FZ20 for macro photography

[sgoldste01]

Hello,

I'm sure this info is hidden in the Panasonic forum someplace, but I couldn't find it easily.

What accessories are required for doing ultra-macro photography using the FZ20 (pictures of bugs, etc.)? I have a 55mm Pemaraal adapter, if that makes any difference....

[genece]

You could get a set of macro lens like these to get started and see what you really want.They need to be 55mm
http://www.camera-depot.com/closeup.htm
I have seen those on Ebay for less money

Or you could get a good lens like this
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=257058&is=REG

Or you could get a Phayee adapter and a Nikon 6T for less money and still have a good lens

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=37298&is=REG

[eddie_dane]

I have the pemaraal 62H adaptor and just ordered the Nikon 6T lens. From what I have seen on the web of other people's results, it's a great lens combination for close up photography. I have also seen similarly impressive results with some of the raynox macro kits that are snap on and don't require a specific thread adaptor.

[richtea78]

I have the same Nikon lens that I got in the US when on holiday and its very good - I would recommend it.

BTW Eddie are you the same Bit-Tech Eddie the Dane?

[Glamourdiesel]

Well, I actually bought some cheap chinese Macro Lenses (Sonia Brand) on ebay and I'm well impressed until now. They are 72mm so they fit in the factory adapter but I'm using a Phayee instead. I have some pretty nice pix in another computer but here are two test pics I took today and yesterday (using those cheap macro lenses):

Insect 1 - This was a VERY small one (http://www.leirianet.pt/~autodata3/insect1.jpg)
Insect 2 - Not as small but smaller than an average fly too. It's not easy finding a big fat fly these days... :p (http://www.leirianet.pt/~autodata3/insect2.jpg)

These are not very nice but they show that these cheap lenses are not that bad...or at least that's what I think. I tried a nikon 6T last month and the difference is not THAT much. To be honest, I haven't noticed any difference at all.

[arghman]

I have the Phayee & 5T and 6T.
If I had a limited budget I would start with the Phayee and 6T.

FYI I had put some test photos on Steve's Digicams a few weeks ago:
http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=45537&forum_id=23

[eddie_dane]

I have the same Nikon lens that I got in the US when on holiday and its very good - I would recommend it.

BTW Eddie are you the same Bit-Tech Eddie the Dane?

that's me, yes ;) (there aren't too many eddie_danes, I hope). I just got the Nikon 6T and so far, I'm very impressed with it. Using manual focus on items practically pressed up against the lens is yielding incredible detail. Quite a bargain for the performance.