Canon PowerShot SX1 IS plus the Raynox DCR-250
What a long title for a blog post but that is exactly what I want to say about my experience using the DCR-250 super macro conversion lens with the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS.
I am tempted to add however that while the conversion lens could give the camera many new leases of life, it could also take many of them and kill the excitement of shooting in macro entirely. More on this later.
In the meantime, you know how small a ladybug is. The photo on the right is taken with the SX1 IS’ super macro mode.
Below is the photo of another ladybug taken with the SX1 IS with the Raynox DCR-250 conversion lens attached. As you can see, you can get a lot closer to the subject with the conversion lens attached than without it.
How to use Raynox DCR-250 conversion lens?
It’s easy. First, screw in the lens to its universal adapter, and then snap in the adapter into the end of the camera zoom lens.
Set the camera to shoot in “normal” shooting — not macro or super macro — and bring it close to the subject you want to shoot, but not too close. You can only get your subject in focus from a specific distance of about 10cm. Use the zoom lens to magnify the subject further.
If needs be, move your camera a friction closer or father to keep the subject in focus. If there is enough light, for instance shooting outdoor on sunny day, it is recommended that you shoot in Tv mode (shutter priority mode) and set the speed at 1/200 or above. This is especially useful to freeze the movement of the subjects.
It is also recommended that you combine the fast shutter speed with the burst mode to increase the chance of capturing the subject in focus. Again, this can only be done when there is enough light. Otherwise, just shoot in Program (P) mode and let the camera decides the speed and aperture combination.
Be prepared to be frustrated
One of the most frustrating moments you are going to experience with shooting macro with Raynox DCR-250 conversion lens is the difficulty to get the subject in focus and if you have shaky hands and the light is failing, chances are 99 per cent of the pictures you shot will come out blur. You just need to keep trying.
Another frustration is the tendency for you to always shoot in high ISO because with the macro lens attached, you will almost always run out of good light.
Conclusion
Overall, despite the shortcomings mentioned above, I am satisfied with my purchase of Raynox DCR-250. At RM280 or about USD80 (plus the adapter), I think it is worth the money I’ve paid for as I can now have the option to shoot things up close.
One final note, I find it quite strange that Raynox lenses are not easily available in camera shop in Kuala Lumpur. I had to order online to get my lenses from a private dealer who then speed-posted the thing to me after I bank in the money to his account number.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
hi, look at my page;)
thanks, i’ve visited it… nice macro pics you have
Thank you very much for further detailed explanation in how to use the combo. I have the same camera and lens and you saved me a lot of grief with the settings. I am still having a problem on some photos with vignetting and focus…the images will look great on the screen or view finder but when I down load them about 70% are out of focus or the images are very poor. I’ll keep trying to figure out what I am doing wrong.
The same problem with me. In most cases, the blurriness is caused by the slow shutter speed because of the lack of light…
Nice post, and very helpful. My camera is a Canon PowerShot SX10 IS. I tried shooting in TV mode and 1/200 as you recommend, but unfortunately the image ended up clear, yes, but with an unacceptable (to me) amount of noise when viewed at 1:1. So I’m taking 100 pictures of each thing at 80 ISO in Manual mode, of which 1 (if I’m lucky) is astoundingly wonderful. When they turn out, wow, they’re really great, though
Glad you find this post helpful. About the 200 thing, what I mean is shutter speed at 1/200 second, not ISO 200. The SX1 IS is too grainy at ISO 200 and I seldom shoot at that setting, especially for macro shots.
What mode do you shoot in and what ISO setting? Do you use any other modes than Program? If you do, then do you change ISO and shutter speed as well?
Jason, you are dead right! Alienwordz, I’m still a learner, but I’m getting good results with TV mode, shutter speed at 1/200, and the ISO set at Automatic. Give it a try! Now of course the problem is getting enough light…
Jason, do you set your camera on manual focus when using the dcr-250? Cheers
Brian
I rarely set the camera on manual focus when the dcr-250 is attached because it is very difficult keep an object in focus, especially if it’s a moving objects. I sometimes use manual focus when shooting still life macro although it feels quite awkward to do so on the SX1 IS.