but didn't read the posts. The magnification of a close-up lens increases with the focal length of the lens it's mounted on. The Raynox 250 mounted on a 300 mm lens is very powerful (almost 3:1 macro). It's far less powerful at lower focal lengths, therefore easier to manage with less spectacular results (about 1:2 macro at 55mm). The problem with a 250 mounted on a 55-300mm lens is that you can use 55 and 300mm,and not much in between, due to ugly vignetting. You can't even do 1:1 macro, which really is the standard. Get the Raynox 150, it will give you magnifications to 1:1 and beyond on your 55-300. Leave it mounted in its clip-on adaptor, you'll be able to use it on the 18-55 too. It won't give you real macro, but the 18-55 does 1:3 on its own and the 150 will improve on that. Very nice for small blossoms. Last edited by audiobomber; 05-04-2010 at 07:33 AM.

05-06-2010, 09:01 PM	#141
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	In the spring, a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of macro. Here's a couple with the DA70 + Raynox 150: [imgtall]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4584725208_d245bd62f2_b.jpg[/imgtall]

05-07-2010, 05:24 AM	#142
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636	hand held 18-55 k10 Moth Orchid without and with DCR150 just quickly taken to illustrate the ease of use of the 150 these were taken with a flash so the speed is not tht high for a hand held. Alistair Last edited by adwb; 03-31-2012 at 07:01 AM.

05-08-2010, 02:56 PM	#143
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Raynox 150 on M135/3.5:

05-08-2010, 03:07 PM	#144
twokatmew Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Lansing, MI Photos: Albums Posts: 509	Originally posted by Marc Sabatella Raynox 150 on M135/3.5: Wow, what a fantastic shot, Marc!! When I see shots like this, I'm inspired to work harder on learning to use the Raynox 150 with my DAL50-200.

05-13-2010, 09:26 AM	#145
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	wow Marc- stunning dandelion. and on that note, i just ordered the DCR150. found it new for $42.95 shipped.

05-18-2010, 10:17 PM	#146
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	DA70 + Raynox 150: DA40 + Raynoox 150:

05-19-2010, 08:11 AM	#147
tinabalagosa Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: cebu city Photos: Gallery Posts: 38	I think with this picture it is a statement that using 250, you have to use tripod. Most of my of pics are really not that clear

05-19-2010, 10:38 AM	#149
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	DOF is incredibly thin at f/5.6 when shooting macro, and apparently that's even more true when using a Raynox or other closeup lens than with other methods of achieving macro. So while part of your problem might be camera shake, it is also the case that your picture is mostly out of focus except for a razon-thin slice that appears to be in front of where you probably intended. That plus wind. It does take practice.

05-19-2010, 02:46 PM	#150
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	I've got a couple I took this afternoon and I've come to the conclusion, I just need to sell this adapter. I'm not steady enough even with a tripod to get crisp sharp closeups with the DCR-150 on any lens I have. These were taken using my 135mm Sears Macro lens. Also these flowers are less than a half inch across.