Macro - magnification beyond 1:1 possible?

[kamran]

Hello everyone,

I showed my recently purchased Micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D to a botanist friend who regularly photographs very small insects. He was very impressed by the optics and quality of images. He also asked me if there's any way to get the magnification beyond 1:1 (say 2:1 or more).

Is there anyway I could increase the magnification ratio of the said lens? I've read that both extension tubes and teleconverters can increase the magnification ratio. What are the differences in both approaches?

Thanks.

[xerubus]

yes... extension tubes, bellows, close-up filters.. etc etc etc.

Tube length, divided by focal length = added magnification

take a look at tom hicks' info on this subject:

http://natureswildscapes.com/index.php? ... 3482352a77

cheers

[NikonUser]

Extension tubes allow the lens to achieve focus at a closer distance to the subject... therefore increasing magnification (I think it also increases focal length??)

Teleconverters will allow greater magnification without adjusting the minimum focus distance of the lens

Closeup Filters (Canon 500D etc) allow the lens to focus closer.

Paul

[Finch]

Kamran,

Another point to remember:

When using a teleconvertor, you tend to lose a little quality due to extra glass whereas with an extension tube, you don't lose any quality since there is no glass.

Cheers

Michael

[big pix]

Kamran,

Another point to remember:

When using a teleconvertor, you tend to lose a little quality due to extra glass whereas with an extension tube, you don't lose any quality since there is no glass.

Cheers

Michael

but with both you will lose 1 to 2 stops, creating a loss of depth of field...... also your point of focus is much harder to obtain,

[greencardigan]

I've used close-up filters, bellows, and reversed lenses.

The reversed lenses gave me the most sucess when looking for high magnifications. Works like an extra strong closeup filter.

Have yet to get my hands on some extension rings, although the bellows are essentially an adjustable extension ring.

I think bellows will give the highest magnification ratio.

[kamran]

Thanks for the guidance!

I have two short questions:

1. Connecting extension tubes / bellows will result in AF not working. Is this correct?

2. By connecting extension tubes / bellows, the working distance will decrease i.e. the lens will be more closer to the object. Is this correct?

Also, Nikon site lists that the minimum focusing distance is 31cm while my lens can focus at up to 12cm. Is something wrong with my lens?

Thanks again !

[NikonUser]

1) Kenko extension tubes will retain Autofocus if there is enough light available but I believe that Nikon extension tubes don't have the AF contacts

2) Correct

3) The lens focus distance is measured from the imaging plane not the front of the lens. You should measure it from the mark on the camera body to the subject.

Paul

[rooboy]

I've read about a truly bizarre lens, the Canon 1-5x Macro. Does Nikon make an equivalent to this piece of glass? It'd be a good way to go if you REALLY need to get up close, but incredibly hard to use well. It has no focus ring, the only way to focus is by moving it back and forth - it's pretty much a microscope mounted on a camera.