[elandel]

Hello!

I want to buy a close-up lens to try macro but have read many different opinions.

Finally I think one of the best is the Raynox DCR-250. I'll put it on my Tamron 70-300 and K5.

Has anyone tried it and can you give me feedback?

Thank you.

[wsteffey]

I use the DCR 150 on the front of my 50-200, and it works just fine. I am glad I did not buy the DCR250, the "weaker" of the two is hard enough to use. Either one is a good option before spending big $ on a true macro. True Macro work can be frustrating and time consuming. I have found that I much prefer using a close focusing lens.

[photolady95]

And you might want to check out this link:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/lens-clubs/74221-raynox-macro-club.html

[elandel]

Thank you. You have been very helpfull for making my decision.

[elandel]

Thanks for your reply. My optics are: 18-55 and 70-300 Tamron

Which Raynox is a better buy: DCR-150 or 250?

[photolady95]

The DCR-150 usually works better with long focul length lenses. The DCR-250 for shorter length lenses. I used a DCR-150 with my Sigma 70-300mm @300. My lens is a bit heavy and trying to hold the lens steady enough to get a in focus shot was pretty awkward. Using a Tripod was impossible for me. The DCR-250 should be better for the short zoom lens you have. I sold my DCR-150 and plan on a future buy of the DCR-250 to use with my Pentax 18-55mm DA L ll.

If you read that link I posted, you'll get more info on both adapters and ask questions there, people will answer you.

[epqwerty]

As for the raynox adapters go I'd go with the dcr150 over the dcr250. I own the dcr250 and when paired with my 70-300 at maximum focal length it is really hard to work with. It does provide excellent magnification but the working distance is so small that I wouldn't really suggest it. Both are extremely good.

[photolady95]

When you pair the DCR-250 with a long focal lens, the results and DOF are off. That is why I posted what I did in my last post. DCR-250 short focal lengths, DCR-150 long focal lenghts. Go to the link I posted and read some of the better shooters comments. They'll tell you the same thing I just did. I asked them, that's why I bought the DCR-150 for my Sigma 70-300mm.

[elandel]

When you pair the DCR-250 with a long focal lens, the results and DOF are off. That is why I posted what I did in my last post. DCR-250 short focal lengths, DCR-150 long focal lenghts. Go to the link I posted and read some of the better shooters comments. They'll tell you the same thing I just did. I asked them, that's why I bought the DCR-150 for my Sigma 70-300mm.

Boughtt the DCR-250 because the DCR-150 was not available. Well I must say it's really true for me: using the 250 on long focal lenghts is really very difficult. Better on shorter ones. That is why I'm going to buy the DCR-150 as soon as it is available.

[RioRico]

To get an idea of what a DCR-150 (+4.8 dioptres) will do on a given lens, without spending US$50+ -- buy a cheap used set of close-up meniscus strap-ons for US$5 or whatever. Such are often included when someone sells an old SLR kit, with flashes, bags, etc. Anyway, stack a +2+3 or +1+4 combo on your lens. Ignore aberrations. You will see pretty much what the DCR-150's magnification would deliver. If curious about the DCR-250 (+8 dpt) get a couple cheap close-up sets and stack a +2+3+3 or whatever combo to reach +8. The Raynoxi are corrected and will deliver much better images, but this is an easy way to evaluate the options.

And, as a bonus: The DCR-250 has a 43mm rear thread and 49mm front thread. I use a 42-43mm step ring to mount the Raynox onto M42 bellows, then screw a +2 meniscus onto it. This gives me a 100mm f/3.3 'soft' lens, and reaches infinity focus on my thick bellows. And I just got a 42-49mm step ring and have some 49mm +10 dpt close-up strap-ons ordered. The DCR-250 and two +10's will give me +28 dpt = 36mm f/0.9 lens. Not very well corrected, and it needs a focusing helicoid, or to be fixed-focus mounted on an M42 macro tube, but it will be FAST FAST FAST! And ugly, no doubt... Let's see, what's the phrase? Fast, Cheap, and Out Of Control!