Test Raynox DCR2020Pro mit DiMage A1

[Mike Philippens]

My German is not so good to say all this the right way. So I hope you won't shoot me for doing this in English...

So...I finally have my Raynox DCR2020Pro (http://raynox.co.jp/english/dcr/dcr2020pro/index.htm) ! My first reaction after a testshoot is that I'm very satisfied with it. It's a big lump, but the pictures are ok. and yes...there is vignetting...big time. But if you're creative with cropping, there's more than enough left of the image.
In the end it't the image quality that counts. Fortunately the A1/A2 hase a good lens, so no errors of CA that's enlarged 2.2x. Right, some testpictures now:

#1 - A birdsnest on max tele (200mm)
Bild1 (http://www.philippens.net/gallery/d/4198-2/nestje_200mm.jpg)

#2 - Now with the Raynox I didn't cut off the vignetting to show how bad it is.
Bild2 (http://www.philippens.net/gallery/d/4200-3/nestje_440mm.jpg)

#3 - The vignetting is more clear in this shot.
Bild3 (http://www.philippens.net/gallery/d/4228-3/woudrichem_440mm.jpg)

#4 - A herron at 200mm (crop)
Bild4 (http://www.philippens.net/gallery/d/4205-3/PICT4322.jpg)

#5 - The same herron, approx. the same crom, but at 440mm
Bild5 (http://www.philippens.net/gallery/d/4203-3/PICT4321.jpg)

#6 - Macro is possible too
Bild6 (http://www.philippens.net/gallery/d/4207-3/PICT4325.jpg)

#7 - In this picture you can see that it's a sharp image in the whole useable area (crop)
Bild7 (http://www.philippens.net/gallery/d/4210-3/PICT4338.jpg)

#8 - Some ducks wake up for some nice girls that swim by...
Bild8 (http://www.philippens.net/gallery/d/4213-3/PICT4339.jpg)

As you can see, it's not too bad. At least, I think it is. Vignetting is big, but what's left is worth it I think. Sharpness is ok. I don't use the Raynox rings to fit this lens on. I use my own slim-line step-up ring 49-62.

links editied by Dimagier_Horst; our rules make no allowance for showing pictures sized 50k or more in consideration to our modem users ;)

[Jornada]

Hallo Mike.
First of all don't worry, nobody will shoot You ;)
An impressive test.
But i think on picture 7 and 8 there is still vignetting in the left upper corner, isn't it?
What do You think, how much of the foto is usable, 50% or more?
And finally, how much did You pay for the Raynox?

I hope, You won't shoot me for my English ;)

[Mike Philippens]

But i think on picture 7 and 8 there is still vignetting in the left upper corner, isn't it?
Stimmt... I did it on purpose to show that the crops are at the limits of the useable area.
With the Photoshop Raw Converter (I always shoot in RAW) you can make the vignetting effect a bit less. I didn't take the time to examine the effect, but it surely will help a bit.
What do You think, how much of the foto is usable, 50% or more?
Good question. That is something I had to add to the posting. Let's see...
All photos are shot in RAW at maximum resolution of the A1 (2560x1920). The crops are of the following sizes:
#5: 1202x1602
#6 1665x1249
#7 1962x1471
#8 1815x1361

I think #7 is at the limit as I can see light vignetting in all corners. So from 2560 to 1962 = 75% horizontal and from 1920 to 1471 = 76% vertical. Over the total area it works out to about 58%, but pleas check the calculations as I'm not a star in maths...
And finally, how much did You pay for the Raynox?
I paid €110 second hand. It is in mint condition, barely used. In the store it is about €170 here in Holland. Haven't seen it any cheaper over here or on eBay. Mostly more expensive.

[Jornada]

Hallo Mike.
Thank's for Your detailed answer.
I am no star in maths too, but i think 58% is right (anyway my calculator tells me the same ;) ).
I use the Olympus A200 conversion lens, which i like very much, because i don't need any adapter-ring. It has a 49mm thread, the same as my A2. Another advantage is, that you don't have to screw off the lens hood while using the A200.
The disadvantage is the poor magnification of only 1,5x.
The vignetting....well, my A2 has a maximum resolution of 3264x2440. When i make crops with 2560x1920 (again a magnification of about 1,6x) there is no vignetting left, so i am satisfied with my Olympus A200.
But a magnification of 2,2x would be gigantic, maybe i will search in ebay a little bit this night ;)

[pansono]

First of all - Welcome to our forum

My German is not so good to say all this the right way. So I hope you won't shoot me for doing this in English...

I never heart about anyone here shooting something else then pictures. :D
You mentioned, that you have to use a step up ring to connect the converter to your A1 - did you recognize any changes in AF function. Another point affecting the adapter ring is the question, if you always have to use rings of the same thickness as the originals.
Thank you for your test and the sample images.

[Mike Philippens]

First of all - Welcome to our forum
You mentioned, that you have to use a step up ring to connect the converter to your A1 - did you recognize any changes in AF function. Another point affecting the adapter ring is the question, if you always have to use rings of the same thickness as the originals.
The AF is not affected by the rings. It works by measuring the distance to the object through the lens. Also, the camera doesn't 'know' that there is a tele-converter attached so AF cannot be affected.

Raynox supplies their own step-up rings. They don't have a 49-62, so they want you to use two rings stacked upon each other. In my opinion, that would make the vignetting worse. That's why I use my own slim-line 49-62 ring that I already have for my UV and pola filter.