Micro 4/3s, my next step Macro strategy.

I keep thinking about using macro primes (and a larger sensor) but as yet I haven't found a setup that I think I would like to use. So for now I'm carrying on with achromats. Currently I'm using a 45-175 on a G3 with four achromats: Canon 500D, Raynox 150, Raynox 250 and Raynox MSN-202. The 45-175 works rather nicely with achromats because it doesn't extend, which is particularly useful for the more powerful achromats. Indeed I found the MSN-202, which will go down to a scene width of about 4.5mm, almost unusable on the 45-200 (which does extend of course) but very usable on the 45-175.

I've considered the Panasonic and Olympus MFT prime macros, but they both seem to have rather short working distances for my taste. And both only go down to 1:1, and I go beyond that quite often, and I'm not sure I'd like using extension tubes. As it is with my current setup I can use the swivelly LCD, get reliable, fast AF (which I use most of the time, with "pinpoint" focusing) and AE, with tolerable working distances, and I can change achromats to get different ranges of magnification without having to expose the sensor, which feels like a good idea out in the field when everything is wet or, worse, when the air is dusty/pollen-laden.

This is a mixture of 45-175 and 45-200 with 500D, 150 and 250. No MSN-202 images amongst these I think.

2-image stack

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Nick
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gardenersassistant/