Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS and Raynox DCR-250

nigpd

nigpd

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Nigel
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I'm looking to have a go at macro photography, being inspired by some of the great images I've seen on TP.

Without plunging in headfirst and getting an expensive macro lens, does anyone have any experience of using a Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS with a Raynox DCR-250?

How practical is this setup regarding "working" distances to the subject together with focussing and DOF?

How is the image quality and what magnification could I expect to achieve?

Thanks in advance for your help
 
I've got a DCR-250 and it gives about a 4 inch working distance with my 70-200 F4L (non is). The main problem with it is getting light to the front of the lens, it's pretty long.

Flip it to manual focus, set to f11 and click away is how I've started. The macro shots on my Flickr are all taken with this combo. They suck pretty hard at the moment but I've prob only spent 30 mins messing around in total.
 
I'll will take a few shots to show you if I get chance today and you can judge for yourself ;)
 
Straight out of the camera shots just resized and converted to jpgs. I did find the DOF very shallow with this lens but quality of the image wasn't too bad. The blue flower is 7mm across and shot with off camera flash using 430ex at 1/200, f16, iso 100.
It is tough to use with this lens but not impossible with practise, you do need to get light to the end of the lens too which is something else to think about. Hope this helps ;)

@200mm
3429513090_c800421134_o.jpg


@135mm
3428699591_64fbcd3c20_o.jpg


@100mm
3429514036_88b7aec230_o.jpg


@70mm
3428700283_5993dc3bd6_o.jpg


Setup
3428726985_26b60bab1f_o.jpg
 
Extension tubes will give you a bit more DOF and more working distance. Here is a shot with a full set of kenko auto tubes. at 70mm you are about 12cms or so and at 200 well over 60cms but the magnification is the same so this makes using tubes easier especially for insects. The Raynox all shots were within 60cms. The advantage of the Raynox is the magnification and the tubes working distance.

Full set of tubes.
3429601854_069301f91d_o.jpg
 
Some more shots with the tube and 70-200 here: linky I've just posted after popping into the garden between showers :lol:
 
Galaxy66 said:
You can use extension tubes as this guy did,
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=163846&page=5
depends on what you are looking for for quality wise.
Click to expand...

nigpd said:
thanks for your help and advice Alby. :thumbs:

Looks like I'm going to have to loiter around the classifieds forum and wait for a set of auto tubes to turn up
Click to expand...

Errmm..........How about "Thanks for suggesting the tubes Galaxy" or Mal if you want to be really nice like I am.........most of the time:D
 
nigpd said:
oops you're quite right. Forgetting my manners :bonk:

thanks to one and all for the advice and time taken to reply
Click to expand...

Apology accepted :D pleased you are sorted :thumbs:

Btw. why not place a wanted ad for the tubes.
 
What's the best way to get more DOF? Use a proper macro lens?
 
InkZ said:
What's the best way to get more DOF? Use a proper macro lens?
Click to expand...

The only way to get more depth of field is to use a high f/number. It's the magnification that dictates depth of field, and the lens aperture. It doesn't make any odds if you get the magnification you want with a macro lens, extension tubes or a close up lens - depth of field is the same either way.

If you want good depth of filed with macro, the best way is with ring-flash so you've got enough light for a high f/number. The short duration of the flash also kills camera shake which is a big problem with macro.
 
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