Raynox DCR-250 Macro Lens



This is the review of Raynox DCR-250 Macro Lens.

Specifications & Measurements
Magnification : 8-Diopter
Lens construction : 2-group/3-element, Coated optical glass elements
Front Filter thread : 49mm
Mounting thread : 43mm
Dimension : 18mm x 53mm
Weight : 60g(2.1oz)
Accessories: The lens includes a snap-on universal mount suitable for 52mm to 67mm filter size.


Unlike some other conventional cheaper Macro conversion lens or filters, this DCR-250 Super Macro lens obtains the maximum macro magnification power when set at the most telephoto position of zoom lens.

The lens is made of high index optical glass elements which produce rich and razor sharp image and a must accessories for those who use super zoom bridge camera like Panasonic FZ28, FZ35/FZ38 and so on, Canon SX-20, SX-10, SX1 and so on, Fujifilm S200EXR, HS10 and probably many other super zoom bridge camera avaialable in the market and not to forget those who use DSLR camera from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony and many others.

But then again, this also depending on that person if he/she like Macro Photography or not... this is the most obvious factor... otherwise, you don't need this for sure.

So for those who like Macro Photography and those tiny little insects, you would love this lens so much.

I am currently using the Fujifilm Finepix HS10 and I happen to like insects and Macro Photography and thus the reason why I am so excited to finally get the chance to test this wonderful Raynox DCR-250.

So let's have a look at this item now...

The box;






Out of the box, they give you a nice plastic box and the product manual....





And inside the plastic box you will get all this items;




The lens, the universal adapter and the lens cover...




The lens;






Universal adapter for lens below the size of 67mm




This is how the universal adapter work... just press that thing on the side to adjust it according to your lens size...






This is now how it looks like on the Fujifilm HS10....




First and foremost, I did some indoor test with this very tiny cobra.... look at the size comparison with the Kingston USB stick.





Wow... I managed to see the head and face clearly.... something that is difficult without the Raynox DCR-250...





The tiny cobra size comparison with my left hand...




My impression after that simple indoor shoot - WOW.... look forward to the real test outdoor....




And now finally, the real test.... outdoor and insects.... I've been dreaming to do such close up photos of these insects for a long time now... and finally it's dream come true....

Not much words, enjoy the photos....








I feel so happy to see the great details on this fly's body....
















A crop from the above photos....






A crop from the above photos....






A crop from the above photos....






And now more flies...






This guy is one big fly.... probably he is "the boss" in this area...





Those big eyes remind me of Kamen Rider....






A crop from the above photos....




This is something that is quite impossible for me to capture last time....






You can see more photos in here = Macro V1.


And another sample photos in here = Fly V1.




I bought this lens from McGill Singapore for SGD 153.00 and that is already includes the FedEx courier service shipment charges - which is very fast. Bear in my mind though depending on your country's customs regulation, you might need to pay some import duty or tax or levy. Contact your local customs office for further information on this import tax matters.

Overall, I am extremely happy to bought this Raynox DCR-250, worth every single dollars that I spent for it. Recommended to all...

You can purchase this item from McGill Singapore.

Additionally, you can visit Raynox Japan website for further information.
Link
I now look forward to see more insects....

UPDATE :AUGUST 2010 - Click the links below to see more photos:

http://www.shewsbury.com/2010/07/macro-photography.html

http://www.shewsbury.com/2010/07/fly-v1.html


http://www.shewsbury.com/2010/08/morning-in-park.html


You can also read our amateur guide on how to use the Raynox DCR-250 Macro Lens below;

http://www.shewsbury.com/2010/09/amateur-guide-for-raynox-dcr-250-macro.html



end

Comments

  1. Thanks for the review. I can't get enough for macro lens too. LOL

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  2. Guwaah~!

    Those close-up shot are bloody nice and sharp.

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  3. wah.. nice images~~~ *drools*

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  4. Wow...damn you DJ! Now tempting me with lenses.....

    Seriously, how you managed to get the fly to stay for so long at one spot?

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  5. Chubby, fly is fly and insect is insect, they never really stay so long and wait for you to finish - especially if you come closer... You have to use fast Shutter Speed - but in my case there are 2 helping factors:

    1- Fujifilm HS10 have long zoom and the Raynox DCR-250 can perform at Telephoto length (though u still need to adjust your actual lens distance from the subject), if you use Panasonic FZ28/FZ35 with Raynox DCR-250, you can make the best use of this Raynox DCR-250 as well...

    2) The Fujifilm HS10 have this ability to capture image (at full resolution) with the speed of 7 frames per second.... so I make the best use of it. With Panasonic FZ28/FZ35 you can try to use the "Burst Mode" (in the SCN) but the image size is at 3MP only, but try also to experiment at full resolution with speed mode capture if there is any.

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  6. Evaritus, yes this lens can be used with your Panasonic FZ35 as well.... but only buy this lens if you really like Macro and insects photography... otherwise, better don't...

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  7. splendid photos. Looking at some of them so close up almost gave me the creeps! haha! That's when you know the lens are awesome ^^.

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  8. Z, Thanks and yes this lens is awesome but still need some patience to use it. You should grab 1 if you like macro and insects photography...

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  9. Too bad I am not able to buy this item now because I lack funds in my Paypal. Whew. I only have $30 on it and this one costs about $50-$60. Tsk tsk. I wish I can generate more income or can get donations! Haha! So that I can buy this wonderful item. Whew.

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  10. Boffill, hahahaha... don't worry man. just save your money - someday you should be able to grab this Raynox DCR-250, with great passion comes great spending...LOL

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  11. Haha. That's true David. Whew. I'm on a tight grip on my money right now. Will have to save for this one. Tsk tsk. I'm really frustrated to have this Macro Lens

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  12. Hi there, I've just acquired a Raynox DCR 250 for my HS10, however I really can't seem to get it to focus on anything! Can you help me figure out the best settings for shooting, for example, as it's to be taken using telephoto, should I be using macro or not? Thanks very much.

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  13. Hello, Andrew, welcome to Shewsbury Land, to find out how to use the Raynox-DCR-250 Macro Lens, visit the article below;


    http://www.shewsbury.com/2010/09/amateur-guide-for-raynox-dcr-250-macro.html


    Good luck and all the best.

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  14. Hi DJS,
    Thank you for sharing your incredible skill and macro photographs!
    I've read thru your links and like Andrew above, I still can't get my HS10 to focus with the Raynox DCR-250. I'm using regular Macro (not super), approximating distance to subject as you and zoom at 80-300 mm and nada. What setting (Manual, SR-auto, etc are you using? What other factors would affect focusing? Please help!
    Thank you,
    Poodle

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  15. Hello Poodle,

    I'm just a beginner and amateur like you, nothing great about my skills, with lot's of practice and decent tools I believe you can do better than me.

    Try visit the article about the tutorial below;

    http://www.shewsbury.com/2010/09/amateur-guide-for-raynox-dcr-250-macro.html


    Basically I don't use Macro Mode or Super Macro Mode on the camera.

    I either use Full Auto or P,A,S,M Mode.

    Try turn off your Super Macro mode and the distance between the subject (insects or coins) and your lens should be around 4 to 6 inches.

    Move forward and backward till you can get the subject in focus. It takes me a while to get used to this also.

    Last but not least, don't use 30x Full Zoom, you should only use somewhere in the middle of 12x to 20x of zoom (within 80mm to 300mm range)

    Good luck and all the best.

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