A Different Kind of Macro Lens

Fotodiox manufactures a myriad of macro tools. We have macro gear for all levels, from as simple as an extension tube to something as experimental as a macro reverse rings. Even some of our adapters have some macro functionality. There are so many ways to achieve macro focus ranges, and these are the two main ways people do it:

Adding space between a lens and camera. Extension tubes, bellows, and macro helicoids fall under this category. As more space is added between the lens and camera, the closer your camera setup can focus. The decrease in minimum focus distance nets a larger reproduction rate, and it's ultimately a good way to use the lenses you already have.

Reversing the lens gives results that are a tad harder to predict, but they barely add any bulk to your camera kit, so it's easy to switch gears into macro without also carrying some of the bigger, heavier macro accessories.

These aren't the only options, however. Close-up filters (sometimes called diopter lenses) are another simple way to quickly achieve macro results. Think of it like putting a magnifying class in front of your lens. Like any filter, close-up filters screw onto your lens' filter thread. Generally, they're available in multiple sizes, so it's a matter of getting the right size for your lens. Alternatively, you could use a step-up or step-down ring to adapt a close-up filter to your lens in the case you don't the two filter thread sizes don't match.

We sell a variety of filters now, but unfortunately we don't sell close-up filters. To be more accurate we don't sell close-up filters in the standard sizes, (52mm, 55mm, 58mm, and so on), but we do have it for our WonderPana Go system, which uses an uncommon 53mm thread size. Thankfully, we have step-rings for our 53mm system, but there's one more major that arises:

Due to how the threads are implemented on the WonderPana Go system, the optics of the filter are the reverse of what'd you expect from a traditional filter. In other words, the front of the filter is on the side that has the male threads.

It sounds like a daunting task, but it's by no means impossible. We do have step-up rings for the 53mm filters, so that'll be our entry point into adapting it to our lenses. The size we used goes goes to 77mm female threads, so that it gives us the best flexibility for the setup. Initially, we hoped a 77mm to 52mm macro reverse ring would work, and it does work physically, but the threads aren't fully engaged:

A 77mm spacer ring helped fill the gap.

Just like that, our housing for the 53mm is complete. The close-up filters come in three different strengths: +2, +4, and +10. The higher the number, the stronger the effect and greater the magnification.

No filter

+2

+4

+10

To be clear, we chose 52mm because that matched the lens we used for the article, but that's not the only size available. With the right step-rings, almost any combination is possible, but be mindful of the lens' field of view to reduce the chance of vignetting.

If you wanted to do this with one less ring, it's totally possible for the +4 and +10 filters. Filters are generally held in with a retention ring, and the ring can be removed with a spanner wrench (the +2 filter doesn't have the slots for the wrench unfortunately). Flipping the glass around means you can use the setup without the spacing ring between the 53mm step ring and the macro reverse ring.

If you're interested in trying this setup out, contact our tech support team with as much info about your lens as possible, and we can figure out the best configuration for you!