CCRRFD-Rnx Magnum - "How To Make It"

Update - February 5, 2009: If you like more style with your Phool's lighting, there is a new black version now. It's called the "Black Magic 32-Rnx". It's easy to make, works great, and is pretty darn cool-looking on your camera. You can see it here: www.flickr.com/photos/photophool/3256731051/in/photostream/.

A near zero cost solution to lighting Raynox DCR-250 macro and super macro subjects using the camera's on-board flash. For actual sample pics, search my photos with the key word MAGNUM or cruise the CCRRFD-Rnx set and look for the images marked with the "magnum" tag. You can also see my other styofoam macro-lighting solutions in the macro related "collection"

After quite a bit of real world usage, I've concluded that most users of the Raynox DCR-250 aux close-up lens will be well served by this simplified version of my styrofoam cup ringflash emulator. The stronger 32 ounce cup makes it sturdy. The use of a single cup makes it easy to construct. Using velcro dots to attach the contraption to the Raynox universal clip-on mount makes it easy to change and provides a break-away connection to keep the cup itself from breaking if you hit it on something.

This particular version is optimized for the DCR-250 and the Canon S2/S3/S5. However, it works well on my D70s with either the 70-300 Nikkor zoom or the 18-55mm kit lens. Strangely, the internal construction of the 18-70 Nikkor zoom is NOT well suited to the Raynox since it vignettes badly at all focal length settings. Because the physical diameter of the Raynox rear lens element is only 43mm, some vignetting will likely occur on any normal lens at a wide angle setting. This will disappear at approximately 27mm (35mm camera equivalent) and is rarely an issue for the small items you'll be "Raynoxing". For larger subjects, remove the Raynox and use my CCRRFDv2 styrofoam bowl ringflash emulator.

With a little fine-tuning in length, the concept should work fine for any camera/lens combination that can use the Raynox itself effectively. In addition, it should work well with other close-up aux lenses although the specific construction details may vary significantly.

The how-to images and steps follow below: