10 replies to this topic

[AntsMaryland]

Hi,

 

I currently have a Panasonic DMC-FZ200. I understand that this is not the best camera for macro shots. But does anyone know any good macro lenses to attach to this camera?

 

Thank you.

 

Any help would be appreciated!

[nurbs]

It's not an interchangeable lens camera, so you're stuck with the lens on it. Did a quick google and it uses a 55mm filter thread, so you can attach something to the front element that has a 55mm thread, like this. Looks like this is your only option. Dunno how good the images will be though.   

 

https://www.amazon.c...ywords=DMW-LC55

 

 

EDIT: 

You'll also needs this conversion adapter:

https://www.amazon.c...L70_&dpSrc=srch

Edited by nurbs, March 24 2018 - 6:50 PM.

[T.C.]

It's not an interchangeable lens camera, so you're stuck with the lens on it. Did a quick google and it uses a 55mm filter thread, so you can attach something to the front element that has a 55mm thread, like this. Looks like this is your only option. Dunno how good the images will be though.   

 

https://www.amazon.c...ywords=DMW-LC55

 

Just change your username to "TheCameraMan" or "Photography Master"

[nurbs]

[AntsMaryland]

Thanks!.

[Barristan]

I used exactly this camera some years ago. I can highly recommend the Raynox DCR-250 close-up lens: https://www.amazon.c...p/dp/B000A1SZ2Y

If you don't need that much zoom the DCR-150 would be better (maybe also better as a beginner): https://www.amazon.c...s/dp/B0007KS7D0

I would recommend both over the Panasonic one:

 

• better image quality
• you don't need an extra adapter since it comes with a snap-on adapter.

And you can use it with every other camera or camcorder (now I mainly use it with my camcorder).

 

Also, an external flash + softbox is recommended to get crisp sharp images.

Edited by Barristan, March 25 2018 - 11:27 AM.

[AntsMaryland]

I used exactly this camera some years ago. I can highly recommand the Raynox DCR-250 close-up lens: https://www.amazon.c...p/dp/B000A1SZ2Y

If you don't need that much soom the DCR-150 would be better (maybe also better as a beginner): https://www.amazon.c...s/dp/B0007KS7D0

I would recommend both over the panasic one:

 

• better image quality
• you don't need an extra adapter since it comes with a snap-on adapter.

And you can use it with every other camera or camcorder (now I mainly use it with my camcorder).

 

Also an external flash + softbox is recommended to get crisp sharp images.

Will that clip on to my camera?

[AntsMaryland]

Any good recomendations for good lighting for really nice macro videos? Or can the camera hold the light for an extended period of time?

[Barristan]

I used the Panasonic FZ-200 with exactly that setup here two pictures I took (colors look different since I used different programs to process them):

 

 

These ants are Crematogaster scutellaris which are 3 - 4 mm in lengths. As you can see you can get some very high magnification if you crop the images a little bit too.

 

For video lighting, I use something like that: https://www.amazon.c...o/dp/B005FHZ2SI

 

But if you can you should use natural light, it will be always brighter. The problem with these cheap kits is, that a lot of light is wasted since they only include umbrellas and not soft boxes. So if you want to spend more money get lights with more power + a softbox.

Edited by Barristan, March 25 2018 - 11:28 AM.

[AntsMaryland]

Thank you.

That's very helpful.

 

Those photos are terrific!

[Spamdy]

I used exactly this camera some years ago. I can highly recommand the Raynox DCR-250 close-up lens: https://www.amazon.c...p/dp/B000A1SZ2Y

If you don't need that much soom the DCR-150 would be better (maybe also better as a beginner): https://www.amazon.c...s/dp/B0007KS7D0

I would recommend both over the panasic one:

 

• better image quality
• you don't need an extra adapter since it comes with a snap-on adapter.

And you can use it with every other camera or camcorder (now I mainly use it with my camcorder).

 

Also an external flash + softbox is recommended to get crisp sharp images.

I second the Raynox dcr-250. If absolutely needed, you can stack 250's or 150's on top for increased magnification. In my understanding the Panasonic DMC-FZ200 is a bridge camera and like shown above increased magnification and quality can be achieved. 

 

PS: Don't look for off brand's that are not brand name or Raynox, as most other macro diopters add immense distortion, chromatic abberation and loss of quality to your images, don't look for cheaper alternatives.