Abstract Pine Cone macro photogrphy with the Raynox DCR-250 Conversion Lens – Watch on YouTube
Sometimes you don’t have a macro lens handy. Perhaps you don’t yet own a dedicated macro lens, or simply don’t want to carry one with you on every photo walk.
But don’t worry about missing out on that cool macro opportunity you find on your next shoot. In this article we’re using the Raynox DCR-250 macro conversion lens, a cheap and simple way to transform your normal lens into a macro one!
Raynox DCR-250 Conversion Lens
So what is this magical device that we’re using today? Well it sounds magical at least, turning your regular kit lens into a macro lens? What’s not to love!
The Raynox DCR-250 is a simple clip on lens. It just adds another optic over the front of the lens that serves to magnify the image. It has some limitations and quirks, but it’s small, lightweight and cheap.
As you can see from the images above, the Raynox lens changes several characteristics of your regular lens. Mainly, the minimum focusing distance, and the magnification. It essentially enables you to get much closer to your subject that normal, resulting in a smaller working distance (the distance between the front of the lens and the subject).
Other factors to consider are focus and depth of field. Getting closer with more magnification inevitably means a more shallow depth of field. You can fix this with focus stacking, but you can still make use of the full range of apertures available on your lens. A narrow aperture will keep much more of your subject in focus at once.
Lighting for Pine Cone Photography
The abstract images we’re taking in this article are a result of just getting close up. We also need some lighting. The Raynox DCR-250 will take you much closer to your subject than you are used to with your kit lens. Therefore, you are likely to need some artificial lighting to get into the gap between the lens and your subject.
We have the Adaptalux Studio Lighting System for this. A flexible, modular set of lights designed specifically for macro photography. We can use the directional, highly controllable lights to direct coloured light onto our pine cones!
Bringing two different colours of light into the image from different directions is a great way to make the dull brown colours of the pine cones stand out and catch the eye. You can use the lights undeffused for harsh highlights and dark shadows. Alternatively, diffuse each light for a softer effect, but no less eye-catching!
Bonus Magnification!
The Raynox DCR-250 can also be used with your dedicated macro lens! If you’re already a fan of macro (you should REALLY explore the rest of our blog if you are!) then you probably have a proper macro lens already.
You will still find a lot of utility in this little clip on lens though. You can attach it to your existing macro lens for even more magnification in a pinch!
If you are thinking about trying macro photography, or simply want to take some shots like the ones you see here, we’re making it easy with a pre-built pack.
The Introductory kit contains the Adaptalux lighting you for dramatic photos, as well as a DCR-250 Macro Lens to get the magnification. Even if you’re already a serious macro photographer, these lenses are highly regarded as a super handy bit of kit to keep in your bag, or pocket when you’re out and about. You never know when you will need more magnification or more light!
If you try any of the ideas in this tutorial, make sure to show off your work! Just head over to the Adaptalux Macro Photography Group and post your results!
Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more macro photography tutorials, ideas and inspiration!
