The Champions Meet Their Contender; Review of the RAYNOX MSN 202

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Special 1024 VERSION..:p



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4119577188_dd4246cd43_o.jpg

Things are gonna get somewhat Ugly and Complicated from Now ON!!!!

Stay Tuned for More.;)

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

I am waiting for the ugly bit! :D

This is surely going to be exciting. I am sure you will have interesting stuff to show us here!

Approved

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

I am waiting for the ugly bit! :D

This is surely going to be exciting. I am sure you will have interesting stuff to show us here!

Approved

thanks for the approval Ken.

Operating with this Lens is a whole new world..new rules and new obstacles!!ill post detailed review in some time.

and yes..ugly in the good sense..:)

anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

for the past 3 years i have been using the RAYNOX CM 2000 KIT.it consists of the DCR 150 and DCR 250 lenses.but slowly i felt that i needed more "POWER":p.so decided to buy a new lens.here i had the option of taking a used 50mm lens and then reverse attaching it to my lens..that would give me immense power but the downside will be weight.unlike SLR lenses i doubt whether my lens can withhold for long the weight of the 50mm prime.its like extending my zoom lens..with the prime..so added force of gravity may actually break my lens.

raynox actually used to give two kits.one was the CM2000 kit..the other was a MICRO EXPLORER CM3500 consisting of 6x 12x and 24x lenses.but they discontinued manufacturing the 3500 kit in early 2008.so my options were the MSN 202 and the MSN 505.initial research by me showed that the 505 is a proper microscope.DOF is almost non existent.so my fellow macro friends told that 505 is only useful for inanimate objects like notes,barcodes stamps etc..a great lens for stamp collectors.so i zeroed on the MSN 202.

ordered on 31st October.arrived on 19th November.had initial doubt of customs but nothing happened.i ordered this and an adapter for my earlier lenses since the 2000 adapter tooth broke.so all these days the shots that u were seeing ie the twist neck,lilies etc were juggad.i was holding the lens in front of my cam and shooting.sort of compulsory HANDHELD.

now some info regarding the MSN 202.the first strike is that this is not a macro lens but a "super macro lens".the lens is a 3G/4E optical glasses 60g of weight and having a diopter of 25.so i graduated from 4 and 8 and 12 to straight to 25.

the other differentiating factor is that the mm drops from 49 to 37.so if u look in the shot in the first post,the opening of the new lens is smaller than its predecessors.so this means that less light is gonna go through the lens.

now regarding weight.even if this lens is 60g it feels heavy.the adapter is again a snap on one.the threads are different.but the clamp still goes on from 52-67mm.so it covers many zoomer lenses.

QUALITY: raynox as they say is built from special rare earth material..ofcourse they are high precision optics with zero light loss and great sharpness.the debatable topic is that of the sharpness overall.many macro photographers say that corner sharpness matter less since our subject is gonna framed mostly in the center of the lens which is its sweet spot.so corner softness is not an disadvantage.and those who know my work and have seen it,the quality of this lens is outstanding..built wise also:comes with a nice box to keep.and optics wise also.you will see the quality once i start posting photos from this.

DOF: this is a freakingly 25 DIOPTER lens.more than the 50mm.the length goes to 40mm for this lens.the 50mm has a feature of 20 DIOPTER.the calculation goes like this.. 1000/FOCAL LENGTH = DIOPTER.thus the 50mm has 1000/50=20 DIOPTER.the msn 202 has 1000/25=40mm.(simple maths ;)) this much diopter means "HELL DOF". to give you an example..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SndiZq0suqY

the language part is shot with this new lens.i have that much DOF with my camera..wonder how much u people will have considering the bigger sensors.

CONCLUSION: for around 60$ you are getting the power to shoot super macros.and that is where the raynox truly shines..raynox is not VFM but QFM..quality for money.i am going to get the shots now that people shoot with the MP E-65 since my lens now matches the magnification power.but it doesnt match the MP 65's feature to take everything in focus.that is where the 65 truly shines.but consider this that once u buy 65 you also have to buy additional flash..either ring or speedlights..to light the subject.in the end it differs from purchaser to purchaser.THIS IS INDEED A GREAT LENS.

my SPECIAL ADVICE: this is really a special engineered lens having immense magnification power.true that your 50mm also has roughly the same power,take that reverse lens outside and start shooting.you will fail 90% of the time.this is what i saw.even i used to fail 90% in my initial year.but gradually i learn 't the distance relationship,how every subject behaves etc.i faced the common question in my workshop that "when we go to shoot stuff they simply fly away" but how can u shoot this??many people have nil patience and then just dump these lenses for two reasons..first is that rigorous hunting is required..second..looking through the OVF.there is just so much DOF thru SLRS that people find it tedious.
the other advice is that do not hurry for stacking the 150 and the 250 together.first experiment on each lens,how each lens functions..where you need it where you dont.if you are thinking that i take these lenses and then i will get great photos well you are wrong.you will have to first master the art of co-operating with the non co-operative..and simultaneously start shooting.

so once you have mastered the 150 and the 250..or the initial macro lenses then jump here.if u jump straight then you will have lot of trouble operating it.

questions..doubts..fire them here..

ANVANCY

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/4123783859_e7f0749bc4.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2665/4124553402_903beebe2f.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/4124553140_ed0db21536.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4123783027_0afc99b972.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2507/4123782933_1ddf273f9d.jpg

first two from our note.
third from a 5 rupee coin
fourth and fifth from my casio edifice watch.

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

Superb review Anvancy. Can you show us the SOOC shots please? Looks even more than Super Macro. Going almost into the realm of Micro!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Superb review Anvancy. Can you show us the SOOC shots please? Looks even more than Super Macro. Going almost into the realm of Micro!


will do that Ken.

and yea its turning into Micro lens rather than Macro.

Anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

here are the first 3 SOOC.

http://i49.tinypic.com/2v84hzr.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/5vy5pi.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/2heaqkz.jpg

resized to 640*480.

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

Thanks anvancy!

[Aryan]

Brilliant Anvancy! :) You are THE Raynox guru around. Now, show us some 'live' subject, if you know what I mean. ;)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Brilliant Anvancy! :) You are THE Raynox guru around. Now, show us some 'live' subject, if you know what I mean. ;)

I was waiting for ur reply!!;) i mean how my fellow macro friend forgot this thread..

keep the wait for some more time..its in the processing stage.will post as i finish them.

Anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

so time for the first batch of "live" object photos.do note that i m still learning to operate this new lens.so ill require time to get accustomed to it.

so here goes..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4127541713_72cbba9bce.jpg

a test shot on an insect..note that the eyes are below..see the green part..left lower side.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/4127542097_916d706f68.jpg

one of nature's shaving brushes?? ;)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2722/4128314288_e96709d2e3.jpg

Dont Leave me Behind..just went to attend nature's call

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/4127542879_d22c410a0c.jpg

Feeling Left out??dont be!!
Every Person has His own capabilites and qualities different from Others..that is What makes YOU UNIQUE from OTHERS!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/4127543391_af34cbddda.jpg

Thats Right..keep moving..dont stop..keep the supplies moving..we dont want our queen to go hungry!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/4127543819_d124da86bf.jpg

you are juicy and tender..u mind joining me for lunch??i have 2 flies and one roach..what you have??

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/4127544199_e04eee0333.jpg

These Red Ants were breaking Down a small Cockroach or in the lines of that.the one above right is trying to pull the leg of the insect!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/4128316940_1f9d354796.jpg

It does look huge..well you got that..do a portfolio for me!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/4128317298_bf5497f297.jpg

apparently it was asking me how he looked..seemed he was going to impress the girl next door!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4127546045_cbe9eae8ff.jpg

give way..just cause you got that new lens doesnt mean you block my path and keep clicking Me..i know i m famous but this much??

First Phase Over.

None of them are Cropped..like i said before..i have just started to use this lens.

Hope you Enjoyed Them.

Anvancy

[hitanshu]

by god. you got me back into gear lust man. Amazing pictures you manage dude!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

by god. you got me back into gear lust man. Amazing pictures you manage dude!

i m currently in the beta stage with this lens!!:)

Anvancy

[Nakul]

i m currently in the beta stage with this lens!!:)

Anvancy

Damnnn.. !!! Beta stage looks really good.. Wonder how its gonna be once you are used to it

[Xavier]

The spider shots are breathtaking!

[Nakul]

@Anvancy
Just have to share this with you. My team mates at office saw your pics, the macro shots of the spider, one of them got goosebumps seeing the pics, another female just screamed and thanks to you we had a fun time :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@Xavier: thanks man.

@Nakul: LOL..i can imagine her going Ekkkk...;)
it is gonna take time to get used with the new lens.there are some more..will post as i process them.

Anvancy

[Aryan]

@Anvancy: I liked the spider shots, the best. However, I remember you posting a few spider shots with your early gear (when you haven't got this latest set of equipment) and I fail to see the difference in terms of magnification. :confused:

The other few shots have too much of the subject out of focus, for me. How about image stacking using your latest equipment!? I am sure, THAT would be amazing.

All in all, the 'beta' stage looks enticing enough to go out and get a Raynox kit for myself. :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@Anvancy: I liked the spider shots, the best. However, I remember you posting a few spider shots with your early gear (when you haven't got this latest set of equipment) and I fail to see the difference in terms of magnification. :confused:

The other few shots have too much of the subject out of focus, for me. How about image stacking using your latest equipment!? I am sure, THAT would be amazing.

All in all, the 'beta' stage looks enticing enough to go out and get a Raynox kit for myself. :)

are you saying this one?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/3788382374_034439c890.jpg

vs

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/4128317298_bf5497f297.jpg

first there is magnification..this spider was much smaller than the 250 one.

next as you go deeper in magnification the intricate details are unlocked..not the overall subject.so if i crop the latest spider 1*1 (pixel peeper terms)ill only get his eye which is in focus.so suppose the hair on his legs.where the power of the 150 and 250 stop the power of the 202 starts.

see Aryan, i cant exactly show how small these subjects are..ill try that later.i have a video of the ants breaking that cockroach..so ull understand how much mag this baby has.if you take even the MP E 65 in consideration,the people who use it,crop it for "intricate details" like detail of eyes etc..the thing is the MP count which now matters.i only have 6mp.while they have atleast 10mp in their hands..so you can imagine the level of depth.

coming to your stacking part,first these subjects move hell.so its gonna take me some time to check in depth the working.then i can think of stacking.at times my AF gives me a dicchu!!;)

ill still heavily recommend you the kit even IF you have the 100mm.its a gem.

Anvancy

[Vicky]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/4128317298_bf5497f297.jpg

Anvancy

/\ Love this one the most:)

Awesome magnification... but the DOF is almost non existent in most of the other shots:(

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

/\ Love this one the most:)

Awesome magnification... but the DOF is almost non existent in most of the other shots:(

when i use 25diopter lens..DOF is an issue..give me time to adapt to the lens!!:p

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

Hitanshu is right. It gets my lust for equipment for this kind of shots going!



All in all, the 'beta' stage looks enticing enough to go out and get a Raynox kit for myself. :)

Now we are talking! So when is the baby coming?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

lust is one thing Ken..getting it and properly using it is another!;)

a video of live subjects which again are Ants..


now you can see the DOF that i was talking about!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gATAilWOWx8

Anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@MODS: Time to change the title to Review of the RAYNOX MSN 202.

did i write in my review that this lens is next to impossible in hand held shooting??if not let me stress it.this is so difficult to shoot hand held.people having less patience in setting up tripods,checking light sources if any,then patiently waiting for the subject to settle down and then planning the approach and taking the shot should for the time being do one thing..AVOID THIS LENS.like i have already stated that first get your hands on the 150 250,understand DOF control etc and then jump here.

some new shots.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4146456249_e90bff6c4a.jpg

my assumption is that this is a dungfly..happily eating the dirt.so u can imagine my position for this shot..

now this is a 70% crop of the same fly but from another angle.i wanted to showcase the detailing of the eye of the fly. special 1024 version..:)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/4146455909_2b5672f747_o.jpg

now this is where the megapixel factor comes into picture.my cam only supports 6mp..so thats around 2848p on the wider side.the ones that we all see on net shot by pros are mainly thru canons and nikons having huge mp count.its due to this count that they are able to crop tighter and closer and still have detail.

second.my camera only supports 10x optical zoom.so thats another factor.the real deal of this lens starts at around 12x.12x to 20x is "ideal".so Aryan..part of your answer in magnification goes here..my zoom power.

third..my cam is still a prosumer.not a DSLR..:p

continuing the series.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/4146455637_d72745fc72.jpg



3 Ants fighting over whose food it is!!
the other perspective to this is that the ants are working as a team to transport the prized possession to their nest.
as for me currently black ants are the most difficult ants to shoot..since they run fast!:)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/4147212654_8775e09120.jpg

apparently this female ant dropped her purse inside the slit.she was asking her husband to take it out..i think it contained her secret lovers photos!!;)

that slit is actually the small gap of the small drainage near my parking.

Aryan..i think i got one or two shots just to show you the magnification difference.give me time..ill post it soon.

Anvancy

[hitanshu]

Seriously, if you ever got your hands on a canon 50D + 400L + Raynox - you'd wreak mayhem :D

[Nakul]

Seriously, if you ever got your hands on a canon 50D + 400L + Raynox - you'd wreak mayhem :D

That would be one hell of a combination. :)



@Anvancy : Really nice shots. The detail is just amazing. More yikess at office :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Seriously, if you ever got your hands on a canon 50D + 400L + Raynox - you'd wreak mayhem :D

instead a fuji s5pro+nikkor 70-300 or in that range or 50mm reversed and raynox attached will create different mayhem.

400L will cause heavy vignetting due to fact of the opening.the raynox is 37mm in opening.so thats a small fish in the mouth of a shark.

@nakul: thanks man.have a sweet shot that will be coming up later.do tell me the reaction of those.:)

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

Seriously, if you ever got your hands on a canon 50D + 400L + Raynox - you'd wreak mayhem :D

He is already wreaking mayhem!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

He is already wreaking mayhem!

he means something like this..

and now this is my dream setup!!:p

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/3099207262_68cd5af912_b.jpg

this is of a photographer named
John Hallmén


terrific photographer..you can check his stream here..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnhallmen/

he is one of the photographers I look upon!

Anvancy

[Nakul]

he means something like this..

and now this is my dream setup!!:p

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/3099207262_68cd5af912_b.jpg

this is of a photographer named
John Hallmén


terrific photographer..you can check his stream here..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnhallmen/

he is one of the photographers I look upon!

Anvancy


Pretty impressive setup !!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Pretty impressive setup !!

do check his stream!!mindblowing stuff!

Anvancy

[synn]

An intriguing photostream indeed!

[hitanshu]

my eyes are cringing. This man is unbelievable.

[Bibudesh]

Amazing stuff.. I think this guy is stacking them also right?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Amazing stuff.. I think this guy is stacking them also right?

he surely does.ranges from 6 to 15.he generally writes how many he has stacked the shot.

[Nakul]

do check his stream!!mindblowing stuff!

Anvancy

The guy is just crazy.. !! now i know why you call yourself a beginner ( no offence ). Each and everyshoot is different. One thing i noted with the pictures are they are beautiful, i mean they dont give you the goosebumps even though it has soo much detail.
Would it be related to the PP involed in it or thats how he takes the pic ?

[KrishnenduKes]

Wow! This John Hallmen character is tremendous.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@nakul: now you understand why i say i m a beginner.:)..its a big big world out there.

and i can share more macro photographers who themselves are great in their respective fields.the thing is that atmosphere or surroundings are different.that makes some flora and fauna available to us and not them and vice a versa.

its just that macro photographers are considerably less than say bird photographers or street portraits.thats why this awesome field goes mainly untapped.

Anvancy

[Nakul]

@nakul: now you understand why i say i m a beginner.:)..its a big big world out there.

and i can share more macro photographers who themselves are great in their respective fields.the thing is that atmosphere or surroundings are different.that makes some flora and fauna available to us and not them and vice a versa.

its just that macro photographers are considerably less than say bird photographers or street portraits.thats why this awesome field goes mainly untapped.

Anvancy

Yes Boss. I understand that now. Hey i came across this guy on flickr. Its not just the pics that are amazing, it seems like he is taking them day in and day out. Almost everyday he would upload say about 5 or 6 clicks each one would be top class. He is a master when it comes to taking pictures of dew drop that have the reflection of say a flower or so. There are plenty of tips on how to get the pics as well. Pretty good.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lordv/

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Yes Boss. I understand that now. Hey i came across this guy on flickr. Its not just the pics that are amazing, it seems like he is taking them day in and day out. Almost everyday he would upload say about 5 or 6 clicks each one would be top class. He is a master when it comes to taking pictures of dew drop that have the reflection of say a flower or so. There are plenty of tips on how to get the pics as well. Pretty good.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lordv/

know him.:)

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

Wow! Lord V's photostream from Fickr is amazing. Just showing one of his works here:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2593/4151866521_3bbc3c6312.jpg

Wish I could shoot like that!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

there are so many macro photographers who have their own unique work.every photographer makes unique work.

my fellow macro photographers tell me that i carry my own unique work which they dont get to shoot.insects never give the same pose to everybody.:)

@KEN: he provides ample tutorials on how to do stuff like that.you just need the required patience.:)

Anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

now Aryan was saying that there is not so much magnification out of this lens.

so one image to show..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/4157273977_5d08884bf8.jpg

to the left is my tip of the index finger..and the ant is looking at it.

uncropped.so now one can judge the power.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/4157274149_25de447013.jpg

the ant getting WINTER TREASURE!!

and finally...a small story..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/4157274285_801e4db895.jpg

Think Twice the Pros and Cons of EACH CHOICE that YOU MAKE!

if you take the ant example,it already has something in its mouth taking it home.If it choses not to take the sugar Grain,he will miss the opportunity of doing something different.

The Other Perspective to this is that if it drops the earlier food and takes the sugar Cube and goes to the nest to find out that Everybody had brought the sugar Cube..he has made or done nothing different.

ITS the choices that MAKE YOU Different AND UNIQUE From The OTHERS!

Make Up Your Own Mind.

and mind you thats ONLY ONE SINGLE SUGAR GRAIN.

NATURE has a LOT TO TEACH US!

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

now Aryan was saying that there is not so much magnification out of this lens.

if you take the ant example,it already has something in its mouth taking it home.If it choses not to take the sugar Grain,he will miss the opportunity of doing something different.

The Other Perspective to this is that if it drops the earlier food and takes the sugar Cube and goes to the nest to find out that Everybody had brought the sugar Cube..he has made or done nothing different.

ITS the choices that MAKE YOU Different AND UNIQUE From The OTHERS!

Make Up Your Own Mind.

and mind you thats ONLY ONE SINGLE SUGAR GRAIN.

NATURE has a LOT TO TEACH US!

Anvancy

Too good! Learning about ant's perspectives! :D :D Nice one.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Too good! Learning about ant's perspectives! :D :D Nice one.

Thanks Ken.

Anvancy

[Bibudesh]

now Aryan was saying that there is not so much magnification out of this lens.

so one image to show..



to the left is my tip of the index finger..and the ant is looking at it.

uncropped.so now one can judge the power.

Image

the ant getting WINTER TREASURE!!

and finally...a small story..

Image

Think Twice the Pros and Cons of EACH CHOICE that YOU MAKE!

if you take the ant example,it already has something in its mouth taking it home.If it choses not to take the sugar Grain,he will miss the opportunity of doing something different.

The Other Perspective to this is that if it drops the earlier food and takes the sugar Cube and goes to the nest to find out that Everybody had brought the sugar Cube..he has made or done nothing different.

ITS the choices that MAKE YOU Different AND UNIQUE From The OTHERS!

Make Up Your Own Mind.

and mind you thats ONLY ONE SINGLE SUGAR GRAIN.

NATURE has a LOT TO TEACH US!

Anvancy

I am enlightened !!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Thanks Rohit.

And Two New ones..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2697/4160258048_277ac9725c.jpg

nothing like soaking your feet in cold mud during a HOT DAY!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/4159503171_7a5284de5c.jpg

Be VERY SCARED OF ME!!

that is a just 2 image stack.

hope you enjoyed them.

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

thanks rohit.

And two new ones..

Nothing like soaking your feet in cold mud during a hot day!

That is a just 2 image stack.

Hope you enjoyed them.

Anvancy

mindblowing!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

mindblowing!

Thanks Ken!

Anvancy

[Xavier]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/4159503171_7a5284de5c.jpg

Be VERY SCARED OF ME!!


I <3 Spiders. This is an awesome shot!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Thanks Xavier.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/4184665569_ed92f8e838.jpg


and a Drosophila melanogastor. that small fly which sits on our food.and is generally in a group.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/4185427836_0685d4b1c5.jpg

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

and a Drosophila melanogastor. that small fly which sits on our food.and is generally in a group.
Anvancy

Now you are name dropping in Latin! Phew!!!