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Archive 2011 · Best macro setup is.......

  
 
s1000rr
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Best macro setup is.......


Ladies and Gentleman....HELP! I'm an absolute novice to photography but have a burning interest for macro, mainly insects. I have a Nikon D5000 and a Sigma 150mm macro which is fine but bottom line is......I want alot more! I've researched on more magnification but I'm now more confused. I've heard reports on Raynox DCR150, MSN202 and MSN505. Teleconverters 1.4x or 2x? Extension tubes, bellows..and it goes on. I even considered the Canon MP-E 65mm macro but then I'd need a Canon body to go with it! So, my question (or questions) with my D5000 and Sigma 150mm macro, what sought of setup will give me the greatest magnification whilst retaining reasonable quality? I will be purchasing a ring flash also. Help guys and please remember I'm not too familiar with the lingo as yet but learning in the field!
Cheers!! Dave
some examples of mine
http://www.ephotozine.com/user/s1000rr-141880

Edited on Apr 20, 2011 at 04:53 AM · View previous versions



Apr 20, 2011 at 04:22 AM
12monkeys
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Best macro setup is.......


I don't have one and speak from no experience whatsoever, but if it's true that the ring flash needs cooling off for 10 minutes after every 20 photos then I'd give it a miss. You can take awful lot of pictures trying to get focus and composition right. Not sure what you'd do about diffusion either.

I'd get a set of third party extension tubes. Absolute maximum magnification shouldn't be a priority just yet.



Apr 20, 2011 at 04:39 AM
MarkB1
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Best macro setup is.......


Hello David. Can't help with the math re magnification on the 150 macro lens but the quality of Raynox achromats is very good, always use them on mine - FZ50. Would stick to the 150 and 250 to start, can also be stacked one on the other.

Nobody I have heard of uses a ring flash. See here - https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/780820 from stickies above.

Mark

Ps Post some stuff.



Apr 20, 2011 at 07:14 AM
lauriek
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Best macro setup is.......


If you want to use the 150mm Sigma then you'd be better off looking at the Raynox supplementary lenses (properly known as Diopters) - with a longish telephoto lens like this extension tubes will not make much difference to the magnification - you'd need approx 150mm of extension to push the lens from it's native 1:1 as far as 2:1 and 300mm of extension (1 foot!) to get to 3:1.

The other option would be buy a shorter lens, I think there's a 60mm macro available for your system, then adding 120mm of extension tubes would get you to 3:1.

The Raynox diopters do have a very good reputation and some here use them to fantastic effect (MarkB1!). If you're going to get diopters, do yourself a favour and get good ones, the cheap ones do suck...

The comments about extension/magnification do not take into account any focal length changes which may occur with these lenses when set to 1:1 magnification. (But these would probably be shortening of focal length so would be to your advantage when adding tubes).



Apr 20, 2011 at 07:28 AM
lauriek
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Best macro setup is.......


Oh and if you have the option go for a macro twinflash rather than a ringflash, much more versatile...


Apr 20, 2011 at 07:28 AM
orionmystery
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Best macro setup is.......


You can check out M Vers (Matt)'s setup. He uses the sigma 150 + extension tubes + 1.4x teleconverter.

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/780820



Apr 20, 2011 at 08:06 AM
M Vers
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Best macro setup is.......


Best macro setup is.......the one that works best for you. Seriously though, there are a lot of routes you can travel, from the MP-E to the Canon/Sigma/Tamron 180's with any combination of TC's and or tubes in between. That said, your Sigma 150 is capable of achieving magnifications beyond 2x with a combination of tubes and a TC (my rig gets me right around 2.3x). It's by no means the easiest rig to use (hand-held) however it's got to be one of the most versatile rigs out there. And FWIW I would stray away from ring flash--go with a speedlite and a homemade diffuser if you're going to stick with the 150.

This is what my latest rig (mostly) looks like:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/980787/0?keyword=ne,diffuser#9301820



Apr 20, 2011 at 09:25 AM
kiernter
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Best macro setup is.......


Death to all ring flashes...


Apr 20, 2011 at 10:18 AM
M Vers
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Best macro setup is.......


lauriek wrote:
If you want to use the 150mm Sigma then you'd be better off looking at the Raynox supplementary lenses (properly known as Diopters) - with a longish telephoto lens like this extension tubes will not make much difference to the magnification - you'd need approx 150mm of extension to push the lens from it's native 1:1 as far as 2:1 and 300mm of extension (1 foot!) to get to 3:1.


Hi Laurie Conventional thinking may have you believe that however in practice I get past 2:1 with a combination of 1.4x TC and 48mm worth of ext tubes with my Sigma 150 on my 1DIII. Here are a couple quick (and very dirty) examples:
1:1
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/4640482019_d1dddfa4d1_b.jpg
~2.3:1
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/4641095054_c03fbe3b88_b.jpg
Bare lens at 1:1
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2212/4123357888_1943a820e3_b.jpg
+1.4xTC+68mm Tube
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/4122568233_81708f2d2c_b.jpg



Apr 20, 2011 at 10:54 AM
lauriek
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Best macro setup is.......


Good point, I had not taken Teleconvertors into account. What I said is true though if talking about extension tubes alone...


Apr 20, 2011 at 11:53 AM
M Vers
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Best macro setup is.......


Here is a comparison between the bare lens and 68mm worth of tubes
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2212/4123357888_1943a820e3_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/4123342794_9c4d30bec5_b.jpg



Apr 20, 2011 at 12:13 PM
LMT1972
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Best macro setup is.......


You may have been better off getting a shorter focal length + tubes if you want higher magnification with a Nikon setup. The Sigma 1.4 TC works quite well with basically no loss of IQ, but of course it only gets you to 1.4x mag.

As for ring flashes, I have a home made one that I use from time to time and it works quite well IMO and is also much lighter than my SB800 + bracket setup. Below are a few examples using the ring flash with my D300 + Tamron 60f2 + 68mm tubes.

Cheers
Leigh


http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/8534/DSC_8711_crop.jpg

http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/13227/DSC_8636.jpg

http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/13227/DSC_8325.jpg



Apr 20, 2011 at 05:19 PM
SteB
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Best macro setup is.......


I've had the Sigma 150mm macro for a few years now, and I've tried it with most of the Raynox lenses except the MSN-505, which would anyway give riduculously high magnification. Even the MSN-202 starts at very high magnification you'd not want to use too often. A 1.4x converter is a very worthwhile investement, and the Sigma version spends most of its time on my Sigma 150mm. A Raynox DCR-150 will give magnification starting just under life-size on the lens without a converter, and I think goes to over 2x life size. With the 1.4x converter the Raynox DCR-250 gives well over 3x life size from what I remember. The results are very good with the Raynoxs, and they are probably the most cost effective way of getting extra magnification with good image quality. As others say, forget about ring flashes. On the Sigma 150mm you're much better off with a normal off camera flash and a softbox. It will probably be best to make your own softbox, as the best ones are the ones designed and made by those posting images on this forum. Look through the set-ups thread and you'll get lots of ideas.

The main advantage with converters is that the lens still focuses to infinity, and so there's no need to take them off to get less magnification.



Apr 20, 2011 at 07:00 PM
s1000rr
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Best macro setup is.......


Wow! Thankyou to everybody for taking the time to share their knowledge and to offer their advice. I really appreciate the effort. I believe you guys have helped me to decide.
I'll give the ring flash a miss and thinking about this setup
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160572034378&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_6986wt_1139
Yeah I know! Its not the Cannon but its more to my budget!
I'll try a Sigma 1.4x teleconverter and a Raynox DCR 250. Does anyone know whether I need a stepping ring for this? I have a tripod but as you guys know, its not always practical. Thanks again everyone and enjoy your Easter!!
Regards, Dave



Apr 21, 2011 at 01:25 AM
SteB
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Best macro setup is.......


Yes you'll need some sort of stepping ring to attach the Raynox DCR-250 to the Sigma 150mm. The DCR-250 comes in a housing which clips to a range of filter thread sizes up to 67mm, but won't clip onto the 72mm thread of the Sigma 150mm. The DCR-250, will unscrew from this clip on housing and has I think a 43mm thread. Although the easiest way is just to use a stepping ring from 72mm to under 67mm and just the clip on housing that comes with the DCR-250 as it allows it to be quickly put on or taken off.


Apr 21, 2011 at 05:36 AM
Dalantech
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Best macro setup is.......


M Vers wrote:
Best macro setup is.......the one that works best for you.


First thing that popped into my head when I read the subject line

To the OP: I'd avoid that flash assembly you linked -most of the high magnification macro you see on this site was taken hand held (I didn't develop the technique, just happened to be the first clown to write about it).

Also a lot of peeps will tell you that adding extra glass ruins image quality, but I've never witnessed it myself. A quality diopter or teleconverter will give you as much image quality as you have skills for...



Apr 21, 2011 at 06:35 AM
M Vers
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Best macro setup is.......


Dalantech wrote:
Also a lot of peeps will tell you that adding extra glass ruins image quality, but I've never witnessed it myself.


You're absolutely right, John, adding a TC will not ruin IQ. Based on my experience with my rig, adding the TC does affect IQ but not significantly. I notice a slight drop-off in sharpness which becomes more noticeable towards the edges of the frame. I also notice a slight reduction in contrast and sometimes, especially when shooting in wet conditions, bokeh characteristics will be altered. That said these quirks are all very much expected and certainly nothing worth worrying about

And FWIW, this is what the Sigma 150+1.4x+tubes is capable of...
Great working distance...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4717941877_8fec95bd72_b.jpg
With the ability to focus past 2:1
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4705579640_f80356e5d9_b.jpg



Apr 21, 2011 at 08:32 AM
Nate_S
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Best macro setup is.......


I shoot with a 180mm macro and struggle with the same issues. Last year my biggest used setup was 68mm tubes with the 180mm which put me somewhere around 1.5:1. This year so far, I am using a Kenko Pro300 1.4TC and a 20mm tube which is putting me closer to 1.8:1. It's enough to keep me fairly satisfied, but I always want more. I've been wanting a Tamron 90mm for the extra magnification with tubes and tc and for easier handholding at higher magnification (180mm is tough to handhold over 2:1). But...I keep wondering if I am just kidding myself and should just grab an MPE-65 and start switching over to the big C. It is a constant battle to get a setup that makes you 100% happy (for me at least).


Apr 21, 2011 at 08:43 AM
PhotoEspen
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Best macro setup is.......


When I use the Sigma 150 Macro with 2x TC i get a mag of at least 2:1. It actually seems abit higher, but I haven't measured it. This setup is pretty easy to use handheld.


Nov 10, 2015 at 10:27 AM
e6filmuser
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Best macro setup is.......


SteB wrote:
Yes you'll need some sort of stepping ring to attach the Raynox DCR-250 to the Sigma 150mm. The DCR-250 comes in a housing which clips to a range of filter thread sizes up to 67mm, but won't clip onto the 72mm thread of the Sigma 150mm. The DCR-250, will unscrew from this clip on housing and has I think a 43mm thread. Although the easiest way is just to use a stepping ring from 72mm to under 67mm and just the clip on housing that comes with the DCR-250 as it allows it to be quickly put on or taken
...Show more

My Raynox MSN 202 has a 37mm thread and suspect it with be the same for other Raynox. I use a 55-37mm step ring to mount on lenses with 55mm filter rings.

Harold



Nov 10, 2015 at 11:15 AM
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