Need Close-up/Macro filter

Bryan Worsley · November 18th, 2023, 10:54 PM

Haven't been on the forum for a long time.

I use a trail camera for filming birds on my feeders. Trail cameras are not designed for filming birds and other small animals at close range, but this can be overcome by attaching macro/close-up filters to the lens. Until now I've been using 37mm Vivitar macro filters, which are relatively inexpensive and come as set of four (+1, +2, +4 and +10), attached to the lens housing with 25-37mm step ring. The housing has no filter threads, but the step-ring fits snugly over it.

However, I've just upgraded my camera to a solar powered model (Campark T300) and find that this configuration won't work. The IR sensor just below the lens is too proud and gets in the way. I've looked at using spacer rings and stacked step up rings to get around this but the only satisfactory solution would be a smaller filter - 28mm would be ideal, less than 27mm would vignette.

The only 27mm macro/close-up filters I've found thus far are made by Heliopan and they are quite pricey - $US 40 a piece at B&H and I'm in Canada, so factor in exchange and shipping. Plus, I'd need +2 and +1 strengths. So a rather expensive solution for a not so expensive camera.

Anyone know of cheaper alternatives?

Cheers.

Bryan Worsley · February 10th, 2024, 04:34 PM

Found a set of vintage 27mm close-up filters (for Zeiss Ikon Contaflex film cameras) on EBay that work perfectly.

https://youtu.be/RP_5BpbKAr4?si=PF6qLZulwxYiy8Dv

Example test video:

https://youtu.be/rZ8tQ0L8DtM?si=S8vAWtc0iA1AyWXk

Links to more examples in the description under the first video.

November 18th, 2023, 10:54 PM	#1
Bryan Worsley Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 439	Need Close-up/Macro filter - 27 or 28mm thread Haven't been on the forum for a long time. I use a trail camera for filming birds on my feeders. Trail cameras are not designed for filming birds and other small animals at close range, but this can be overcome by attaching macro/close-up filters to the lens. Until now I've been using 37mm Vivitar macro filters, which are relatively inexpensive and come as set of four (+1, +2, +4 and +10), attached to the lens housing with 25-37mm step ring. The housing has no filter threads, but the step-ring fits snugly over it. However, I've just upgraded my camera to a solar powered model (Campark T300) and find that this configuration won't work. The IR sensor just below the lens is too proud and gets in the way. I've looked at using spacer rings and stacked step up rings to get around this but the only satisfactory solution would be a smaller filter - 28mm would be ideal, less than 27mm would vignette. The only 27mm macro/close-up filters I've found thus far are made by Heliopan and they are quite pricey - $US 40 a piece at B&H and I'm in Canada, so factor in exchange and shipping. Plus, I'd need +2 and +1 strengths. So a rather expensive solution for a not so expensive camera. Anyone know of cheaper alternatives? Cheers.

February 10th, 2024, 04:34 PM	#2
Bryan Worsley Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 439	Re: Need Close-up/Macro filter - 27 or 28mm thread Found a set of vintage 27mm close-up filters (for Zeiss Ikon Contaflex film cameras) on EBay that work perfectly. https://youtu.be/RP_5BpbKAr4?si=PF6qLZulwxYiy8Dv Example test video: https://youtu.be/rZ8tQ0L8DtM?si=S8vAWtc0iA1AyWXk Links to more examples in the description under the first video.