Matthew-
Some more possibilities for playing around with macro:
mix in a teleconverter with the extension tubes. Depending on how it's
done, you either get increased magnification, or increased working distance.
put two lenses nose to nose. This is fairly easy with Zuiko lenses
because many have the same filter size. Put the longer focal length lens
on the camera, attach the shorter focal length lens in reverse (usually
with a special double threaded connector), and stop down the reversed
lens manually. This provides high magnification at very low cost,
especially if you connect the two lenses with duct tape. Because the
reversed lens is stopped down, you will need LOTS of light to focus with
this. I did this for my macro tope entry.
<http://www.tope.nl/tope_show_entry.php?event=6&pic=5> If you try this,
make sure you thoroughly clean your subject first...
And to chime in on the Olympus vs. Vivitar extension tube conversation,
I have a Vivitar set, and a manual Olympus set. The Olympus tubes are
built better. The Vivitars seem to have just a bit of play and slop to
them. But I use the Vivitars because manual tubes are too masochistic.
The Olympus set is sized to work nicely with 50mm lenses; The Vivitars
work nicely with 135mm lenses. They can be used with other focal
lengths, but you can have gaps or overlap in coverage.
Thanks, Steve Goss, Dallas Tx usa
Matthew Born wrote:
> OK, I'm hoping to kick off a little thread here. As I stare at 12 inches of
> snow, I'm pondering fun thoughts of spending money I don't have. I'm
> interested in some close up photography, a thing I've never done, and I'm
> looking for input on a couple of things. The bellows and focusing stage and
> all that is probably out, at least until I get hooked. So...the extension
> tubes...are the manual tubes really a pain? And how exactly does one stop
> down to focus? Do you use the depth of field button? Is there any reason to
> spend the extra dough on Olympus tubes vs. the Vivitar ones? I assume there
> isn't any difference in the quality, since there's no glass involved, but I
> do see that the Vivitar variety are different lengths. They sure are
> cheaper.
>
> And then there's the issue of macro lenses. Recent comments really pushed me
> towards the 50 3.5 -- I've seen a few comments from folks who prefer it over
> the 50 MIJ even for normal use. I'd like to hear more about that as I've
> found the MIJ 50 to be a superb lens. And what's the scoop on the 50 f2
> macro lens? It scores very well on Gary Reese's lens chart, and it certainly
> commands a premium. Would one ever couple an extension tube with a macro
> lens? The only macro lens I ever had was some crappy zoom many years ago,
> and I completely ignored it.
>
> Is that enough questions?
>
> Matthew Born
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