Macro - What are Raynox DCR-250 & Extension Tubes?

[Joe94]

Hello,

I currently have the Olympus OMD EM5 Mark III, which I am using the Oly 60mm macro lens. I am really getting into macro photograph, however when reading article about macro I keep seeing Raynox DCR-250 & Extension tubes mentioned & just wanted to know:

- what they are exactly?
- what do they do?
- are they something I should look into for my current set up?

many thanks

 

[Snapsh0t]

The DCR-250 is an 8 dioptre add-on close-up lens that attaches to the filter thread of your lens.
Extension tubes are tubes that go between camera and lens.
They both reduce the minimum focus distance of the lens but add-on lenses are more suited to longer focal lengths and extension tubes to shorter. My opinion is that 60mm comes under 'shorter' unless you really need to get close to something small which may then introduce problems with lighting. Depth of field will be reduced from tiny to infinitesimal and then you'll need to learn about focus stacking. The DCR-250 is not an easy thing to use even for experienced photographers so I'd recommend waiting until you know you need it. Of, course, there's also the less powerful DCR-150....

You 60mm will give you 1:1 images and I recommend you master that before worrying about extras.

 

[Joe94]

The DCR-250 is an 8 dioptre add-on close-up lens that attaches to the filter thread of your lens.
Extension tubes are tubes that go between camera and lens.
They both reduce the minimum focus distance of the lens but add-on lenses are more suited to longer focal lengths and extension tubes to shorter. My opinion is that 60mm comes under 'shorter' unless you really need to get close to something small which may then introduce problems with lighting. Depth of field will be reduced from tiny to infinitesimal and then you'll need to learn about focus stacking. The DCR-250 is not an easy thing to use even for experienced photographers so I'd recommend waiting until you know you need it. Of, course, there's also the less powerful DCR-150....

You 60mm will give you 1:1 images and I recommend you master that before worrying about extras.

Thank you very much for this, very much appreciated & I know fully understand what they are!

I also thank you for your advice & now I know what they actually do I am going to agree with you, stick with what I have & master the art of macro, focus stacking ext with just the 60mm.

Many thanks