RaynoxDCR-150 Macro Snap-on Adapter with 49 mm Front Filter Thread for 52-67 mm Filter Black

Raynox DCR 150 lens with Fujifilm XT-20 and Fujifilm 18-55 zoom lens.There is a bewildering amount of equipment available to get into close-up photography.My requirement is to be able to photograph butterflies, bees and garden flowers close-up and as simply as possible.After a lot of investigation and consideration, I purchased the Raynox 150 DCR Lens. I felt the Raynox 250 DCR which has greater magnification would prove more problematic in terms of working distance and the ability to focus correctly for the inexperienced user.This then is my kit for relatively stress-free and easy close-up photographs:Fujifilm XT-20 with 18 - 55 zoom lens. A step-down ring 58mm to 43mm to attach the Raynox lens directly to the front of the Fujifilm lens, a 1B skylight filter 49mm to protect the Raynox glass and a 49mm pinch lens cap. To replace the push-on Raynox lens cap.Camera settings. Auto ISO from ISO 200 (default minimum on the Fujifilm XT-20) to ISO 800 with a minimum shutter speed of 1/250 second. The aperture is set to F8 or F11. The shutter speed is set to ‘A’ Auto. Film simulation to Velvia Vivid The lens is zoomed out to 50 - 55mmWith this setup, there is no need to use flash and all photographs are taken hand-held.Choose a sunny day with no wind and the majority of photographs will be processed at between ISO 200 and 400 at 1/250 second at F8 (or F11) which is fine for cropping and a little enlargement with a basic editing programme.With close-up lenses focusing is not easy as there is a very shallow depth of field. I use autofocus or manual to suit the subject and working distance. Take a lot of photographs and expect to delete around 70%, keeping the ones that are in focus and pleasing to the eye.If using the Fujifilm 18 - 55 lens in conjunction with the Raynox 150 DCR lens at around the maximum zoom of 55mm there will be some vignetting. This does not appear to be detrimental and I often crop just inside the vignetting area to produce the final photograph.Conclusion: I recommend the Raynox 150 DCR lens to get into close-up photography.The results are very acceptable and at a reasonable price compared to purchasing a dedicated macro lens.

I got this to attach to the lenses I use on my micro 4/3 camera, to see if I could get any decent close-ups of insects, flowers etc. I never expected the results to be so impressive!The DCR-150 is threaded 43mm at the rear and 49mm at the front. It comes with an adapter that it can screw into, which will then clip into the filter threads on any lens, up to 67mm. It locates very securely, although it's best to centralise it once mounted (quick jiggle, very easy) and nothing contacts the front element of your main lens.In use, it's best to choose a medium to long telephoto focal length - I've tried it on a Tamron 70-300 VC on an APS-C body and it works at all lengths. There's some evidence of vignetting creeping in at the shorter end though.It's main use for me is on a 100-300 micro 4/3 fit zoom though and there it's best between 100 and 200mm (200-400 effective). There it gives me a good balance of working distance, magnification and depth of field. TAKE NOTE, though that DOF is very shallow indeed.The camera's AF system still works fine behind the adapter. However it's best, in my limited experience so far, to fix the focus point and then gently lean forward or back if hand holding until the desired points are in focus. On a tripod you will of course have more control.I found I needed apertures of f/11 to f/16 for most of the subjects I've tried so far (beetles, spiders, moths etc). This of course means upping the ISO to get a sensible shutter speed - there are no free lunches!The effect on image quality is minimal - if it has any at all to speak of - and I've managed some sharp, detailed, contrasty images already.If you're keen to do some macro or close-up work and can't stretch to a dedicated lens, I fully recommend looking into one of these adapters. It's not too fiddly to use and adds a lot of fun to your photography for very little outlay!NB There IS one thing I'd change about it - the front lens cap is damn near impossible to fit and remove. I've ordered a clip-in one from ebay for a couple of pounds. Not enough of an issue to lower my opinion of it though - its the performance for less than £40 that matters!

Want to try macro photography without spending a lot of money on special lens' or messing around with extension tubes? This great little bit of kit is for you then.Simple squeeze the arms either side of the lens adapter and clip it onto the front of most standard lenses to give your camera a closer focus.Like a screw on close up filter this has the added bonus of being able to fit on most filter threads on many different lenses.The convertor comes in a well built solid case with protector caps over both ends of the glass element which screws into the holder. A big foam block stops the two parts bouncing around in the box when not being used.The main trick to this bit of kit though, as with most macro lenses, is to take off the auto focus and move the camera body or manually focus the lens to get the object of your photography sharp.The Depth of Field with be narrower with this attached too so make sure you bump up your F stop and provide plenty of light. I would highly recommend this to anyway wanting to dip their toes into the close up world of macro or even if you're just wanting that little bit extra magnification on your macro lens.