Re: Best 'budget' tele-zoom for butterflies close-ups?
richj20 wrote:
strawbale wrote:
Additional question: what would help most to increase the magnification of such a tele-zoom, a close-up filter or an extension tube? If the former, what diopter would suffice?
Over on the MFT forum the Pansonic 100-300 ii was recommended by some. It would take care of the other uses you mentioned there (birds-in-garden, etc). I notice it is on sale for $388:
Indeed
https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Interchangeable-100-300mm-F4-0-5-6-International/dp/B01NAWQ85A/
Looks like an import from Japan which will mean added import tax (and possibly VAT) here in France, so will look around here in France too.
I mention it here since you ask about extension tubes vs close-up filter. Regarding filters, it's important to use an achromat - a 2 element diopter/close-up filter, rather than the cheap single element close-up filter.
I've always preferred a 2-element diopter over tubes. For me, it's easier to mount/remove the filter rather than remove lens/mount tube, etc. EG: quickly switching from photographing a bird at some distance, to something tiny close up.
Mine is a Nikon 6T, 2.9 diopters. No longer being made, but Raynox has similar. You can find charts on line showing the effect of different diopter strengths and focal lengths/working distance, etc. It depends on your use: do you want super magnification, or just to get closer to fill more of the frame?
I've used mine on my 100-400mm. It reduces the MWD from 4 feet to 1 foot more or less, depending on the focal length. I rarely zoomed past 150-200 mm to get close in to tiny things.
Very good to know


- Richard