Macro Lens for FX?
 

I can't find any lens which allows me to take videos in scale 2:1 or even 4:1. Am I spoiled from using DSLR cama and this feature is just no know for cams with out exchangeable lenses ?

Thanks for any hint in the right direction.

Cheers
Peter

I haven't tried any of these, but I have an assignment this fall in which I might need one for my Z5.

Raynox High Definition Conversion Lens Accessories for SONY HDR-FX1000, HDR-FX1000E, HVR-Z5E, HVR-Z5U, HVR-Z5 HVR Camcorders

I'd be interested in hearing feedback on any macro lenses.

Bill

Peter and Bill - the simplest and cheapest way to get powerful macro shots is to use a +4 or so dioptre close-up lens. You'll need to stop down to lose the run-away edges, but if you keep your subject matter central (as Raynox show) it can look ok.

With a +4 dioptre fitted your infinity focus will be 0.4 metre, so at full tele the results can be pretty impressive.

tom.

Bill,

excellent links thanks ! Price idea would be nice ...

Tom,
I never thought about this rather easy method ... perfect and I will give it a try.
BTW any good online store in the UK you can recommend ? With the current exchange rate to the € this might make my FX1000 cheaper ;)

If you can pop over to London 17 - 19 of this month you could visit the Video Forum at Earl's Court. There you would find what you were looking for, and more importantly you can look, feel, bargain, try, test, appraise any or all of the equipment that takes your fancy. I shall be there.

Tom,

just had a Meniscus surgery last week - no way to drive that far. Although form Brussel is "around the corner" .. too bad.

Here is a test from macro lens which si about what I'm looking for.

macro lens test on Vimeo

I see he's using a +5 but it's a properly corrected doublet I'd think (two elements cemented together to try and control the aberrations). A single element will be far cheaper but the edges will show the cost savings. I'd stick to a +3 or maybe a +4.

I was thinking of ordering this and trying it out in the field for a few days.

Raynox | DCR-5320PRO 3-In-1 High-Definition Macro | DCR5320

B & H has a great return policy in case I don't like it. I'll probably order it or in a few months.

Bill

Bill,

I found one in a Belgium store too - price is similar to what you have linked.

Tom,

do I understand it correctly that quality of the DCR-5320 would be much better then the single lens in my link (which is about 50% of the Raynox price). My policy is to buy the right tool immediately and not mess around with cheaper items which at the end don't match the needs.

I can't find reference to the 5320 on the Raynox site, but it is a good place to learn about the ins and outs of add-on lenses. Take a look at this page:

DCR-250 Super Macro conversion lens for D-SLR camera

for details on close-up and macro lenses. Click the lens for example shots.

The 5320 is $230 at B & H so I'd expect it to be a very good lens at that price. Of course there's no substitute for testing, and as I haven't done this, I won't recommend it.

tom.

Tom,

Check out this link:

DCR-5320PRO 3-in-1High Definition Macro conversion lens for Digital & High Definition Cameras

Thanks for the link Bill. It does indeed look to be an excellent design, whereby you can use the two lenses in tandem or separately. The multi-element design is fully coated and the 72 mm thread may be just what you need.

It'll undoubtedly be a whole lot better than a simple +3 dioptre close-up lens

tom.