Raynox DCR-250 improves close autofocus?

[Visual Reality]

This is a strange finding, considering on my S3 it rendered my AF useless. I had to MF with this lens on my S3.

I tried it on my 18-55 VR and to my surprise, it autofocuses closer than it could without it. It can focus at around 2 inches from the subject, compared with about 5-6 inches normally. Anything closer and it would either hunt back and forth, or just sit there helpless. This will make any kit lens double as a great macro lens.

35mm
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k245/BlackHawk2k6/Macro/Nikon35mm.jpg

55mm
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k245/BlackHawk2k6/Macro/Nikon55mm.jpg

This helped me realize that 35mm wasn't close enough for macro work. I'm going to pick up the 50mm 1.8 to use as a macro lens with the Raynox. The reason I did the testing was to find out how close I would be getting with the 35mm f/2. Obviously the 50mm 1.8 would be better here so I'm going to pick them both up, I have uses for each.

Depth of Field testing:

35mm f/5.3
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k245/BlackHawk2k6/Macro/Rose35mmf53.jpg

35mm f/10
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k245/BlackHawk2k6/Macro/Rose35mmf10.jpg

35mm f/22
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k245/BlackHawk2k6/Macro/Rose35mmf22.jpg

55mm f/5.6
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k245/BlackHawk2k6/Macro/Rose55mmf56.jpg

55mm f/10
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k245/BlackHawk2k6/Macro/Rose55mmf10.jpg

55mm f/22
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k245/BlackHawk2k6/Macro/Rose55mmf22.jpg

These aren't great shots but they prove the point. Turn any lens into a macro lens with the Raynox DCR-250 ;) I can't wait to see how good things look with the primes.

[Visual Reality]

I just found that the 35mm f/2 has a max. magnification ratio 1:4.2 while the 50mm f/1.8 has a max. object magnification of 1:6.6. Maybe the 50 won't be great for macro despite its longer focal length. The reason for the difference? Minimum focus distance on the 50 is further away.

[XaiLo]

Kewl! I like the Raynox :)

[toriaj]

I'm glad you are enjoying the Raynox, I like mine (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33445&highlight=raynox) too :)