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Re: [OM] Chinese Extensions ((IMGs)

Subject: Re: [OM] Chinese Extensions ((IMGs)
From: Chuck Norcutt <chucknorcutt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:24:41 -0400
Looks great to me (or at least until I discover the amount of 
Moosification required :-))  I've added them to my Amazon wish list.

Chuck Norcutt


On 4/20/2013 1:56 AM, Moose wrote:
> I've been interested in improving the close focus of my µ4/3 gear. When I 
> went looking not long ago, all I could find
> were diopter filters, manual extension tubes and a nice looking set of Kenko 
> Auto tubes - for $190.
>
> I can't see much point in manual tubes for lenses that need the electrical 
> connections even to adjust aperture.
>
> Then I found these. 
> <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BY0F0P0/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1>
>
> $48 sounded more like the experiment I wanted. Shipped from China, they took 
> ten days to get here yesterday.
>
> I've done some rather casual testing, all hand held. I know, I know, I can 
> get better control of precise focus, focal
> plane placement, etc. on a tripod. But that's not how I will mostly use them. 
> I wanted to see if they would work the way
> I like to work much of the time in the field.
>
> I have to say that I'm rather pleased. Clearly, I haven't completed the 
> learning curve, but I've got enough of what I
> wanted, and may do better in future.
>
> One aim was to get closer focusing with the Panny 14-42 Z. 
> <http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=4515>
>
> Obviously, the lens isn't like even an old, MF zoom, what with powered 
> internal focus and zoom. With the 10 mm tube,
> focus adjustment isn't of much use, but zoom also adjusts focus rather well. 
> Moving the camera in and out a bit and
> adjusting zoom works pretty quickly and well to get framing and focus.
>
> You can't see it in these shots, but it does appear that either there is 
> quite a bit of softness in the corners and/or
> that there's a lot of field curvature. Not for shots of newspapers, but 
> that's not what this light kit is for.
>
> As an adjunct to a pocket camera, the 10 mm tube is good, tiny, light and 
> easily slipped in any pocket.
>
> Another thing I was hoping for is closer focus with the 75-300, for tight 
> close-ups with really good working distance.
> The samples show closest focus, all at 300 mm, native, with 10, 16 and 26 mm 
> of extension. I'm pretty impressed.
> <http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=4534>
>
> I was standing up, hardly leaning over, for these shots.
>
> I also did some shots with the 12-50 in macro mode. It certainly gets closer, 
> and I got a few images I like. The working
> distance from front of the lens is very short. I had to take the hood off to 
> keep from shading a couple of subjects.
> <http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=4549>
>
> Obviously, the tubes function properly. They are all plastic, but for the 
> electrical contacts, nicely put together and
> finished. They are more than adequate to hold the smaller lenses.
>
> Using both tubes together with the 75-300, there is a little flex, as shown 
> in the last image on the Amazon listing.
> With either one alone, there is barely visible flexing and gap at the top of 
> the mount. No creaking, groaning or
> anything indicating that the heavier lens might damage them, but I will try 
> to support the lens with my left hand when
> shooting horizontally. Shooting at a steep down angle, as with these samples, 
> everything is fine.
>
> I figure if I actually use them so much with the 75-300 that they start to be 
> damaged, that's proof that I need the
> expensive, metal ones.
>
> Disclaimer - These images have had Moose treatment. For example, bokeh on the 
> two shorter lenses can be pretty rough,
> depending on background distance, but you won't see that. :-)   Detail may be 
> clearer than straight out of the camera.
> ;-)   But, hey, these tests were for me, to see what I can do with these 
> tubes, and you can look over my shoulder.
>
> Overall opinion: these tubes are highly functional, and a good deal.
>
> Oriental Magnification Moose
>
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