Using a Raynox Macro 150

[annie57]

I think somebody may have already asked this but this is a question I had. I recently purchased a Raynox 150 lens for my FZ 30. For those of you that take super macros, can you let me know how close (far?) I should be from the subject when taking a photo of something like a bug. Thanks so much everybody....

[Beth Ellen]

Perhaps it is different for the FZ30 but have you tried roughly eight inches throughout the entire zoom?

Look forward to your macro photos

Beth

[RedStickMan]

Annie,

You may want to practice with inanimate objects until you get an idea of the distances you'll need. Eventually you should get a feel for where to start and whether to move closer or farther away from the subject.

[annie57]

thank you for your suggestions. I shall now try to put the advice into practice!!!! Until then, I will continue to admire all the wonderful photos on this great site.....

[fmoore]

annie57 wrote:

I think somebody may have already asked this but this is a question I had. I recently purchased a Raynox 150 lens for my FZ 30. For those of you that take super macros, can you let me know how close (far?) I should be from the subject when taking a photo of something like a bug. Thanks so much everybody....

Annie - Congratulations on getting the dcr150! The equation for determining the focus distance to the subject is F=1/d where F is the focus distance in meters and d is the diopter power of the lens. The dcr150 is a +4 diopter lens. Thus, it's focus distance is 1/4m or 25cm or 8" as Beth indicated. At lower zooms there is someleeway of 1-2cm on either side of 8", so focusing isn't so difficult. At full 12x zoom the 8" is pretty much it, which takes practice and a steady hand. A slight breeze can move the subject in and out of focus very quickly. To get a feel for the lens, practice on still objects like coins or jewelry in bright light at lower zooms. You will find that the dcr150 vignetts below ~3x but don't let that distract you. You can always crop away the corners. As you increase zoom the focus distance will become more fixed at 8". Locking autofocus with a shutter half-press and slightly moving the camera closer/further will help obtain maximum focus. Lots of practice in bright light and you will get it. Have fun and post some shots!

Fred

[annie57]

Fred: Thanks so much for your help. I hav printed off what you wrote and I will have time on the weekend to practice your advice....

anne