Using Close up filters with Nikon Micro 60mm

Joined: 14 Jan 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Sydney, Australia

I recently picked up a set of Hoya Close up Filters (+1, +2 and +4) to use with my Nikon Micro 60mm lens. I did some test shots, photographing a 5c piece (19mm across) at 10cm away from the lens, with and without the filters.

I found that the lens by itself gave the largest image, and using the filters reduced the size of the image. I believe this is because the filters are changing the minimum distance that I can focus the lens. Does this sound correct?? Also, if use extension tubes with the filters, should magnification, and because of the filters, keep the focusing close??

Thanks in advance
Anthony.

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 11:22 am

I'm not quite clear on what your trying to accomplish here.

I personally would not use close-up filters on the Micro lens as it usually cuts down on the quality of the final image.

If you want to get more magnification (a larger image) I would suggest using just the extension tubes. You will get much better results just using them.

The close up filters are more suited to regular lenses that you want to use to get closer with.

Joined: 04 Jun 2006 Posts: 114 Location: Knoxville, TN

Close up filters are designed to give you focus at a much closer distance. If the camera remains 10cm from the subject it doesn't matter what filter you put on it, it will remain about the same size...
Moving the camera closer (with the lens set at it's minimum focus distance and the filter in place) will allow you to get closer and by extension simulate a more powerful macro.
Ideally, the extension tube is better, but if it can't get as close as you want, I'd use either the filters or the tube and not use both unless I had to.
I've attached an image that shows the setups:

A designation of closeup filters are the "field" or the shape of the glass...I don't like anything but a flat field, all others will distort the image, which is useful in some cases, but generally undesirable.
Hope that helps.

Cheers,
Michael