Macro options

[greatbigd]

I am curious about the macro options for the X-T10. I see the only real option from fuji is the 60mm F2.4. I want to shoot insects and such, but dont want to invest in the wrong option. Any advice?

 

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[cug]

As macro often needs manual focussing anyways, some old adapted macro lenses are great options. There are some fairly cheap ones out there, the more usable ones (mostly the longer focal lengths) are quite expensive though. Still an option to think about.

 

The next option is the Zeiss Touit 50mm lens - an incredibly good macro lens. The main downside is the short focal length, so you need to get SUPER close, nearly touching the object with the lens hood to get to 1:1 magnification. Might not be a problem depending on what you want to do with it, but for critters that isn't great. I have the Touit and it's a wonderful lens. It's by far the sharpest lens I have for the X-Mount, at 2.8 (wide open for it) it's already sharper than for example the 56 gets at any aperture plus it's really really good across the frame unlike most of the Fuji lenses. Can't  compare it to the 90mm which is supposedly incredibly sharp in the center. 

 

Fuji also has a 120mm OIS macro lens on the roadmap for some time next year. I wouldn't expect it come before fall though. Still excited about it and I will likely get that one. I do not own the XF60, but from all I've heard it's a great lens.

 

The next option are the close focus adapters from Fuji - around a hundred bucks for distance rings between lens and body to be able to get closer. That together with a 56 or 90 might be a nice and flexible option as well. I'm planning on getting the 16mm ring to use with the 56 when I only carry a two lens kit (something + the 56). I've read though, that the close focus ring does not work too well with the XF60. 

 

My advise would be to look out for an adapted lens, Minolta Rokkor, Canon FD, old Nikon glass ... in the 100mm range and use it with an adapter. I wouldn't spend more than $200 on such a lens though and prices are going through the roof as the mirrorless systems have given new life to the old lenses. 

[cug]

Something like these:

 

https://www.keh.com/238337/minolta-100mm-f-3-5-macro-rokkor-x-md-mount-manual-focus-lens-55

https://www.keh.com/238342/minolta-100mm-f-4-macro-md-mount-manual-focus-lens-55

 

might give you an idea. Critters need some focal length.

 

Plan on a good tripod as well!

[greatbigd]

Thanks for the input, i do have a vanguard 265cb with a tbh-50 ball head. I will check out these other options on lenses and see what may work best. I would prefer not to be super close to some of the critters i want to shoot..

 

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[cug]

I'm not specifically recommending these lenses but something LIKE these might be a cheap way of getting into macro and figuring out whether it's something you want to invest more in. I haven't used the Rokkor macro lenses, but the other Rokkor lenses I owned were great. 

 

Personally I use the Zeiss and love the lens. Just using it VERY rarely and thinking of selling it because of that.

[milandro]

there are several threads already, some with pictures, about the performance of the 60mm like this:

 

http://www.fuji-x-forum.com/topic/68-fx-60mm-24-macro/

 

There are also threads about adapting manual focus classical lenses to Fuji cameras

 

http://www.fuji-x-forum.com/topic/895-old-school-macro-lenses/

 

People use, as you can see in the many examples, both with proficiency en very good results.

 

In my opinion the 60mm is a pice of kit which I wouldn’t miss despite owning other macro lenses. By the way both the 60mm and the Pentax 100mm macro that I own don’t deliver more that 1:2 reproduction ratio, the 1:1, is, in my opinion a red herring, you can easily use an additional tube if you really need it or crop and have still plenty to print!

[Lumens]

I love my xT! because it all fits and goes anywhere.  In my bag is both the 11 and 16 mm extension tubes.  I find they work very well with all my Fuji lenses, so when I see something I want to get close to its just a matter of adding the ring and I am good to go.   I have used them both with the 10-24, 18-55, and 55-200.  It does take some time and experience to get to know which ring to use with which lens to get the desired effect.  I have been VERY pleased with the results I get though.

[greatbigd]

I have been looking at the 60 on ebay , looks like it can be had for around 300 which is currently the best deal i see. Regarding the mcex11 and 16, it seems they get some good reviews as well. Are they good with the 60 though? I have the 18-55 and the 50-230 currently

 

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[milandro]

I have 8mm,12mm ( both Samyang) 18-55mm, 60mm 50-230mm ( Fuji).

 

The 60mm is the lens to go, for me, for portraits, still life photography and macro

[quincy]

If You don't want to wait for the XF 120 You might consider the Samyang/Rokinon 100 mm f/2.8 1:1 macro lens:

http://www.syopt.com/en/product/photo-lenses-100mm-F2.8-ED-UMC-MACRO.php

[greatbigd]

I have been searching the forum and found pictures in "nature and wildlife" by a member named "Lichtklicker". Amazing. Exactly what i hope to achieve. He used the FX 18-135 with an MCEX-16. I am sure there are many ways to accomplish the end result, but i like the fact that all components are built by a single manufacturer. My wife is gonna kill me...

 

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[Larry Bolch]

The 60mm is my most used lens, or very close to it. The close focus is great, but it is an all-around excellent short telephoto. Using its compression, I have found it excellent for panoramas, either stitched in the camera or in Photoshop. Distant details are greatly enhanced.