Early look at the MCEX-11 and MCEX-16 Macro Extension Tubes

Othman Kammah has a brief post showing the difference the Macro Extension Tubes MCEX-11 and MCEX-16 can make on a few of Fuji’s lenses.

Some photographers like to shoot close ups and details. I am one of those people...

I've now had a chance to play with both of these [the MCEX-11 (11mm) and MCEX-16 (16mm)] on the Fuji 18mm, 35mm, and 60mm lenses and though I would share my findings...

I had only seen the charts mentioned by Kammah before, but by the looks of things, those tubes make a huge difference in minimum focusing distance. I should be getting my set in the coming days. Look for a full versus comparison soon.

Love — Othman Kammah

Fuji X series portrait lenses compared

Damien Lovegrove over at Prophotonut has posted a great comparison of Fuji’s portrait lenses.

This is not laboratory science, it is a real world A/B comparison where the results are subjective and open to interpretation. I’m not one to read MTF graphs and I believe all professional lenses made today should be reasonably sharp so my attention as always turns to how pleasing is the rendering of the scene? I want to asses both the in and out of focus bits.

Damien modestly calls this a ”mini test,” but it’s plenty to sink your teeth into. Can’t wait for my 50-140mm ƒ/2.8 to arrive at my doorstep!

Of note, Damien drew a similar conclusion as I did on the 56mm f/1.2 APD. The difference is subtle, but it’s there. I also love his 60mm f/2.4 Macro lens hood modification to combat the issues it has with flare that I too have experienced. Lots of great stuff over there.

Chasing the Milky Way

Ross Kennedy has created an outstanding guide for Fuji shooters on capturing the Milky Way, and astrophotography in general.

This type of photography appears very complex and difficult but once you actually work through the process a couple of times it becomes fairly easy…provided a few simple guidelines are followed. A successful Milky Way photo requires the right equipment, a bit of research and a sprinkle of luck from Mother Nature.

The whole post is well worth your time if you have any interest in capturing actual stars on camera, and includes links to some great tools.