Today I put the Nikon 18-200 VR with attached Canon 500D close-up filter on a tripod and did some comparative test-shots on my usual Siemens star target against the Sigma 150/2.8 which is an excellent macro lens.
I only tested the Nikon at 200mm as this gives you the greatest magnification of 1:2.5 and adjusted the Sigma accordingly to the same magnification.
As I already wrote, at these magnifications a Siemens star test-target printed on my ink-jet is not really sufficient to use in the normal way. But at least you can have a view at the single ink-blots and judge sharpness. And fortunately I found a small hair clinging to my test-target that has a much finer structure than the ink-blots. Enjoy!
On the left you see a 100% crop of the Nikon 18-200 VR at 200mm f/8.0 with Canon 500D close-up filter. Magnification is 1:2,5.
On the right you see the Sigma 150/2.8 at f/4.0 and same magnification.
From the first images we can conclude, that the combo with the close-up filter looks even a little better than the original macro lens. But that is due to some adverse conditions in this shot for the true macro (a little shake plus perhaps sub-optimal focus. But it is a clear indicator that the close-up filter does not visibly deteriorate the IQ of the lens.
The second row should be more of a "true" comparison. The combo with the super-zoom showing weaker contrast than the true macro.
As soon as I get the new Nikon 70-200/2.8 VR II I'll post some test-shots with the close-up filter attached. But from what I've seen today the quality of the Canon 500D confirms its excellent reputation!
Feel free to post images here that can show the image quality of your close-up filter (only 100% crops!). And don't forget to post which lens and filter you were using at which aperture!
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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!)
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