Enhancing macro function on the A1 at DVinfo.net

Gene Latimer · November 17th, 2006, 10:33 AM

Doesn't sound like the A1's lens is great at focusing really close.

Would getting a set of 72mm diopter filters be the best strategy for improving that? [Adorama has a set of Hoya (+1, +2 and +4) for $80 as well as an unbranded set for $50]

Anything I'm not considering? Anything better?

Greg Rothschild · November 17th, 2006, 11:00 AM

Canon's 500D is a better choice optically speaking.
Greg

Chris Hurd · November 17th, 2006, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene Latimer

Doesn't sound like the A1's lens is great at focusing really close.

The minimum focusing distance at full wide angle is twenty millimeters (obviously the lens hood must be removed). That isn't really close? I don't understand.

Meryem Ersoz · November 17th, 2006, 11:42 AM

i don't have an A1, but my other Canon cams do pretty good macro....

i have a set of hoya diopters, and they will get you closer. they work pretty well with my 72mm FX-1, but the image only maintains focus at about +2--maaaaaybe as much as +3, so the idea that these are stackable is a wee bit misleading. it's more hypothetical than actual.

Steve Nunez · November 17th, 2006, 06:24 PM

You do lose quite a bit of video quality with the cheap CU lens add-ons' go with the Canon 250D or 500D.
The Canon HV10 would be the ideal macro camcorder for HDV!

Here's a clip with a CHEAP Tiffen 4X close-up 72mm filter with the A1....
http://stevenunez.com/hosted/mantids.mov
Not the best quality- but it'll get you close.

November 17th, 2006, 10:33 AM	#1
Gene Latimer Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Portland OR Posts: 32	Enhancing macro function on the A1 Doesn't sound like the A1's lens is great at focusing really close. Would getting a set of 72mm diopter filters be the best strategy for improving that? [Adorama has a set of Hoya (+1, +2 and +4) for $80 as well as an unbranded set for $50] Anything I'm not considering? Anything better?

November 17th, 2006, 11:00 AM	#2
Greg Rothschild Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Los Angeles, Ca Posts: 120	Canon's 500D is a better choice optically speaking. Greg __________________ Greg Rothschild Photography http://www.gregrothschild.com

November 17th, 2006, 06:24 PM	#5
Steve Nunez Trustee Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida Posts: 1,418	You do lose quite a bit of video quality with the cheap CU lens add-ons' go with the Canon 250D or 500D. The Canon HV10 would be the ideal macro camcorder for HDV! Here's a clip with a CHEAP Tiffen 4X close-up 72mm filter with the A1.... http://stevenunez.com/hosted/mantids.mov Not the best quality- but it'll get you close. __________________ Steve Nunez-New York City www.stevenunez.com Last edited by Steve Nunez; November 17th, 2006 at 07:53 PM.

November 17th, 2006, 11:42 AM	#4
Meryem Ersoz Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 3,015	i don't have an A1, but my other Canon cams do pretty good macro.... i have a set of hoya diopters, and they will get you closer. they work pretty well with my 72mm FX-1, but the image only maintains focus at about +2--maaaaaybe as much as +3, so the idea that these are stackable is a wee bit misleading. it's more hypothetical than actual.