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Best 'budget' tele-zoom for butterflies close-ups?

Started 6 months ago | Discussions thread
OP strawbale Senior Member • Posts: 2,453
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

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