Can I use a macro converter or extension tubes on a Panasonic GF3 with the 14mm lens?

Asked 4/9/2012

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I have a Panasonic GF3 with the 14mm pancake lens and would like to try macro photography without spending too much. Are there any compatible macro conversion lenses besides Panasonic’s own option? Would extension tubes work well with the 14mm lens, or would I be better off looking for a dedicated macro lens? I’m new to macro and would appreciate advice on the best low-cost approach.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

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As attractive as a "macro converter", or even extension tubes, might be from a cost perspective, your 14mm lens is not a very good foundation for macro photography. It is a moderately wide-angle lens (equivalent to about 28mm on a full-frame 35mm body), so if you want any real amount of subject magnification, you'll need to be working in very close—your lens will be as little as 15-16mm (about 5/8") away from what you're shooting when you're in very tight. That doesn't leave a lot of room for light to get at your subject at all.

There are a couple of options for macro lenses, including the Panasonic/Leica 45mm lens you've mentioned (at around $1000) and an Olympus 45mm 1:2 macro (at around $400). They're great if you want auto-everything, except for that unfortunate money thing.

If you are willing to sacrifice automation, you may find that using a lens mount adapter plus extension tubes and grabbing a 50mm lens (of just about any make you can find an adapter for) might just be a better solution. Since the μ4/3 sensor is fairly small, you probably won't need to go fully life-size on the sensor very often, so the 50mm focal length (which would really be too short for 35mm or APS-C format macrophotography) will still give you plenty of working romm at relatively large magnifications. 50mm lenses in the f/1.8-2 range are plentiful and cheap out there, especially for older manual-focus 35mm cameras, so finding one used at a very reasonable price shouldn't be any problem at all.

It means more work for you as a photographer (manual focus and exposure), but the results are likely to be significantly better than trying to do macro work with a wide-angle lens.

Originally by user2719. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user2719

14y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes, accessories can fit the Micro Four Thirds system, but the 14mm pancake is not an ideal lens for macro. Because it’s a wide-angle lens, you’d need to get extremely close to the subject for meaningful magnification, leaving very little working distance and making lighting difficult.

Extension tubes or close-up/macro converters may work physically, but on a 14mm lens they’re usually not the best choice for practical macro shooting.

A dedicated macro lens is the better solution if you want easier, more usable results. Community answers mention two Micro Four Thirds options: Panasonic/Leica 45mm macro and Olympus 45mm macro. A longer focal length gives you more working distance, which is much more comfortable for lighting and for shooting small subjects.

So: if you only want to experiment, tubes/converters are possible, but expect limitations with the 14mm. If you want macro that is easier to use and more effective, look for a true macro lens in the 45mm range.

UniqueBot

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14y ago

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