Raynox DCR-250 advice
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Gonna bump this thread as I'm very keen to find out too 
jgs001
Brian Cox
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The easiest way to tell is to shoot a ruler (the sensor for the 450d being 22(.5 ??)mm across )... I did this when I was trying to work out the magnifications with mine.
Anyway... With my 450 and 55-250 I get about 1:1 at 100mm, 2:1 at 200mm and 2.5:1 at 250mm (I think I've got the ratios the right way around
... basically at full stretch it's 2.5x magnification).
On the 300mm, without using it's close focus you'd get 3:1, not sure with the close focus macro thingy... you'd need to check it with a ruler, (shoot a ruler, starting at 0 and see how much is captured... divide 22 by the answer to get the magnification).
Anyway... With my 450 and 55-250 I get about 1:1 at 100mm, 2:1 at 200mm and 2.5:1 at 250mm (I think I've got the ratios the right way around
... basically at full stretch it's 2.5x magnification). On the 300mm, without using it's close focus you'd get 3:1, not sure with the close focus macro thingy... you'd need to check it with a ruler, (shoot a ruler, starting at 0 and see how much is captured... divide 22 by the answer to get the magnification).
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Oops! crossed post with jgs001.
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A bit over 2:1 (twice life size on the sensor).
It's +8 diopters so 1000/8=125 so it will focus down to 125mm from the front of the lens, any lens, when that lens is focused on infinity.
With my 200mm lens that gives about 2x magnification, and with the focus set a bit closer still it will go a slightly higher. Probably to 2.5x with a 250mm lens which is maybe why it's called the DCR-250? Don't expect brilliant quality though.
That's very close and maybe the +4.8 diopter DCR-150 is a better option for flowers and butterflies etc?
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A bit over 2:1 (twice life size on the sensor).
It's +8 diopters so 1000/8=125 so it will focus down to 125mm from the front of the lens, any lens, when that lens is focused on infinity.
With my 200mm lens that gives about 2x magnification, and with the focus set a bit closer still it will go a slightly higher. Probably to 2.5x with a 250mm lens which is maybe why it's called the DCR-250? Don't expect brilliant quality though.
That's very close and maybe the +4.8 diopter DCR-150 is a better option for flowers and butterflies etc?
jgs001
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I'm certain a proper Macro lens would provide better results, but, at something in the order of 1/10th the price, the Raynox is a great starting point, and lets you get a feel for Macro without a big outlay.
Here's a few I've shot with mine
Here's a few I've shot with mine
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All my macro work is with the DCR250, the magnification is around 2x to 2.5x. The DOF is a b****r to work with BUT I've seen 1000's of amazing shots here: FlickR Raynox DCR250 group
Okay, it won't compare to the likes of the Canon mp-e65 (equivalent magnification ratio), but it's 1/20th of the price! For 1:1 you can't beat a dedicated macro lens but for those of us on a budget it's heard to beat.
Carl
Okay, it won't compare to the likes of the Canon mp-e65 (equivalent magnification ratio), but it's 1/20th of the price! For 1:1 you can't beat a dedicated macro lens but for those of us on a budget it's heard to beat.
Carl
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Those are great macro shots that the Raynox is just fine for. A lot of macro puts the main subject in the centre where sharpness is best and with so little depth of field most of the frame is out of focus anyway.
If you are photographing coins or stamps where edge sharpness, field flatness and good geometry is important, then the Raynox will let you down. Otherwise it's outrageously good for 40 quid if you use a higher f/number, which you need for a bit more depth of field anyway. A rare optical bargain
If you are photographing coins or stamps where edge sharpness, field flatness and good geometry is important, then the Raynox will let you down. Otherwise it's outrageously good for 40 quid if you use a higher f/number, which you need for a bit more depth of field anyway. A rare optical bargain
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LOL, the Raynox has a working distance of "b****r all" at higher magnifications, that's why I'm always impressed by insect shots taken with the Raynox.
Carl
jgs001
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Carl, The working distance is 125mm... I checked it at all focal lengths on my 55-250. The DOF is virtually none existent even with silly aperture settings at high magnifications.
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I was going to say roughly 10cm, so not far off. I'm painfully aware of the shallow DOF too - hence I'm really impressed by handheld insect shots with the DCR250....
Carl
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I picked a good selection then
You certainly did <doffs hat in jsg001s direction>
Carl
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After all these posts I think it may be better for me to get a 150 instead of the 250 as the DOF seems to be much more managable but still with a respectable magnification.