Macro lens v Tubes V Convertor V Reversing Ring [Archive]

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MrFish

31-08-08, 19:32

The question of Macro lens v Tubes V Convertor V Reversing Ring comes up fairly often so I thought I would post a few pics showing the difference between the results you can get.

I’ve chosen a simple subject of a sticker on the front of my printer. Pictures have all been taken at a slight angle to show the DOF differences between the techniques.

I had the camera, a Canon 350d is locked at F9 1/125 with on board flash so that DOF and light was due to technique rather than camera setting changes. The macro lens is a Tamron 90mm and the lens used with the reversing ring is the standard 18-55 kit lens. The reversing ring won’t fit the Tamron.

Results will vary with the lens and the aperture used but I thought this gave an idea of the pro’s and cons of the various techniques.

None of these pictures have been processed other than resizing and the crops, except the converter picture where I state it has been processed

The pictures first show the full frame shot and then an 800*400 crop at 100%. A 100% crop is where no resizing has taken place from the original.

This picture is taken with an Extension tube number 1.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q3/ET1FF.jpg

This picture is a 100% crop of above.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q3/ET1.jpg

This picture is taken with an Extension tube number 3.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q3/ET3FF.jpg

This pictures is a 100% crop of above
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q3/ET3.jpg

This picture is taken with a 2x Kenco convertor on the Tamron. Notice how dark the picture is due to the convertor slowing the lens up by a couple of stops.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q3/KCFF.jpg

This pictures is a 100% crop of above
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q3/KC.jpg

This is a post processed image of above to show why I prefer to use the Kenco rather than extension tubes. It has a greater DOF and although the original is soft, once processed it gives a better result.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q3/KCPr.jpg

This picture is taken with the reversing ring Notice how shallow the DOF is with only half of the “o” being in focus
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q3/RRFF.jpg

This pictures is a 100% crop of above
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q3/RR.jpg

This picture is taken with the Tamron 90mm. Notice the dark area at the bottom due to the lens blocking the flash.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q3/Tamron90mmFF.jpg

This pictures is a 100% crop of above
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q3/Tamron90mm.jpg

This picture gives you an idea of the relative size. Most of the pictures were focused on the “o” in the word “photolithography”, which is approx 0.5mm wide.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q3/TamronFF.jpg

Conclusion – The macro lens on its own gives the best mix of DOF and sharpness without the need for much Post processing. For getting closer though, for the reasons given in the processed converter picture above, I prefer to use the converter rather than extension tubes, but if I want to get really close and the subject allows it then the reversing ring is fun to play with but hard to get anything usable without considerable post processing.

:geek:

Mutlins

31-08-08, 19:50

Frogfone

31-08-08, 23:24

Very interesting, having just added livestock I've noticed the limitations of my current lenses and was thinking today about getting a macro lens. I have a Nikon D40 so need a HSM or similar lens.

As I don't really want a lens too dedicated I was thinking about a Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 HSM Macro. Apparrently 20cm minimum focus distance at any mag.

Anyone got any experience of this lens?

Cheers

Tim

excellent lens you won't be disappointed, mines is on the camera about 75% of the time. it does 1:2.3 macro but a single extension tube gets you to 1:1 fairly easily.

Roddy

Reef bloke

31-08-08, 23:31

Ive got the sigma,its a good all rounder but it isnt a true 1:1 macro, i think its a 1:2:3 ratio,still pretty good though.
Great comparisons Dave,are the tubes on the tamron?

Reef bloke

31-08-08, 23:31

Opps sorry Roddy didnt see your reply,was called away as i was typing.

jimblonduk

01-09-08, 08:45

The other thing to take into consideration if wanting to use any of these methods for tank work is the distance from the subject. If the focus distance is at 4 inches but the subject is 12 inches into the tank, something has to give.

MrFish

01-09-08, 12:49

Ive got the sigma,its a good all rounder but it isnt a true 1:1 macro, i think its a 1:2:3 ratio,still pretty good though.
Great comparisons Dave,are the tubes on the tamron?

Yes on the Tamron.

The other thing to take into consideration if wanting to use any of these methods for tank work is the distance from the subject. If the focus distance is at 4 inches but the subject is 12 inches into the tank, something has to give.

Indeed, there are many scenarios, and not all methods can be used. I might repeat this later today if I get a chance using something fairly still in the tank such as an sps polyp, although I'm never happy with any close macros I take from the tank as I find the tank glass affects them to much, unless on the glass itself.