Raynox DCR-250 Macro Lens Review
If you’re looking to explore the world of macro (close-up) photography but don’t want to invest in a dedicated macro lens, the Raynox DCR-250 macro snap-on lens is a perfect solution.
Intro
The Raynox DCR-250 is not well known to most beginners. Raynox is a third party lens manufacturer located in Japan (corporate website).
What’s so great about the Raynox DCR-250 is that you can easily clip it to most lenses and instantly increase your magnification power.
Say you’ve got a kit lens (usually 18-55mm) and you’re trying to get up close to a flower. More than likely you’ll experience focus errors due to the minimum focusing distance for that specific lens. The minimum focusing distance is the closest you can get to your subject and still achieve proper focus.
The Raynox DCR-250 allows you to break this barrier and get within a few inches of the subject. This greatly enlarges the subject in your frame which allows for impressive macro shots.
Think of it like reading fine print with your eyes. You can get close to the text, but at some point your eyes won’t be able to focus and the print will look blurry.
Whip out a handy dandy magnifying glass and instantly you can enlarge the size of the print, making it easier to read.
Specs
Compatibility – The Raynox DCR-250 is not a dedicated lens…meaning you can’t attach it directly to your camera. You’ll have to clip it to a lens with a filter size between 52mm to 67mm. The clips grab on to the internal ring on the front lens element.
Lens – The lens is made from high index optical glass and produces a very sharp image.
Magnification – The lens has a magnification power of 2.5x. You can obtain the maximum magnification power by shooting towards the telephoto end of your lens.
Filter Thread – The lens has a front filter thread that measures in at 49mm, allowing you to attach creative filters for interesting effects.
Size – The lens is roughly 2-inches in diameter and around 0.7-inches thick.
Weight – The lens is very light and weighs in at around 2.1oz.
Sample Photos
Coin
This is a sample shot of a coin up-close with the Raynox DCR-250 attached to the front of a Canon 50mm F1.8 EF-S lens, mounted to a Canon EOS R.
This is the same shot with the Raynox DCR-250 removed, using the Canon 50mm F1.8 EF-S lens natively (nothing attached).
Vintage Film Camera
This is a sample shot of a vintage camera with the Raynox DCR-250 attached to the front of a Canon 50mm F1.8 EF-S lens, mounted to a Canon EOS R.
This is the same shot with the Raynox DCR-250 removed, using the Canon 50mm F1.8 EF-S lens natively (nothing attached).
Pinecone
This is a sample shot of a pinecone with the Raynox DCR-250 attached to the front of a Canon 50mm F1.8 EF-S lens, mounted to a Canon EOS R.
This is the same shot with the Raynox DCR-250 removed, using the Canon 50mm F1.8 EF-S lens natively (nothing attached).
Recommendations
If you’re interested in macro photography and on a limited budget, the Raynox DCR-250 is a fantastic solution (see it on Amazon here).
Most dedicated macro lenses run between $300 and $1000, which is a large investment for most beginners. The Raynox DCR-250 retails for around $70 (US).
Whenever family and friends ask me about shooting close-ups with their DSLR, I always point them in the direction of the Raynox DCR-250 first. They can always upgrade to a dedicated macro lens at a later date if their interest in macro photography grows and they need pro level results.
In the beginning, your creativity shouldn’t be limited due to expensive lenses. The Raynox DCR-250 allows you to explore the world of macro photography without having to give away a car/mortgage payment (see the Raynox DCR-250 macro lens on Amazon).
Check out the recommendations page for more tips and advice on my favorite gear. Happy shooting!