Steve'sDigicams

Loz · Nov 25, 2005, 5:59 AM

Hi. Yesterday I purchased a Canon 250D lens to use with my FZ5, but I need some advice on how to get the most out of this lens. I experimented a bit in the garden yesterday trying to get some nice macros of insects. However, I had a lot of trouble with the auto focus - the camera would not focus using the tele-macro mode and often was "hunting" in normal macro mode. I found it quite frustrating and started wondering whether I had made the right camera choice (i.e. no manual focus). I hope it's just operator error as I do recall seeing some fantastic macros using this set-up. Any advice would be appreciated.

Here are some of the better shots that I got (feedback would be most welcome).........

seemolf · Nov 25, 2005, 6:23 AM

Hi Loz,

the dcr250 is quite an extreme lens (+8 diopt.)

Macro beginners should start around 2.5 dopt.!! = Nikon

There is a very shallow DOF and you have to get used to it.

I am using fixed focus all the time and simply change the distance to the object.

Others manage to use autofocus, by TMO my method is faster.

You will not(!!!) need the macro mode with an achromat, choose aperture priority and F:8 (better DOF). If there is not enough light, improve your flash technique (diffusors).

- please don't forget: for most of us the operator is the limiting factor, not the FZ -

The FZ5 is a wonderful macro camera in my hands.

If you are still in doubt, look at this:

http://www.macrophotography.org/modu...view_album.php

p.s. my first macros were not as good as yours!

Loz · Nov 25, 2005, 7:00 AM

Thanks for the advice, seemolf. I was actually referring to the Canon 250D lens not the 250dcr (Raynox, I believe?) - the Canon is a +4 diopter. But. I will certainly try out your other advice. Thanks again.

P.S. Your album is amazing! What lens do you use?

seemolf · Nov 25, 2005, 9:25 AM

Sorry Loz,
I should read more carefully.....
There are reliable some reports, that the canon 250d is a good lens.
I have the previous - different version: 240d - this one was fairly good with my fz5: but too soft....
see this test:
http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/v...amp;forum_id=7

I am using olympus lenses (ebay): mcon40 and olympus a lifesize.
I not using my canon and leica (elpro) achromats any longer.
But there are many excellent shots with nikon, raynox and minolta achromats in this forum.

Please test your lens a little bit more (100 ISO, F:8, fixed focus), there will be better shots!

Try some of the flash diffusors - stoney type or one of these:
http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/v...mp;forum_id=23
http://www.makro-momente.de/index.php?page=equipment

Sven

I hope I could convince you, that the FZ5 can do good macros.....

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Nov 25, 2005, 5:59 AM	#1
Loz Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 24	Hi. Yesterday I purchased a Canon 250D lens to use with my FZ5, but I need some advice on how to get the most out of this lens. I experimented a bit in the garden yesterday trying to get some nice macros of insects. However, I had a lot of trouble with the auto focus - the camera would not focus using the tele-macro mode and often was "hunting" in normal macro mode. I found it quite frustrating and started wondering whether I had made the right camera choice (i.e. no manual focus). I hope it's just operator error as I do recall seeing some fantastic macros using this set-up. Any advice would be appreciated. Here are some of the better shots that I got (feedback would be most welcome).........

Nov 25, 2005, 6:23 AM	#2
seemolf Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,255	Hi Loz, the dcr250 is quite an extreme lens (+8 diopt.) Macro beginners should start around 2.5 dopt.!! = Nikon There is a very shallow DOF and you have to get used to it. I am using fixed focus all the time and simply change the distance to the object. Others manage to use autofocus, by TMO my method is faster. You will not(!!!) need the macro mode with an achromat, choose aperture priority and F:8 (better DOF). If there is not enough light, improve your flash technique (diffusors). - please don't forget: for most of us the operator is the limiting factor, not the FZ - The FZ5 is a wonderful macro camera in my hands. If you are still in doubt, look at this: http://www.macrophotography.org/modu...view_album.php p.s. my first macros were not as good as yours!

Nov 25, 2005, 7:00 AM	#3
Loz Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 24	Thanks for the advice, seemolf. I was actually referring to the Canon 250D lens not the 250dcr (Raynox, I believe?) - the Canon is a +4 diopter. But. I will certainly try out your other advice. Thanks again. P.S. Your album is amazing! What lens do you use?

Nov 25, 2005, 9:25 AM	#4
seemolf Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,255	Sorry Loz, I should read more carefully..... There are reliable some reports, that the canon 250d is a good lens. I have the previous - different version: 240d - this one was fairly good with my fz5: but too soft.... see this test: http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/v...amp;forum_id=7 I am using olympus lenses (ebay): mcon40 and olympus a lifesize. I not using my canon and leica (elpro) achromats any longer. But there are many excellent shots with nikon, raynox and minolta achromats in this forum. Please test your lens a little bit more (100 ISO, F:8, fixed focus), there will be better shots! Try some of the flash diffusors - stoney type or one of these: http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/v...mp;forum_id=23 http://www.makro-momente.de/index.php?page=equipment Sven I hope I could convince you, that the FZ5 can do good macros.....