Macro Lens Working Distances

milster

milster

Suspended / Banned
Messages
2,438
Name
Gary
Edit My Images
Yes
I Know this is a massive generalisation but, I've been having a little play at the weekend with my Raynox 250 on 70-300mm lens and I'm finding I have to get very close to anything (probably about 4-7 inches). My question is, do dedicated macro lenses give you more working room? I know this will depend massively from lens to lens so what sort of focal length would you need to get say 12inches away at 1:1?

Thanks for any info :thumbs:
 
Last edited:
Well one way is to use auto extension rings on your 70-300mm lens.

I am using this technique more and more for close up shots since you can get quite a way away and still fill the frames with the subject (depending on the size obviously).

But you will find you also need a fairly powerful external flash to adequately light the subjects.

Here are some examples:

All taken at Corby Boating Lake on a Canon 1Ds MkII Fitted with the Canon 70-300mm L IS USM lens and Kenko DG AF extension tubes.

.
 
Last edited:
Hi Gary,

To acheive 1:1 at a working distance of around 12" (30cm) you'd need a prime macro lens with a focal length of around 200mm AND a hefty bank balance to be able to afford it :eek:

More information is relatively digestible form here: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/macro-lenses.htm

There is an alternative, however, and that is to seek out your prey when they are less active (i.e., the ambient temperature is lower): typically around sunrise or, if using flash illumination, sunset.

Peter's suggestion of using an auto-extension tube is also a goodie, as his images clearly demonstrate :cool: One way to do this 'on the cheap', is to purchase an el-cheapo tele-converter (new or used) and then remove the polished 'milk bottle bottoms' masquerading as optical elements. A lot of Pentax users resort to this trick because auto-extension that pass through accurate aperture information to the camera are hard to come by in PKA mount.

Best wishes,

Jon ;)
 
Last edited:
Last edited:
Gary, I work all over the south and will be in Torquay in the next few weeks, I am happy to bring my macro rig down so you can try it to see if it is any better for you. I have a nikon 105vr and tubes and 1.4 tc.
 
I got rid of my 100mm macro some time ago now but I have it in my head that it was 1:1 at about 12", it was the sigma ex dg, am I wrong?
 
Sorry to jump in on this thread but i'am also having the same issues with a Tamron 70-300mm Canon fit lens and was wondering if anyone could advise me on where and which auto extension rings to buy.
I have seen a few images on here and on the net using these methods to great effect but was baffled as ebay offers so many variations.
 
I would get the kenco extension rings. On amazon the price is around £135. They pass through the electronic contacts and are well made.
 
petersmart said:
Well one way is to use auto extension rings on your 70-300mm lens.

I am using this technique more and more for close up shots since you can get quite a way away and still fill the frames with the subject (depending on the size obviously).

But you will find you also need a fairly powerful external flash to adequately light the subjects.

Here are some examples:

All taken at Corby Boating Lake on a Canon 1Ds MkII Fitted with the Canon 70-300mm L IS USM lens and Kenko DG AF extension tubes.

.
Click to expand...
great pics , did you need any flash with these
 
iwols said:
great pics , did you need any flash with these
Click to expand...

Yes I used a Jessops 320 AFC flashgun (on full power) which I've had for a few years now.

The flash head stands high enough above the lens/tube combo to (just) avoid casting shadows when used on the camera.

.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top