On Fri, 23 Aug 2002 20:56:00 +0200, "Bishop" wrote:

>I have just purchased a used Vivitar 100mm f/2.8 Macro FD lens. It reaches
>1:1 without any magnification lens.
>Since it is not enough for some insects, I am considering the use of a 2X
>lens-converter, extension tubes or perhaps a macro-bellows.
>What do you recommend with this particular lens?
>And what opinion do you have about it?

I don't know this particular lens, but most, by all
makers, are good if stopped down a bit (necessary
anyway for adequate DOF). I like using 1.4X and 2X
converters for macro, adding tubes and achromats
(2-element close-up lenses) as desired (some methods
work better than others with particular lenses for
increasing magnification). A good TTL flash, mounted
with the head against the front end of the lens,
at 45-degrees rotation, and aimed at the subject works
well for "soft-box" illumination sufficient to get
the very small stops needed with the high enough
"shutter speed" to stop the action... For samples,
see: http://www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/phun.html,
"Bugs" - some of these are around 3X on film, shot
with ordinary lenses (often the 200mm f4 Nikkor
non-macro on a converter, with tubes and/or achromat
added - and these are VERY sharp slides...).