Follow-up: Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter

In my last blog post, I mentioned that minor vignetting can be a problem when the Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter is mounted on some macro- and non-macro camera lenses.

Canon 100mm macro lens

In case you’re wondering whether vignetting is a problem when using two step-down rings with the Canon 100mm macro lens, it isn’t. As it turns out, the front lens element is recessed quite a bit from the lens barrel so the step-down rings cover little if any glass. Source Credit: Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter, by Walter Sanford.

The first photo shows the front lens element of the Canon 100mm macro lens is in fact recessed quite a bit from the lens barrel.

Lens barrel without nested step-down rings.

The next photo shows the nested 67-52mm and 52-43mm step-down rings that I use to mount the Raynox DCR-250 on my Canon 100mm macro lens. Look closely at the full-size version of this image and you should see the step-down rings don’t cover any of the camera lens.

Lens barrel with nested step-down rings.

Disclaimer: This might or might not be true for other makes and models of 100mm macro lenses.

Panasonic Lumix superzoom bridge cameras

The camera lens will need to be adjusted for at least some slight telephoto zoom in order to eliminate the vignetting caused by mounting a 43mm filter on a lens with a 52mm filter size. Source Credit: Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter, by Walter Sanford.

A Guide To Using Raynox Close Up Lenses on the FZ200 Camera, by Graham Houghton is the second item listed under “Related Resources” in my last blog post. Page 6 of Graham’s excellent guide describes a simple way to set-up both my Panasonic Lumix DCR-150 and DCR-300 superzoom bridge cameras so that vignetting isn’t a problem.

p. 6, A Guide To Using Raynox Close Up Lenses on the FZ200 Camera, by Graham Houghton.

For the DMC-FZ300, press the “Menu/Set” button on the back of the camera, then select the camera icon in the left side-bar. Navigate to page 7/7 and select “Conversion”; select the icon for close-up lens. When the camera is powered-on, it will zoom to 4x (121 mm) automatically and the aperture will be limited to f/4 or smaller (f/4 to f/8).

For my older DMC-FZ150, the set-up process is the same except “Conversion” appears on page 5/5. Zoom is set to 4x and the aperture is limited to f/3.6 or smaller (f/3.6 to f/8).

Using either camera, the lens can be adjusted for greater than 4x zoom, resulting in more magnification.

Copyright © 2021 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter

I watched a video by Micael Widell recently that reminded me the Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter is a good value given its versatility.

Before I bought the Raynox close-up filter many years ago, I was skeptical that it would work. I still can’t explain why it works with many lenses I own including both macro- and non-macro lenses, but I can tell you with certainty it does work and works well!

Canon 100mm macro lens

The Canon 100mm macro lens has a maximum magnification of 1:1. Micael Widell says adding the Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter to the lens increases the magnification from 1x to 2x. According the B&H Photo Specs page for the Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter, its magification is 2.5x.

Calculating magnification is tricky and not as straightforward as one might think. In this case it doesn’t matter whether Mr. Widell or B&H Photo is correct, the fact of the matter is adding a Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter to your lens should at least double the magnification.

The first photograph shows the following equipment, couterclockwise from the upper-left: “snap-on universal adapter” for Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter; Raynox close-up filter mounted on a 52-43mm step-down ring; and a 67-52mm step-down ring.

Several mounting adapters for Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter.

The Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter comes with a “snap-on universal adapter” for mounting the filter on lenses with a filter size from 52-67mm. The universal adapter clips on the front of a lens the same as a lens cap. That’s OK for use in a photo studio but less than ideal for use in the field. In my opinion, it’s better to use inexpensive step-down rings to mount the close-up filter more securely.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II macro photography kit.

The Rube Goldberg rig shown above has a lot of parts, but for the purpose of this blog post focus on the Canon 100mm macro lens and Raynox DCR-250 mounted on the lens using nested 67-52mm and 52-43mm step-down rings.

In case you’re wondering whether vignetting is a problem when using two step-down rings with the Canon 100mm macro lens, it isn’t. As it turns out, the front lens element is recessed quite a bit from the lens barrel so the step-down rings cover little if any glass.

Panasonic Lumix superzoom bridge cameras

Both my Panasonic Lumix DCR-150 and DCR-300 superzoom bridge cameras feature a 52mm filter thread size. So it’s simple to use a 52-43mm step-down ring to mount the Raynox DCR-250 close-up filter on either camera lens.

Raynox DCR-250 not mounted on the camera lens.

The camera lens will need to be adjusted for at least some slight telephoto zoom in order to eliminate the vignetting caused by mounting a 43mm filter on a lens with a 52mm filter size.

Both cameras feature a 24x zoom lens, so when the Raynox DCR-250 is added to the kit the actual magnification will vary depending upon the focal length for which the camera lens is set.

Raynox DCR-250 shown mounted on the camera lens.

Related Resources

• 3 Ways to Increase Your Macro Lens Magnification from 1x to 2x! by Micael Widell (7:15). (00:54) 1. Raynox filter. (02:22) 2. Extension tubes. (05:13) 3. teleconverter (called an “extender” by Canon).
• A Guide To Using Raynox Close Up Lenses on the FZ200 Camera by Graham Houghton – “A fairly comprehensive look at the selection and use of the Raynox macro lenses [close-up filters] that are available for achieving close up images with the FZ200 camera.”
• RaynoxAdapterCalculator – another good resource from the Extreme Macro Web site.
• Sensor Size and Magnification – correcting a common misunderstanding, by Allan Walls Photography (20:02). The video segment from 5:48 to 14:33 is money, especially the discussion related to the “Thin Lens Formula” beginning around 11:24.
• Sensor Size Matters – Part 1 (the Front Half) – A Demonstration, by Allan Walls Photography (19:51). This demonstration is follow-up for the preceding video.

Copyright © 2021 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

MYN – Anisoptera exuvia (dorsal view)

An Anisoptera exuvia (species unknown) was collected by Mike Powell, my good friend and photowalking buddy. Although the exact date and location are unknown, we know the specimen was collected sometime during 2019 somewhere in Northern Virginia.

The specimen is definitely a dragonfly, probably from either Family Corduliidae (Emeralds) or Family Libellulidae (Skimmers), as indicated by its mask-like labium and thin antennae. Notice the row of mid-dorsal hooks located along several abdominal segments.

2019 | Anisoptera exuvia (dorsal view)

Related Resource: MYN – Anisoptera exuvia (species unknown). [Face-head-dorsal view of the same specimen featured in this blog post.]

Tech Tips

This subject was photographed against a pure white background (255, 255, 255) using the “Meet Your Neighbours” (MYN) technique.

Three photos were used to create a composite image: one photo focused on the head; another focused on the mid-abdomen; and a third focused on abdominal segment 10 (S10).

For what it’s worth, the following camera settings were used to shoot all three photos: 100mm; ISO 100; f/8; 1/200 s; 0 ev. The power ratios for an array of four external flash units were as follows: Group A = 1/2 +0.3 (primary backlight); Group B = off (secondary backlight); Group C = 1/4 (subject, stage right); Group D = 1/16 (subject, handheld stage left).

Copyright © 2020 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

MYN – Anisoptera exuvia (species unknown)

An Anisoptera exuvia (species unknown) was collected by Mike Powell, my good friend and photowalking buddy. Although the exact date and location are unknown, we know the specimen was collected sometime during 2019 somewhere in Northern Virginia.

The specimen is definitely a dragonfly, probably from either Family Corduliidae (Emeralds) or Family Libellulidae (Skimmers), as indicated by its mask-like labium and thin antennae.

2019 | Anisoptera exuvia (face-head-dorsal)

Related Resource: MYN – Anisoptera exuvia (dorsal view). [Dorsal view of the same specimen featured in this blog post.]

Tech Tips

This subject was photographed against a pure white background (255, 255, 255) using the “Meet Your Neighbours” (MYN) technique.

Three photos were used to create a composite image: two photos focused on the head; and another photo focused on the prementum. I must say I’m fairly pleased by the way the final image turned out, best appreciated by viewing the full-size version of the composite.

My Canon EOS 5D Mark II is a full-frame DSLR digital camera. RAW images are 5616 × 3744 pixels. The dimensions of the composite image are 5385 × 3657 pixels, that is, slightly smaller than full-frame. It’s usually necessary to crop composite images, at least a little, because the individual photos used to create the composite don’t align perfectly, even when the camera is mounted on a tripod (as it was in this case).

For what it’s worth, the following camera settings were used to shoot all three photos: 100mm; ISO 100; f/8; 1/200 s; 0 ev. The power ratios for an array of four external flash units were as follows: Group A = 1/16 (primary backlight); Group B = 1/32 (secondary backlight); Group C = 1/4 (subject, stage right); Group D = 1/8 (subject, handheld stage left).

I’m still searching for the “sweet spot” for this camera/lens combo. The white background was slightly under-exposed by approximately 1.5 stops, so I need to increase the flash power ratios for Group A and B. The subject was exposed almost perfectly, so Group C and D are close to spot on. Trial and error is the MYN way!

Copyright © 2020 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

MYN – Anisoptera exuvia (species unknown)

An Anisoptera exuvia (species unknown) was collected near a small pond at Occoquan Regional Park (ORP), Fairfax County, Virginia USA.

This individual probably is a member of the Family Libellulidae (Skimmers), as indicated by its anal pyramid. The small pond where the specimen was collected is perfect habitat for skimmers.

01 JUN 2019 | ORP | Anisoptera exuvia (dorsal–lateral view)

Related Resource: Another unknown species of odonate exuvia – a blog post by Walter Sanford featuring a “one-off” photo (that is, not a composite image) of the same specimen.

Tech Tips

This subject was photographed against a pure white background (255, 255, 255) using the “Meet Your Neighbours” (MYN) technique.

Two photos were used to create a composite image: one photo focused on the head; and another photo focused on abdominal segments seven (S7) through nine (S9).

My Canon EOS 5D Mark II is a full-frame DSLR digital camera. RAW images are 5616 × 3744 pixels. The dimensions of the composite image are 5589 × 3743 pixels, that is, essentially full-frame. It’s usually necessary to crop composite images, at least a little, because the individual photos used to create the composite don’t align perfectly, even when the camera is mounted on a tripod (as it was in this case).

For what it’s worth, the following camera settings were used to shoot both photos: 100mm; ISO 100; f/8; 1/200 s; 0 ev. I need to tweak the settings a little in order to find the “sweet spot” for this camera/lens combo: the white background was slightly over-exposed; and the subject was slightly under-exposed. Of course that means I need to tweak the flash power for the backlights and add one or more additional external flash units for more fill flash. Overall, I’m fairly satisfied with the results of my first attempt using the MYN technique with this camera rig.

Copyright © 2020 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

Post update: Aeshna umbrosa exuvia

Male odonates have two sets of sex organs: primary genitalia located on abdominal segment nine (S9); and secondary genitalia located on abdominal segments two-to-three (S2-3).

Closer examination of some test shots of the following Shadow Darner dragonfly (Aeshna umbrosa) exuvia, photographed on 02 December 2018, showed both sets of vestigial genitalia are clearly visible on the ventral side of this specimen.

Shadow Darner (Aeshna umbrosa) | exuvia (lateral-ventral)

Aeshna umbrosa (mating pair)

All odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) have a 10-segmented abdomen, numbered from front to back. Male dragonfly secondary genitalia, called hamules, are located in segments two and three (S2 and S3); female genitalia in segment eight (S8). Male and female dragonflies form the mating wheel in order for their genitalia to connect during copulation.

A. umbrosa (in wheel). Photo used with permission from Patrick Boez.

Related Resource: Test shots: Aeshna umbrosa exuvia.

Copyright © 2020 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

Cordulegaster sp. larva (dorsal view)

This post features a focus-stacked composite image that shows a dorsal view of an odonate larva/nymph from the Family Cordulegastridae (Spiketails) that was collected and reared by Bob Perkins. The larva died before it metamorphosed into an adult.

Cordulegaster sp. larva (female) | dorsal view

Most larvae go through 10-13 stages of development known as “instars.” The author lacks sufficient experience to identify the instar of this specimen, although it appears to be one of the later stages as indicated by its well-developed wing pads.

Related Resources

• Test shot: Cordulegaster sp. larva
• Cordulegaster sp. larva (ventral view)

Tech Tips

12 photos were used to create the focus stack. A single focus point was positioned over select anatomical features; photos were taken at each point of interest.

The following equipment was used to shoot all of the photographs for the focus-stacked composite image, shown above: Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital camera, in manual mode; Kenko 20mm macro automatic extension tube; Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro lens (set for manual focus); and Canon MT-26EX-RT Macro Twin Lite set for “Master” mode, and several external flashes set for “Slave” mode including Canon 580 EX- and Canon 580EX II Speedlites and a Godox TT685C Thinklite TTL Flash fitted with a Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 flash modifier.

Auto power-off was disabled for the camera and all external flash units.

Adobe Photoshop CC 2017 was used to create the focus-stacked composite image, as well as spot-heal and sharpen the final output.

Copyright © 2019 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

Cordulegaster sp. larva (ventral view)

Bob Perkins collected and reared an odonate larva/nymph from the Family Cordulegastridae (Spiketails). The larva died before it metamorphosed into an adult.

This post features a focus-stacked composite image that shows a ventral view of the preserved larva; a composite image showing the dorsal view will be published in my next blog post.

Cordulegaster sp. larva (female) | ventral view

This individual is a female, as indicated by her rudimentary ovipositor that can be seen on the ventral side of the specimen along the boundary between abdominal segments eight and nine (S8-9). Do you see it?

Related Resources

• Test shot: Cordulegaster sp. larva.
• Cordulegaster sp. larva (dorsal view)

Tech Tips

Nine (9) photos were used to create the focus stack. A single focus point was positioned over select anatomical features; photos were taken at each point of interest.

The following equipment was used to shoot all of the photographs for the focus-stacked composite image, shown above: Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital camera, in manual mode; Kenko 20mm macro automatic extension tube; Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro lens (set for manual focus); and Canon MT-26EX-RT Macro Twin Lite set for “Master” mode, and several external flashes set for “Slave” mode including Canon 580 EX- and Canon 580EX II Speedlites and a Godox TT685C Thinklite TTL Flash fitted with a Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 flash modifier.

Auto power-off was disabled for the camera and all external flash units.

Adobe Photoshop CC 2017 was used to create the focus-stacked composite image, as well as spot-heal and sharpen the final output.

Copyright © 2019 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

More composite images: P. obscurus exuvia

The following focus-stacked composite images show dorsal- and ventral views of the exuvia from a Common Sanddragon (Progomphus obscurus) larva that was collected and reared by Bob Perkins.

Common Sanddragon (P. obscurus) | exuvia (dorsal)

Here are some personal observations after examining the specimen carefully.

• Large eyes, shaped like Crescent Moons (as seen in face-head view).
• Hairy antennae.
• Lateral spines on abdominal segments five through nine (S5-9).
• Dorsal hooks on S2-9: prominent on S2, less prominent on S3; vestigial on S4-9.
• “Shoulder pads” on thorax.
• Cerci approximately one-third as long as paraprocts; epiproct and paraprocts about equal in length.

Common Sanddragon (P. obscurus) | exuvia (ventral)

The front- and middle legs block the mentum (prementum). This specimen is a good candidate for rehydrating the exuvia and reposing its legs.

Related Resource: Composite image: Progomphus obscurus exuvia.

Tech Tips

Six (6) photos were used to create the first focus stack; seven (7) photos were used for the second. A single focus point was positioned over select anatomical features, working from back-to-front; photos were taken at each point of interest.

The following equipment was used to shoot all of the photographs for the two focus-stacked composite images, shown above: Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital camera, in manual mode; Kenko 20mm macro automatic extension tube; Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro lens (set for manual focus); and Canon MT-26EX-RT Macro Twin Lite set for “Master” mode, and several external flashes set for “Slave” mode including Canon 580 EX- and Canon 580EX II Speedlites and a Godox TT685C Thinklite TTL Flash fitted with a Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 flash modifier.

Adobe Photoshop CC 2017 was used to create the focus-stacked composite images, as well as spot-heal and sharpen the final output.

Copyright © 2019 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

Composite image: Shadow Darner dragonfly

Bob Perkins collected and reared a Shadow Darner dragonfly (Aeshna umbrosa) larva/nymph. This blog post features a focus-stacked composite image of a beautifully preserved specimen of the adult that emerged from the larva.

This individual is a male, as indicated by his “indented” hind wings.

Shadow Darner (Aeshna umbrosa) | face-head-dorsal

Artifacts

In my experience, focus stacking either works or it doesn’t. When it doesn’t work, “artifacts” appear in the final output that can be caused by many factors. There are work-arounds that can be used to repair the artifacts with mixed success. (See Tech Tips/Related Resources.)

I shot 19 photographs that were used to create a focus-stacked composite image of the Shadow Darner dragonfly. There’s a lot going on in those photos that caused too many artifacts to publish the final output. Several of the more noticeable artifacts are shown below.

Can you see three artifacts?

Artifacts highlighted.

I created another composite image; I used as many photos as I could before the first artifacts appeared. As it turns out, only five of 19 photos were used in the do-over composite image (shown at the beginning of this blog post). Look closely — some of the same artifacts are also noticeable in the do-over version.

Related Resources

• Test shots: Shadow Darner dragonfly.
• Test shots: Aeshna umbrosa exuvia.

Tech Tips

The following equipment was used to shoot the preceding composite image: Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital camera, in manual mode; Kenko macro automatic extension tubes (12mm, 20mm, and 36mm); Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro lens (set for manual focus); and Canon MT-26EX-RT Macro Twin Lite set for “Master” mode, and several external flashes set for “Slave” mode including Canon 580 EX- and Canon 580EX II Speedlites and a Godox TT685C Thinklite TTL Flash fitted with a Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 flash modifier.

Auto power-off was disabled for the camera and all external flash units.

Adobe Photoshop CC 2017 was used to spot-heal and sharpen the final output.

Tech Tips/Related Resources

• How to Focus-Stack Macro Images using Photoshop, by Don Komarechka.
• Stack it up — a guide to using the focus stacking photography technique
• Zerene Stacker Slabbing [The “Extreme Macro” Web site features lots of good resources.]

Copyright © 2019 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.