Hi, just bought a 500D achromatic diopter in 72 mm since the Century Optics is about 300 USD more. So far, it seems to work quite well, although I am really looking for extreme macro shots.
When I find some time, I will post some screen shot
Well, I have to admit that I have not been able to test it much yet. Plus, I really do not know a good comparison shot to show the difference.
So far, I can say that the 500D allows me to get about the same macro magnification you would get if you were to remove the lens shade and get as close to your subject as possible - only now for a comfortable distance.
So the macro effect hasn't actually changed, it is just now available from a distance.
The reason I bought it is that I often shoot videos in our factory for training purposes and to get the close-up I needed, I literally had to interfere with the line workerand hold the camera close the the particular machine I wanted to capture.
Now, I can leave the camera on the tripod and get the same detail over the worker's shoulder...I hope this doesn't sound to confusing...
By the way, the 500D resulted ina very narrow DOP, so it may actually have other desirable effects for non-macro use.
ddh, if you can imagine a good comparison shot I will try my best to do it and post it here.
As a final thought I would like to amend that I don't think the Century Optics diopter does anything more, it just costs 3x.
I bought a close up lens too off of ebay ust to try it. I think it gives me about a 10-20% increase in zoom but I have only tried it indoors. It seems to focus ok too. I put it up to the lens by hand and took it away to get a sense of how much it works. I dont know the numbers of the lens and its some no name brand, I just wanted to see if it would work.
OPp...
chinadan,
The only thing I'd like to check out is the DOF - say six feet to the subject and six feet beyond to a background. Then 10 feet from the subject with about the same in background. That would give me a good idea about DOF in a practical sense. thanks.
???
I am afraid that they are right...zooming in reduces DOF, and the diopter dramatically amplifies this. Eventually it will act like a macro lens an only provide a very shallow DOF, maybe a couple of millimeters but your subject will be magnified.
I will try to play around with it tonight and see if there is any possible use for DOF (e.g. by increasing the distance to the subject).
Hey Zoom,
Do you think this will work the same as a achromatic diopter?
For building the crazy Mini35/alt version where you put a 35mm still lens in a shorttube then attach it to the DVX with this Canon 500D closeup lens??
It all depends.. I have 4 or 5 different powered Diopters so I can get as close as a few cm... on all of them though its hard to lock focus past about a 70 or 80 zoom level... but Diopters are basically big magnifying glasses so, as you can see with lego dude, if you want any more zoom you gotta put a bigger diopter on...