Canon FD 200mm Macro Lens (original) (raw)
Macro lenses are made to be used at close focusing distances to obtain maximum magnification. Among the few alternatives or options of macro lenses available, the 200mm could be the most flexible.
It can be a macro lens that give great magnification ratio as with the others, offering a comfortable working distance between subject and the photographer and possesses the distinctive optical properties of a telephoto lens. Some useful resources/manual prepared by Christian Rollinger: |
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Sometimes, it is necessary to be far enough away from the subject that it is undisturbed and suffficient light falls on it while the image size must also be magnified. The FD 200mm fl4 Macro lens is designed to satisfy many of these photographic requirements. NOTE:- Info on theNEWER autofocus version
The FD 200mm f/4 Macro lens uses the helicoid focusing that allows it to focus all the way down to a distance of 1.9 feet to get a 1:1 life-size image. However, the New FD 200mm f/4, though a normal telephoto lens, uses Canon's Rear-group focusing which doe snot change the overall length of the lens from its closest focusing distance all the way to infinity. (See photos on left) |
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At a working distance of 51.4cm, the 200mm Macro achieves a magnification of 0.5X. To obtain that same magnification the 50mm and 100mm Macros would have to move in to working distances of 10.5cm and 26cm respectively. The table below compares the shooting distances and working distances of the three macro lenses when they are focused at a 1:1 magnification ratio. The 200mm Macro offers about three times the shooting (film to-subject) distance and about six times the lens-front-to-subject distance of the 50mm.
Comparison of the 50mm, 100mm and 200mm macro lenses of 1:1 (mm) | ||||
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Overall length | Lens extension | Film to subject distance | Subject to front of lens distance | |
FD 50mm f3.5 Macro | 57 | 50 | 205 | 55 |
FD 100mm f4 Macro | 95 | 100 | 400 | 160 |
FD 200mm f4 Macro | 182.4 | 38.6 | 580 | 316 |
The 200mm Macro can focus from a life-size image magnification ratio (1:1) to infinity without any additional attachments. The 50mm and 100mm Macros, however, are only capable of shooting up to a magnification of 1:2 when no extension tubes are used.Numbers indicating the magnification ratios are engraved in yellow on the lens barrel so it is easy to see where 1:2 and other magnifications are. Further, the adoption of a two group focusing system in the 200mm Macro lens has reduced barrel extension to a minimum although one would expect an optimum solution with optical solution such as Internal Focusing system be employed for non extension or rotation of the lens barrel. The maximum extension in this case is 38.6mm for recording images at life-size magnification. Things to note is generally, long focal length of macro 200mm lens as compared with the shorter ones, the depth of field is extremely shallow and hence requiring careful attention to focusing and precautions against camera movement. Thus, as a rough rule of thumb, the smaller the extension of the lens barrel and the less camera balance is upset, the better. Use of a cable release or in combination with a monopod or a tripod is recommended whenever shooting close up with this lens. Hand-held photography may be possible with practice but an unstable camera would results in unacceptably blurred images.FD 200mm f/4 Macro Lens
The helicoid focusing barrel of this telephoto macro lens focuses continuously from infinity for general photography to a life-size image magnification ratio (1:1) without using any additional attachments.
This lens was the last being intoduced to Canon users after the 50 and the 100 mm macro lenses. In short, it is a high performance telephoto macro lens that allows more working distance for increased flexibility when shooting close-up photographs. |
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At a magnification factor of 0.5X a working distance (lens-front to subject) of 51.4cm is possible. The lens construction is 9 elements in 6 groups. Adoption of a unique focusing mechanism, using only the first and second groups, significantly suppresses aberration fluctuations caused by focusing. The front lens barrel extension is kept to a mere 38.6mm at life-size magnification for steady camera balance. Decrease in effective aperture is markedly low during closeup shooting. With larger effective apertures, the lens is especially useful for close-up photography under dim lighting conditions. Other than Macro works, this lens is equally useful as a normal telephoto lens that can be used for all kinds of general photographic applications.
Specifications: Focal length: 200mm Aperture ratio: 1:4 Construction: 6 groups, 9 elements |
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Coating: S.S.C. (super spectra coating)
Angles of view: Diagonal: 12° Vertical: 7° Horizontal: 10°
Distance scale: (m) 0.58 (magnification 1.0X) to10.OO(ft) 1.9 to 30.OO Focusing mechanism: Helicoid ;
Magnification: Down to l.0X for lens used alone
Minimum aperture: f/32 A Diaphragm: Automatic
Filter size: 58mm
Hood: Built-in type
Cap: C-58 (29-9662)
Function: Auto Aperture, Full aperture metering (AE operation when used with ALL Canon automatic SLR cameras.
Length x max. diameter 182.4mm x 68.8mm
Weight: 880g
Current Autofocus Version: EF l80mm f/3.5L Macro USM
Technical highlight: A telephoto macro lens which can obtain 1X (Life size 1:1) subject magnification without the aid of an additional extension ring. The focusing range can be switched between 0.48 m to infinity or 1.5 m to infinity. Three UD elements correct secondary spectrum. The optical system employs internal floating construction, lens extension is reduced and f-value fluctuation is relatively smaller than in macro lenses using linear extension systems.
Quick data for reference: Focal length and maximum aperture: 180mm f/3.5; Lens construction: 14 elements in 12 groups; Angle of view: 13° 40'; Focus adjustment: Inner focusing with Ring USM; Closest focusing distance: 0.48 m, 1x; Filter size: 72mm; Length x max. diameter, weight: 82.5mm x 186.6 mm, 1,090g | The ring USM silences autofocusing operation. Full-time manual focus is also provided. With Extender EF 1.4x or EF 2x attached, a maximum magnification of 1.4x or 2x respectively is possible. The tripod collar provided is adjustable for precise measurement and balance well on a tripod, since the lens overall weight is slightly more than a kilogram. |
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