Macro using Z100-400 with Canon 500D close up diopter?

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ButlerKid

ButlerKid

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Anyone used the Canon 500D close up diopter with the Z 100-400?

If so, what is your experience? What benefits do you get by using the 500D? What subjects would be best for this combo?

Thanks!
 
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I have the Z 100-400 and like the lens a lot. I’ve used it for many subjects large and small, including butterflies and dragonflies.

I have not tried my Canon 500D yet on the Z 100-400, partly because butterflies and dragonflies are not that small. But also because I have used the Z 1.4x TC on the lens, which increases its magnification, without changing the minimum focus distance. That leaves me less likely to scare off my subjects.
 
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I've tried the combination a little. The 500D is a 2X diopter. I haven't done any measurements, but it looks like you can get 1:1 or better at 400mm and minimum focus distance of the lens. A diopter is best with longer focal lengths as the magnification is greater. The 100-400mm Z is a good "close-up" lens to start with, but a 500D would put it in the "macro" category. Small flowers, insects, etc. would be your typical subjects. A diopter is better than extension tubes on longer lenses as they require a lot of extension for similar magnification.
 
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BillW said:
I have the Z 100-400 and like the lens a lot. I’ve used it for many subjects large and small, including butterflies and dragonflies.

I have not tried my Canon 500D yet on the Z 100-400, partly because butterflies and dragonflies are not that small. But also because I have used the Z 1.4x TC on the lens, which increases its magnification, without changing the minimum focus distance. That leaves me less likely to scare off my subjects.
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Thanks for the reply. When would you think the 500D would be beneficial?

I also have the Z100-400, 1.4 and 2X teles, and the 500D. I also have some extension tubes that I've never used......:rolleyes:

I have an upcoming trip to Costa Rica which will offer photo ops with dart frogs and venomous snakes. AND I have an upcoming Macro workshop that will probably involve more intensive macro of flowers parts, water drops, patterns, etc.
 
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From an earlier, related, thread...

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Found the following article on the Canon close up lenses from the EOS magazine. Was interesting to me, although all the examples are based on using the 500D and 250D on Canon lenses. https://www.eos-magazine.com/EOS Collection/shop/Resources/A383 Close focus (CU).pdf

The article notes that the lenses reduce the minimum focus distance of the lens, allowing you to get closer to the subject for more magnification. I might like that better with a frog than a poisonous snake.

When I was in Costa Rica a few years ago, I used the 70-180 mm Micro Nikkor lens on a D500. Worked well for frogs. Did not try snakes. I also had the 300 mm PF along, which has a nice minimum focus distance.

The reproduction ratio for the Z 100-400 is 0.38. If you add the Z 1.4x TC, it becomes 0.53. That might be enough magnification for many purposes, while retaining a nice working distance, although you lose a stop of aperture. The EOS article suggested that you do not lose light working with a close up lens.
 
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BillW said:
Found the following article on the Canon close up lenses from the EOS magazine. Was interesting to me, although all the examples are based on using the 500D and 250D on Canon lenses. https://www.eos-magazine.com/EOS Collection/shop/Resources/A383 Close focus (CU).pdf

The article notes that the lenses reduce the minimum focus distance of the lens, allowing you to get closer to the subject for more magnification. I might like that better with a frog than a poisonous snake.

When I was in Costa Rica a few years ago, I used the 70-180 mm Micro Nikkor lens on a D500. Worked well for frogs. Did not try snakes. I also had the 300 mm PF along, which has a nice minimum focus distance.

The reproduction ratio for the Z 100-400 is 0.38. If you add the Z 1.4x TC, it becomes 0.53. That might be enough magnification for many purposes, while retaining a nice working distance, although you lose a stop of aperture. The EOS article suggested that you do not lose light working with a close up lens.
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Thanks a lot! I was in Costa Rica in 2018 and used my 105 micro for frog - and venomous snakes! LOL! There was always a local next to me telling me when (while looking through the viewfinder) that I was getting tooooooo close! LOL!
 
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