Well, things does not always go according to planned as we all know.
A couple of months ago, I had the intention of getting a budget macro lens; the ones that are made in China. I've narrowed down my choice to either a TTArtisan or an 7Artisans.
Guess what. I bought a Nisi 58mm close-up lens (NOTE: a Lazada Malaysia affiliate link) (Also available on Amazon.com - Note: an Amazon affiliate link) instead in the end.
The deciding factor: the ability to auto-focus when shooting macro. I already own a Raynox DCR-250 (a +8 dioptre lens), by the way. But I felt that I needed the extra working distance than a +8 dioptre close-up lens offers.
Yes I know what they say about most macro photographers where they focus exclusively in manual. But I am just not that confident with my manual focusing abilities. With stock photography, where my macro pictures will end up eventually, sharpness at the point of focus matters. And when you miss your opportunity, there may not be second chance. Hence, my decision with the Nisi over a manual macro lens.
My lens of choice with the Nisi is my Olympus M.Zuiko 40 -150mm zoom lens - on my Olympus EPL-9 obviously.
So far, using this Nisi lens has been quite enjoyable. Image quality is superb - as good as my Raynox DCR-250 in my opinion. It is true that a +4 or a +5 dioptre close-up lens is more forgiving than a +8 dioptre lens (on my Raynox DCR-250 for example). Working distance with the Nisi is between 5" - 8".
Shooting handheld, I do not get much motion blur when focal length is between 40mm - 100mm. Taking pictures between these focal length is easy and fun. But beyond that, I have to work on getting my camera steady with my hands. The more I move toward 150mm, the harder focusing gets. A monopod will definitely help in situation like this.
Obviously, size of subject matters. The smaller the subject (for example a 5mm sized beetle), the move challenging it is to get the subject to fill the frame. A better tool for a job like this is a +8 dioptre lens - more magnification needed.
Working Distance Tip
- At around 8" half-press the shutter button to auto focus (AF) on subject.
- Adjust distance as needed (ie. move front or back) if the camera focus hunts.
- When AF focus is achieved, move closer to enlarge subject but still keeping the working distance between 5" - 8". Or just take the shot if you are happy with the framing.
Focusing Tip
On my Olympus EPL-9, for more focusing accuracy, I enable magnification on the LCD panel just before taking the shot. It helps for tiny subjects. I turn it off magnification after that.
Why A Nisi 58mm Instead Of A Raynox DCR-150?
Actually, I have no preference between a Nisi 58mm or a Raynox DCR-150. Technically, they are quite similar. In fact, I actually paid for a Raynox DCR-150 but got a refund because of some blunder by the online store.
But thanks to my lucky star, a couple of weeks later back in June 2023. I managed to pick up a Nisi 58mm at a super discount price of RM236 because of an ongoing online sale at Lazada Malaysia back then - a RM40 discount from the selling price. This compared to a Raynox DCR-150 selling at a discounted price of RM306.
All in all, a Rm70 ringgit savings. I can't argue with that.
Sample Images
Below are 100% cropped images of some insects that I have shot with the Nisi 58mm mounted on my M.Zuiko 40-150mm lens on my Olympus Pen EPL-9. Do click on the pictures to view 100% full sized uncropped images. WARNING : file sizes are quite large.
A Fly
Size of fly is about 1.2cm in length. Aperture is set at f/20, ISO 200, shutter speed at 1/200 and focal length is 145mm. Click on image to view 100% original file, straight-out-of-camera unedited.
Ladybird
Lady bird is about 5mm in size. Aperture is set at f/20, ISO 200, shutter speed at 1/250 and focal length is 135mm. Click on image to view 100% original file, straight-out-of-camera unedited.
Moth
Moth is about 1.5cm in size. Aperture is set at f/18, ISO 200, shutter speed at 1/250 and focal length is 120mm. Click on image to view 100% original file, straight-out-of-camera unedited.
Final Thoughts
Don't buy one of those cheap screw-on macro lenses that can be bought for something like Rm30 (about US$10). They are useless. How do I know? I actually bought one and very much regretted it. Get a Nisi or a Raynox instead. You won't regret it.
Buy Raynox Or Nisi macro filters from Amazon.com
(Note: An Amazon.com affiliate link)
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