One popular question from the comments - how does extension tubes compare to close up lens? Extension tubes have a few compromises: 1) Weather-sealing - attaching the tubes between the camera mount and the lens, this leaves them exposed and no longer sealed 2) Image Stabilization - 5-Axis IS won't work effectively when you attach something between the camera and a lens 3) Possible light leaks - many reported cases of light leaks affecting image contrast, causing flares due to internal reflections, impacting overall sharpness and image quality Close Up Lens does not suffer any of these problems. Normally, I'd say extension tubes would produce better image quality because there as no additional glass for light to pass through, as more glasses would cut light and reduce image quality. However, inspecting the images from the use of NiSi Close Up Lens, it was as if I did not attach any additional piece of glass at all. It is so good, I'd highly recommend it as a good alternative over extension tubes. But hey, no harm owning both, as they are both non-expensive setup.
I use the 58mm NiSi and 26mm worth of extension tubes with my 60mm macro and OM-1. Works great, but getting my current diffuser to get light in in the right areas has been difficult. Hoping the AK diffuser I have on the way may help some with that.
This is game changer. I don’t have to buy a macro lens. And to those who already have a macro lens, this a great addition to get more magnification out of the macro lens. 🎉❤🎉
No worries. The insects are a lot tinier in real life, so they aren't scary at all. Once you magnify them through the macro shots, you see all the details, which is amazing.
A lot of work in this video Robin. I'm not a fan of macro but I always enjoy your macro videos; your passion and the end results shine through. V cool attachment.
This looks like a fun accessory! I noticed one lens was almost 5x and the other was barely 1.5x the original specifications. How does the magnification factor work? Does it scale with lens size and focal length? How would I calculate how it might affect my lenses before buying and testing it?
Hi Robin, love the look of this Nisi lens what a great idea attaching it to other lenses. I only know the Nisi brand for doing ND Filters i didn't know about this one. That Butterfly and the Snail looks so clear, and i really like the Colours. Well I've certainly learned something new today. Many thanks Robin for showing this video. 😊
This is very cool. I don’t do macro photography yet, but would like to do it one day. Seems like a pretty cool way to take existing lenses to make them able to do it
The lens can work quite great on a Lumix 14-140mm lens, getting you to about 3X magnification. Even the 58mm Nisi can make for great quality. With extension tubes there can be a non-uniform sharpness with my 30mm macro, so I prefer a close-up lens on a larger focal length, which can result in more distance between the lens and scene.
I have some old achromatic close up lenses (mine are from Minolta, but Olympus, Nikon and Canon also made some), and they already give good image quality, but with less magnification. This NiSi one looks like a good addition to get more out of the simple and small primes.
@@robinwong My old achromatic lenses have the advantage to provide several focal lengths in a really small package, even though not the highest magnification. I have one of them (I think the longest focal length) always in my bag to put on the 45mm F1.8 for better close-up capabilities. The NiSi one is quite expensive (a fair price for what it provides), and I already have the 30mm macro from Olympus, so I don't need it. But still interesting, I'll keep it in mind.
The 58mm NiSi was my pre macro lens marco experience. Now with true macro lenses it out front on them fairly often too. Wonder how the 49 would work on the 60mm macro? 🤔🤔🤔
Extension tubes may suffer some issues - compromise in weather-sealing, image stabilization does not work and possible issues of light leaks affecting contrast and causing flare to macro images. All this do not happen with the Close Up Lens.
Both are good options. Extension tubes can compromise some important features on the camera - weather-sealing, image stabilization and there were also reports of light leaks affecting contrast/causing flares in the images. The Close Up Filter does not compromise any of those, and the images shown in this video proved that it managed to resolve great contrast in every image.
Interesting little lens Robin, thank you for your continued content. How do you think it compares to the MCON-P02? I've been using the MCON, with 26mm Meike tubes on the 45mm, photostacking with the E-M1.1 with ('adjusted' 4.6 firmware) with a lot of success this summer. 17.4mm/ 17mm= 1:1, but of course with the associated limitations of having to use Extension tubes, somewhat mitigated by photo-stacking ;) TBH just the MCON itself is so easy to use, and carry, but I doubt the simple achromat is as powerful as this nisi, that said, the results are stunning... so I wonder what your take on this close up lens is in comparison to the Oly MCON-P02?
I can't answer your question, but I picked up the MCON-P02 myself when it was discounted by OM System in a sale in late 2022. With that converter in conjunction with the 45mm and also the 14-42mm kit lens, I found that the focusing range was really shallow and the results not particularly great, either. Either on a video or on Robin's blog, I mentioned this, and he seemed to think that adding more glass was not going to give good results, as opposed to using the extension tube approach. So it would be enlightening to hear Robin's thoughts as to how the Nisi defies those expectations, particularly with this favourable review.
Oh i have the 45 1.8! I only want to shoot fungi so will save some pennies with this nisi. Are you still able to focus stack? And is there much depth of field?
Very informing review. I'm really tempted to adapt it to the 60mm F2.8 or even to the 75mm F1.8. Just wondering if this can be adapted to lenses with filter thread of 58mm and more.
Hi Robin! Learning so much from your videos. How close to the subject do you have to be with the 45 mm 1.8 and the 60 mm macro with the Nisi lens you used on it ?
I did not measure the focusing distance (as you can imagine it would be extremely challenging to do so in real life while I was shooting the insects), but you can roughly see the distance shown in video while I was measuring the ruler.
Hi Robin, I'm very much interested if you could do a comparison of macro photography between the OM-1 and E-M1 II, especially on the difference on the 1053 vs 121 focus points, and how they affect the overall clarity on such a very shallow depth of field.
The image quality between OM-1 and E-M1 Mark II are exactly the same, no difference. In terms of AF, they are also the same when it comes to macro range, super close up shooting won't be blazing fast and will be challenging for either camera.
Hi. Love your videos. Just starting into macro and had to change all my gear. Switched to oly camera (for focus bracketing with flash), oly 60mm macro, 2 AF extension rings + godox flash. Whats the advantage of this lens over extension rings? I guess nothing correct?
The extension tubes may compromise a few camera features - weather-sealing (mount to lens not sealed), image stabilization and some reported cases of light leaks affecting contrast and flare issues to the macro images. The Close Up Lens suffers none of these issues.
Great review Robin, the Nisu really looks like a premium piece of hardware, I wonder how it compares to the Raynox, is it closer in magnification to the DCR-150 or the DCR-250?
I don't have the stepdown ring from 58mm to 49mm. Plus the point of using such a close up lens is on a budget friendly lens such as 45mm F1.8, or kit lenses.
Love that 30mm but I suspect the distance between lens and subject would be prohibitively short with this attached... it's already very close, but I stand to be corrected! :)
The package of 49mm NiSi Close Up Lens comes with 67mm-49mm and 62-49mm step down filter rings/adapters. If you want to use the NiSi 49mm Close Up Lens on Olympus 60mm Macro, as mentioned in the video, you need a step up ring from 46mm to 49mm. Go watch that part again, I explained everything in full detail.
Extension tubes may have some compromises - weather-sealing, image stabilization, and possible light leak affecting contrast and flare issues, a common reported problem.
You missed a very important point: If the sun directly shines into the Zuiko+Close-Up-Lens, you can get a light focus within the Zuiko lens. If that Focus hits a lens mount or the aperture plane, you damage your Zuiko lens. So be aware and always use a lens cap.
I’ve enjoyed your work for years, and your enthusiasm for the Olympus/OM System setup has been one of the encouraging things we’ve needed. Thank you ! Ethan from 1of1images Going to send an email/message
Thanks!
Thanks so much, appreciate the support!
One popular question from the comments - how does extension tubes compare to close up lens?
Extension tubes have a few compromises:
1) Weather-sealing - attaching the tubes between the camera mount and the lens, this leaves them exposed and no longer sealed
2) Image Stabilization - 5-Axis IS won't work effectively when you attach something between the camera and a lens
3) Possible light leaks - many reported cases of light leaks affecting image contrast, causing flares due to internal reflections, impacting overall sharpness and image quality
Close Up Lens does not suffer any of these problems.
Normally, I'd say extension tubes would produce better image quality because there as no additional glass for light to pass through, as more glasses would cut light and reduce image quality.
However, inspecting the images from the use of NiSi Close Up Lens, it was as if I did not attach any additional piece of glass at all. It is so good, I'd highly recommend it as a good alternative over extension tubes.
But hey, no harm owning both, as they are both non-expensive setup.
I use the 58mm NiSi and 26mm worth of extension tubes with my 60mm macro and OM-1. Works great, but getting my current diffuser to get light in in the right areas has been difficult. Hoping the AK diffuser I have on the way may help some with that.
This is game changer. I don’t have to buy a macro lens.
And to those who already have a macro lens, this a great addition to get more magnification out of the macro lens. 🎉❤🎉
Yeah it is so small too, so can bring everywhere and quite easy to use. No brainer solution.
Thanks
Thanks so much man, appreciate that!
Hi Robin your very welcome, thank you 😊
🧡
Great accessory, great photos! Well done Robin!
Thanks, appreciate the kind words
Incredible quality! Beautiful photos. Thanks Robin.
Hey Marlene, thanks so much for the kind words!
I don’t like bugs so I’m not sure I’ll ever get into this style of photography. Cool attachment and great images as always Robin!
No worries. The insects are a lot tinier in real life, so they aren't scary at all. Once you magnify them through the macro shots, you see all the details, which is amazing.
A lot of work in this video Robin. I'm not a fan of macro but I always enjoy your macro videos; your passion and the end results shine through. V cool attachment.
Thanks so much for the kind words, and thanks for noticing the extra effort I put in this video. Yes, a lot of work indeed!
This looks like a fun accessory!
I noticed one lens was almost 5x and the other was barely 1.5x the original specifications.
How does the magnification factor work? Does it scale with lens size and focal length? How would I calculate how it might affect my lenses before buying and testing it?
Nice one Robin and great photos
Thanks, appreciate the kind words
Hi Robin, love the look of this Nisi lens what a great idea attaching it to other lenses. I only know the Nisi brand for doing ND Filters i didn't know about this one. That Butterfly and the Snail looks so clear, and i really like the Colours. Well I've certainly learned something new today. Many thanks Robin for showing this video. 😊
Thanks so much, appreciate the kind words and generosity. Glad I can share what I can here.
Your very welcome Robin, thanks for your great videos. 😊
Would love to eventually see some samples from this and a Oly 75mm 1.8. 😁
I don't have the step down ring from 58mm to 49mm.
Makes me want to try out some macro photography by using the NiSi close up lens with my 45mm f/1.8
You can take mine any time, lemme know.
Excellent photos!
Thanks!
I’ve had great success with the Raynox lenses. The NiSi also seems to do a good job on the Oly lenses.
I think the NiSi takes it a few steps further!
Thanks for this review. This will make a good stop-gap Macro lens when coupled with the 45mm f1.8 (I also really like this lens) Thanks again Robin.
This is very cool. I don’t do macro photography yet, but would like to do it one day. Seems like a pretty cool way to take existing lenses to make them able to do it
Yes, the NiSi Close Up Lens is just so easy to use, remember to find the right step up/step down ring for your lens!
Wow, fantastic results!
I was just searching for a lens to scan my negatives Thank you Robin! I think i will try the 58mm in pair with the Olympus 75mm/1.8.
Go for it!
Looks like really cool product.
Thank you Robin .🤝
Cheers
The lens can work quite great on a Lumix 14-140mm lens, getting you to about 3X magnification. Even the 58mm Nisi can make for great quality. With extension tubes there can be a non-uniform sharpness with my 30mm macro, so I prefer a close-up lens on a larger focal length, which can result in more distance between the lens and scene.
I will definitely be buying this as I only do macro photography
I have the 77mm version...it's a keeper!
I have yet to try that option
@@robinwong I was tempted by the 49mm, but the 77mm fit more of my lenses. Very good glass!
Nice video, keep up the good work.
I have some old achromatic close up lenses (mine are from Minolta, but Olympus, Nikon and Canon also made some), and they already give good image quality, but with less magnification. This NiSi one looks like a good addition to get more out of the simple and small primes.
Yeah, the NiSi is really impressive, it magnifies the images so much, yet maintaining high quality!
@@robinwong My old achromatic lenses have the advantage to provide several focal lengths in a really small package, even though not the highest magnification. I have one of them (I think the longest focal length) always in my bag to put on the 45mm F1.8 for better close-up capabilities. The NiSi one is quite expensive (a fair price for what it provides), and I already have the 30mm macro from Olympus, so I don't need it. But still interesting, I'll keep it in mind.
The 58mm NiSi was my pre macro lens marco experience. Now with true macro lenses it out front on them fairly often too.
Wonder how the 49 would work on the 60mm macro? 🤔🤔🤔
Hi robin it's really amazing shots, could you compare Olympus 90mm macro lens with focus stacking or bracketing with nisi extension tube on Om mark 2
Thanks for the video, Robin. What are the advantages/disadvantages of using a close-up lens vs. an extension tube for macro?
Extension tubes may suffer some issues - compromise in weather-sealing, image stabilization does not work and possible issues of light leaks affecting contrast and causing flare to macro images. All this do not happen with the Close Up Lens.
@@robinwong Thank you!
Magic 😂❤
Thanks
Nice review! Is the AF impacted?
Nope....I use macro filters and as long as you have plenty of light...the AF is very good as usual😅😅😅
AF works, but only in the macro/close up range.
Reminds me those Raynox DCR-250 adaptors that were popular some years ago on DSLR telephoto lenses and are still available.
Use one on my olympus 60mm macro, good enough to get some shots of springtails and micro moths
The NiSi takes this a few notches higher.
Thanks Robin, Could you compare and give your opinion on whether it is better to use the filter than extension tubes?
Both are good options.
Extension tubes can compromise some important features on the camera - weather-sealing, image stabilization and there were also reports of light leaks affecting contrast/causing flares in the images.
The Close Up Filter does not compromise any of those, and the images shown in this video proved that it managed to resolve great contrast in every image.
@@robinwong Thanks for replying Robin, always so kind.
Supreme!!!
Cheers
Interesting little lens Robin, thank you for your continued content. How do you think it compares to the MCON-P02?
I've been using the MCON, with 26mm Meike tubes on the 45mm, photostacking with the E-M1.1 with ('adjusted' 4.6 firmware) with a lot of success this summer. 17.4mm/ 17mm= 1:1, but of course with the associated limitations of having to use Extension tubes, somewhat mitigated by photo-stacking ;)
TBH just the MCON itself is so easy to use, and carry, but I doubt the simple achromat is as powerful as this nisi, that said, the results are stunning... so I wonder what your take on this close up lens is in comparison to the Oly MCON-P02?
I can't answer your question, but I picked up the MCON-P02 myself when it was discounted by OM System in a sale in late 2022. With that converter in conjunction with the 45mm and also the 14-42mm kit lens, I found that the focusing range was really shallow and the results not particularly great, either.
Either on a video or on Robin's blog, I mentioned this, and he seemed to think that adding more glass was not going to give good results, as opposed to using the extension tube approach. So it would be enlightening to hear Robin's thoughts as to how the Nisi defies those expectations, particularly with this favourable review.
MCON P-02 has minimal magnification, NiSi has a lot more, goes much closer and produces much better image quality.
Wow!
Cheers
Oh i have the 45 1.8! I only want to shoot fungi so will save some pennies with this nisi.
Are you still able to focus stack?
And is there much depth of field?
Thank you :)
Cheers
Very informing review. I'm really tempted to adapt it to the 60mm F2.8 or even to the 75mm F1.8.
Just wondering if this can be adapted to lenses with filter thread of 58mm and more.
You need to find the right step up or step down adapter rings to the 49mm filter thread on NiSi.
Hi Robin! Learning so much from your videos. How close to the subject do you have to be with the 45 mm 1.8 and the 60 mm macro with the Nisi lens you used on it ?
I did not measure the focusing distance (as you can imagine it would be extremely challenging to do so in real life while I was shooting the insects), but you can roughly see the distance shown in video while I was measuring the ruler.
Any comparison with the Raynox?
hi Robin, when you use the close up can you use the lens also for normal distances or does the autofocus only work up close?
When close up filter is attached you are only focusing on close range, for macro work only.
Hi Robin, I'm very much interested if you could do a comparison of macro photography between the OM-1 and E-M1 II, especially on the difference on the 1053 vs 121 focus points, and how they affect the overall clarity on such a very shallow depth of field.
The image quality between OM-1 and E-M1 Mark II are exactly the same, no difference. In terms of AF, they are also the same when it comes to macro range, super close up shooting won't be blazing fast and will be challenging for either camera.
@@robinwong Thanks Robin for the response!
Hi. Love your videos. Just starting into macro and had to change all my gear. Switched to oly camera (for focus bracketing with flash), oly 60mm macro, 2 AF extension rings + godox flash. Whats the advantage of this lens over extension rings? I guess nothing correct?
The extension tubes may compromise a few camera features - weather-sealing (mount to lens not sealed), image stabilization and some reported cases of light leaks affecting contrast and flare issues to the macro images.
The Close Up Lens suffers none of these issues.
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow
Wow indeed!
Intriguing options and compelling images. Do you have experience with the ever-popular Raynox close-up lens to compare to this one?
I do have the Raynox DCR250, but have not done side by side comparisons. The NiSi goes much closer.
Great review Robin, the Nisu really looks like a premium piece of hardware, I wonder how it compares to the Raynox, is it closer in magnification to the DCR-150 or the DCR-250?
It goes much much closer than the Raynox, giving better magnification and I'd say the image quality on the NiSi is also better
I'd like a review of the 75mm f1.8 lens used with this nisi for macro photography.
I don't have the stepdown ring from 58mm to 49mm. Plus the point of using such a close up lens is on a budget friendly lens such as 45mm F1.8, or kit lenses.
How does this compare to the Olympus MCON-P02 on the 45 1.8?
I missed the test with the 12-40mm pro would it work just as well?
Very interesting. Can I use it with Olympus 30mm F3.5 Macro lens? I'm afraid that it's too wide for Nisi close up lens.
Love that 30mm but I suspect the distance between lens and subject would be prohibitively short with this attached... it's already very close, but I stand to be corrected! :)
You can, but I am afraid the focusing distance may be too close and become not practical in many real life situations.
Hey great video, you said it comes with the ring? I want to try this on my 60mm Macro. will I need to purchase the step-up ring separately?
The package of 49mm NiSi Close Up Lens comes with 67mm-49mm and 62-49mm step down filter rings/adapters.
If you want to use the NiSi 49mm Close Up Lens on Olympus 60mm Macro, as mentioned in the video, you need a step up ring from 46mm to 49mm. Go watch that part again, I explained everything in full detail.
That IQ _is_ impressive. 😯
The NiSi is really impressive!
would this work on a zoom lens, say the 14-140?
What is the advantage to extention tubes?
Extension tubes may have some compromises - weather-sealing, image stabilization, and possible light leak affecting contrast and flare issues, a common reported problem.
What is closer? Nisi 49mm or raynox 250 on 60mm f2,8?
I don't have the precise measurement of Raynox with Olympus 60mm macro, but I'd claim the NiSI goes closer.
Thanks Robin!!
Do you have experiences with the Raynox DCR-250 which is a similar lens?
I’m curious how they compare…
Raynox seems a lot cheaper 😉
The NiSi goes a lot closer, and the image quality seems to be better also.
@ thank you for your reply 😀👍
Similar to the Olympus P-01 macro adaptor.
Not similar at all. The NiSi goes so much closer, and the quality is like night and day difference.
You missed a very important point: If the sun directly shines into the Zuiko+Close-Up-Lens, you can get a light focus within the Zuiko lens. If that Focus hits a lens mount or the aperture plane, you damage your Zuiko lens. So be aware and always use a lens cap.
Sure. Use a macro setup to shoot the sun.
I’ve enjoyed your work for years, and your enthusiasm for the Olympus/OM System setup has been one of the encouraging things we’ve needed. Thank you !
Ethan from 1of1images
Going to send an email/message