Extension tube in Olympus PT-ePO3 housing

[Nickbell]

I am looking at ways to maximize the use of the standard Olympus port on the PT-EPO3 with the standard Olympus kit lens 14-42 and after doing some calculations and measurements have worked out that the new auto extension tube (10mm) from Kenko will fit inside the housing on my Epl2. Calculations show that this should increase the in air magnification from 0.265 to approximately 0.5. This will allow me to photograph objects as small as 36mm on the 42mm lens. So far this is all theory as I am not willing to spend $179.00 for a kit of 2 extension tubes just to find out it does not work or the quality is poor. Is this a good option or is the wet lens a better option ? I already have a 9-18 lens and the Zen semi dome port is on the way. Without having to purchase an expensive macro lens and dedicated macro lens what are my best options.

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

The closeup lens is a much better choice for several reasons. When you add a closeup lens or an extension tube you reduce the distance between you and the subject by about half at the closes focus range if you increase magnifcation X2 as would be the case +/- with a +10 closeup lens. With the extension tube you loose a stop of light or two so at F/16 you would need the amount of light you would at F/22 or F/32 for the same exposure. The big difference is the fact that with the extension tube you are stuck in a very small range from close focus to how far you can back out. So you may have focus at 42mm from say three inches to ten inches and nothing else. It will not work well at the 14 mm end as well. With a closeup lens you can move it in or out to take full advantage of the lens range. Most U/W photographers that do add extension between lens and camera use tele converters which add distance between subject and camera not take it away.

Phil Rudin