Recently just bought a Nikon 85mm F/1.8, found out that the focus minimum distance is quite far, making some small size subject (food etc) become quite small in the photos.

right now I am looking for option of reducing the focus distance of this lens, either extension tube or macro filter.
But I have no experience on these tools.

Really appreciate if some experts here can share out your experience in using these tools, what brand is recommended, and price range as well.
Thanks!

I think it is best that you try out extension tubes of macro conversion lenses first before buying, as there are many different models, each offering a different magnification.

For example, if you are taking photos of food, the Raynox-250 macro conversion lens will surely be out since it focuses really really close (unless you want to take photos of ants on the food its not suitable). Raynox-150 may be suitable but it is kind of rare. Plus you have to check whether they can be mounted onto the 85mm F1.8 or not

Based on my experiences with extension tubes, I think a 12mm or 20mm extension tubes are what you are looking for. However, take note that these tubes are not sold separately. Cheap ones (RM30) are plastic and manual; expensive ones (RM300-500) are sturdier and allows AF, but not really worth it if you buy the whole set just to use the 12mm/20mm tube.

Hi Bro, Thanks for your sharing, really appreciate that!
It seems like extension tube is not quite famous around, not many know this kind of tools.

I was thinking of getting whole set, so at the same time I can shoot on some jewels and tiny small item as well.
By the way, instead of Raynox that you said is quite rare, how about Kenko? any thought?

Don't mention it
Extension tubes are only popular in the macro world haha
Learn more about extension tubes, reverse rings and macro adaptors here: http://pixelsdimension.com/getting-your-first-macro-camera/

You will probably need to have a flash to shoot items using extension tubes, this is because these tubes actually reduce the amount of light falling onto your camera sensor (unlike Raynox); on top of the need to use very small apertures for wider DOF for macro shots.
For Extension tubes that allow autofocus, usually its just Meike (~RM300) and Kenko (~RM550)

I have 2 sets of Kenko tubes, and after shooting macro for so long, I would recommend against them, cause they will eventually fail (electronic connection with the camera will become lose- no more AF). I think it is best that you spend the money to try and look for a Raynox 150 (I think Shashinki got sell @~RM350) instead, see whether (i) the adaptor fits on your 85mm; (ii) the magnification is ngam for the stuffs you shoot or not first

So Raynox is Macro Conversion Lens (MCL), right?
wow, that is so much info from your sharing, really thanks on this!

Do you have a FB? if possible we pm on this, thanks!

would prefer tube.

go for tubes.. they are affordable and most are now made of aluminium loss wax castings.. keep off the add on glass thingy..

IF you want to go a bit further then use helicoid combo but that is expensive..

They are all manual focus so it will not cost too much.. If you want auto then you have to pay for the extra.

Once you go past 1:1 magnification they you will start to face new problems like insufficient light issues and focus stability.. that will require a good steady tripod and possible xy focus table and remote release..

So if you are shopping for a tripod anytime soon too.. this is something you need to plan in advance or back track and pay double..

Thanks bro for your recommendation! appreciate that.

Have you heard of close-up filter? any comment on this?

Some result using Raynox 250, it seems to be too close up nearly macro.

With 50mm lens


With 85mm lens


the face of the subject is about size of our tumbnail, around 2-3 cm (you can imagine the magnification)

Now I am seeking for another option, HOYA close up filter which comes with +1, +2 and +4.
any comment?

This post has been edited by jason_tan1980: Apr 5 2015, 09:50 PM

Should try Raynox-150 instead since its only 1.5x magnification
But its around RM400 in price now with GST

How much are those Hoya close up filters?

HOYA filter is around RM150, I am looking into this, as Macro is not really what my intention is.

RM150 sounds good ah