Tips for shooting macro images using the Raynox converter lens
Dear readers,
It's been almost a year since I have written a blog. The prevailing pandemic situation, frequent lockdowns and substantial workload in the last few months made it difficult for me to share the articles with all of you.
Before we move further with the blog, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to those of you who have lost their near and dear ones due to this pandemic. I would also like to congratulate all the survivors who have defeated this disease. I hope that all of you are safe and healthy and taking the best care of yourself.
Today, in this blog, I will be writing about shooting macro images with the Raynox lens. So before we move forward to the equipment, let us understand what macro photography is and where it can be used.
“Macro photography is the close-up photography of small subjects to make them look life-size"
Usually, macro photography involves shooting natural subjects like insects or flowers; the things which are difficult to see by naked eyes. Apart from this, macro photography is often used for photographing products like jewellery and food.
When it comes to using any macro lens, it is important to remember that in macro, you often get an extremely shallow depth of field. For instance, if you focus on the eyes of an insect, the area behind its eyes instantly goes out of focus. Macro lenses give the best results but usually, they come with a hefty price tag. However, if you don’t wish to invest in high-priced lenses, there are some options like reversal rings, macro lens adapters and extension tubes that you can use for shooting macro.
One of them is a renowned brand called Raynox. Raynox snap-on lenses come in two variants: DCR-150 and DCR-250. The numbers denote the magnification; DCR-250 gives better magnification than DCR-150.
Raynox DCR-250 is a Super Macro Snap-on Lens. When attached to a lens, it gives extremely close-up macro images. The lens comes up with a universal snap-on mount suitable for 52mm to 67mm filter size and hence can be used for most of the kit lenses. Since it’s an external attachment, it can be used with any camera brands. Though manual focusing is usually recommended for macro, Raynox allows you to use auto-focus. The ability to auto-focus as well as to use all in-camera functions (a limitation while using a reversal ring), makes Raynox the best option for starting macro photography.
Below are some of the advantages of using Raynox:
Universal adapter compatible with almost all camera brands
Flexibility to use auto-focus
Flexibility to use in-camera functions (a limitation when it comes to using reversal ring)
Compatible with almost all kit lenses (make sure you check lens diameter beforehand)
Can be used in combination with an extension tube
Sharp and rich images
Light-weight and portable (can be carried easily in the pocket)
Pro tip: Raynox gives better magnification when used with a zoom lens instead of a wide lens.
Using Raynox:
Raynox lenses come with a universal adapter. Below are the steps for mounting Raynox and shooting with it:
Attach a Raynox lens to the adapter ring.
Snap the adapter in front of your lens. (Make sure to remove any filters like UV filter before attaching the Raynox)
Once attached, adjust your camera settings. (Usually prefer the high f-stop values like f/8 or f/11 to get better sharpness and deeper depth of field.)
Move your camera forward and backwards till your subject comes into focus.
Once properly focused, take the shot.
Things to remember while using Raynox:
Raynox captures the slightest movements. So keep the camera shake to a minimum.
Take multiple shots to have a better choice while image selection.
If you are planning to stack the images, make sure you click multiple pictures while keeping different areas in focus.
Raynox causes vignetting when used with wide-angle lenses.
Shooting during a lockdown:
Macro is one of the best photography genres which you can easily practice in lockdown. Common objects like coins, pen nibs and jewellery can be great subjects for macro. You can also explore your backyard or garden for shooting subjects like flowers, insects and butterflies.
As we come to the end of this blog, I would like to share some tips for using Raynox as well as for shooting macros.
Pro tips:
- Go to eye level to get a better perspective and better focusing.
- For better macro results, shoot and stack the multiple images by focusing on different parts of an object.
- Keep a safe distance from your subject, to avoid disturbing or harming your subject.
- Use flash while shooting macro. The additional lighting gives you the advantage of using a higher f/stop value which gives better focusing and sharpness.
- Keep your hands very still. Subjects like insects and flowers move a lot and the slightest movement can destroy your image.
- Use a tripod or a firm base to minimize the camera shake.
Below are a few of the images I have shot using Raynox:
I hope this article will help you to take the first step towards the majestic world of macro photography and explore it further.
With this, I bid adieu to all my readers. I look forward to returning soon with a new blog on another interesting topic. Till then stay indoors, stay safe and keep developing your Art!
If you have any questions or wish to share your reviews about the article, feel free to leave a comment below. I will be more than glad to assist you.
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