2x Dipoter results

[cavemanxxx]

Went down with my Nikkor 60mm and a 2x dipoter for the first time ( diopter on loan). Results :-

Enjoyed the 2x image size, and I would say I prefer 2:1 than 1:1. Down side, well, focusing became more slow at close macro's, and, had a big problem at max focus point. For some reason ( I aint a lens specialist ) the focus point was bought closer to the lens ( using a Sea and Sea NX 80 housing ), so close that I could not get a good close up of commesural shrimps. Main reason was the focus was so close to the lens that the strobe diameter was too big, and actually bigger than the focal point. I could not get in close enough to take the shot.

The other problem was that you had to get very close, and shy animals would be impossible to shoot.

Anyone got any advice ? I know some people take the 200mm with the 2x diopter, at least you get some space between the lens and the subject.

Any one got advice on the right config for 2:1 and keeping about 30 cm distance from the subject ?

 

[Rooster]

A 2x “diopter” will not get you 2:1. Diopters are not 2x, 3x, 4x, they are +2, +3, +4. This is the same as with prescription lenses which can either be + or -. A +2 lens prescription dose not yield a 2x magnification. I can’t remember off the top of my head what a +2 diopter will yield, but there are several sites online that explain this better than I can. If you want to get to 2:1 with your 60mm, the best way is with a quality 2X “Teleconverter”. I use a Kenko Pro 2X, and 3X (for 3:1) teleconverters, on both my 60 and 105nn lenses. A 2X teleconverter doubles (2x), the focal length, making your 60 into a 120mm. They also maintain your original “minimum focus distance”, which for the 60mm is 8”. This gives you the 2:1 at 8”. A diopter gives you an increase by allowing you to focus closer, but you would have to be able to focus at 4” to yield 2:1 with your 60mm. Also, as you found, you lose infinity with diopters. Also some diopters will soften your image around the edges. The problem with teleconverters is the loss of available light. You lose approximately 2 f-stops of light, and the depth of field will be half that of to original lens. Because you lose 2 f-stops, you will need more light from your strobes. Not too much of a problem with Macro. The converter will slow down auto-focus, and make it hunt more, or not lock at all. I normally use the auto-focus to get close, switch to manual, then move the camera in and out to attain sharp focus. With a converter you will need an extension ring for your port. This coupled with the cost of the converter can get expensive. Diopters are much cheaper, but they won’t yield the results.

This was done with a 105 and 2X converter, not quite at 2:1, but close

 

[cavemanxxx]

Thanks for the advice ! I was using a 2x something made by Kenko which I borrowed from a friend. The image was definately larger, I was happy with the depth of field and picture quality, but I did have to get about 4" from the subject for max focus. Was a real problem, and the strobes were preventing me from getting so close ( let alone shy animals not wanting to be so close )

Thanks for the explaination of dipoter and teleconverter, I thought they were the same thing. I think it was obviously a dipoter I was using. Will need to get the teleconverter.

Great picture of the Bumble Bee Shrimp by the way

See ya