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Is there anyone working with the A1 & add on lenses to get a closer macro range ?

I would be interested to see some results and hear some experiences ... Got my A1 a while ago and I am very happy with it, just want ot get a bit closer in macro shots of tiny insects

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Henk Wallays

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clouds are only water.

I found that my clarity was depleting. Can you believe that?
lightpro77

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Try using some close up diopters that can be found at your local camera store. As you lnow you will use a 49mm thread. I do that now with my sony s85 and just hold them in front. I can't wait till i get my A1! By the way have you played with external flash yet?


Lem

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Are there any decent macro lenses for the A1? i've been looking, without luck... I'd prefer something more propper than some close up diopters...i know they would work but its not my style :P

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~Croon

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Really you have three choices here since your A1 has a fixed lens. I know I was looking at the A1 and tryed a few, but did not get to run what I would call full test.

1- The easyest and cheapest of all is probably a set of 3 diopters. Diopters are single element magnifing glass that do a decent job. I have found quality ranges greatly, and the best set I have found is a no-name company for a brick & mortor store, but there are alot of other good brands out there. Dont get sucked into that "Its more expensive, so its better trick" though.

As for settings I would probably say leave it off macro and shoot with the diopter attached. If you need to get alot closer then turn on your macro and move in, but you will have to get really close and this often blocks alot of light.

Diopters are probably one of the cheapest thing you can by to expand your macro work. I have found most diopters work better with lens 200mm and down, so you A1 will work fine.

2- Close Up lenses. This is probably the best bet if your looking for quality. Canon (I think d500), Nikon, Olympus, and many other companys make these. The are much thicker and usually 2 or more elements. The fogging effect is almost eleminated and the quality is much better. BUT WATCH. I know Nikon has two versions one for smaller focal lenght lenses (50-80mm) and then another set for high focal length (200mm). I would say if your going for max macro then the higher focal length maybe more useful. I know I made the mistake ones and the center quality is good, but if matched wrongly the corners fog really bad.

3- Reversed SLR lens. This is more MAX macro power. I know you can take a 50mm symetrical SLR lens and reverse it and it will give you about the same power as a 20+ diopter. That does not sound like much, but thats a full frame photo of a flys eye! These setups are light robbers and need a tripod for most shoots. You will either love it or hate it. BUT ITS FUN!

If your doing indoor work this is great, but there are a few other tricks you can do to obtain GREAT nature photos when working with the wild ones. But that can be touched on later.

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I've found an wide angle adapter (Titanium brand) that has a rear lens that, if mounted alone on the camera, gives a good macro image. The adapter itself isn't agreat deal, because you can't use it with the max wide angle of the camera lens, it produces a round frame (without being a fisheye)
Bye

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