I've been interested in improving the close focus of my µ4/3 gear. When I went
looking not long ago, all I could find
were diopter filters, manual extension tubes and a nice looking set of Kenko
Auto tubes - for $190.
I can't see much point in manual tubes for lenses that need the electrical
connections even to adjust aperture.
Then I found these.
<http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BY0F0P0/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1>
$48 sounded more like the experiment I wanted. Shipped from China, they took
ten days to get here yesterday.
I've done some rather casual testing, all hand held. I know, I know, I can get
better control of precise focus, focal
plane placement, etc. on a tripod. But that's not how I will mostly use them. I
wanted to see if they would work the way
I like to work much of the time in the field.
I have to say that I'm rather pleased. Clearly, I haven't completed the
learning curve, but I've got enough of what I
wanted, and may do better in future.
One aim was to get closer focusing with the Panny 14-42 Z.
<http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=4515>
Obviously, the lens isn't like even an old, MF zoom, what with powered internal
focus and zoom. With the 10 mm tube,
focus adjustment isn't of much use, but zoom also adjusts focus rather well.
Moving the camera in and out a bit and
adjusting zoom works pretty quickly and well to get framing and focus.
You can't see it in these shots, but it does appear that either there is quite
a bit of softness in the corners and/or
that there's a lot of field curvature. Not for shots of newspapers, but that's
not what this light kit is for.
As an adjunct to a pocket camera, the 10 mm tube is good, tiny, light and
easily slipped in any pocket.
Another thing I was hoping for is closer focus with the 75-300, for tight
close-ups with really good working distance.
The samples show closest focus, all at 300 mm, native, with 10, 16 and 26 mm of
extension. I'm pretty impressed.
<http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=4534>
I was standing up, hardly leaning over, for these shots.
I also did some shots with the 12-50 in macro mode. It certainly gets closer,
and I got a few images I like. The working
distance from front of the lens is very short. I had to take the hood off to
keep from shading a couple of subjects.
<http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=4549>
Obviously, the tubes function properly. They are all plastic, but for the
electrical contacts, nicely put together and
finished. They are more than adequate to hold the smaller lenses.
Using both tubes together with the 75-300, there is a little flex, as shown in
the last image on the Amazon listing.
With either one alone, there is barely visible flexing and gap at the top of
the mount. No creaking, groaning or
anything indicating that the heavier lens might damage them, but I will try to
support the lens with my left hand when
shooting horizontally. Shooting at a steep down angle, as with these samples,
everything is fine.
I figure if I actually use them so much with the 75-300 that they start to be
damaged, that's proof that I need the
expensive, metal ones.
Disclaimer - These images have had Moose treatment. For example, bokeh on the
two shorter lenses can be pretty rough,
depending on background distance, but you won't see that. :-) Detail may be
clearer than straight out of the camera.
;-) But, hey, these tests were for me, to see what I can do with these tubes,
and you can look over my shoulder.
Overall opinion: these tubes are highly functional, and a good deal.
Oriental Magnification Moose
--
What if the Hokey Pokey *IS* what it's all about?
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