Nikon close-up attachment lenses with Fuji X lenses

I have mentioned many times in this blog how I use the Nikon close-up attachment lenses on my Fuji X lenses, particularly on the 56mm, 35mm, and 55-200mm zoom. These lenses are no longer made. I am fortunate to have a complete set from my Nikon film days. I have noticed they are frequently available on Ebay.

What separates these attachment lenses from regular close-up filters is that they are made up of two achromatic lens elements cemented together. This goes far to preserving the optical quality of the taking lens and does not introduce the softening effects and distortions from most single element close-up filters.

A 5T close-up attachment lens on the Fuji 56mm adds +1.5 diopter close-up factor. The 6T adds +2.8 diopters.

There are two sets of these attachment lenses, one in 52mm size, the other in 62mm size. Fortunately for us, most of the Fuji X lenses you would use with these close-ups are one of those two sizes. 3T and 4T have a 52mm filter size and are intended for full frame lenses from 85mm to 200mm. The 5T and 6T have a 62mm filter size and intended to be used with full frame lenses from 70mm to 210mm. I have used all of these close-up attachments with other focal lengths for years and never noticed a problem, although the most likely use would be with the normal to long focal lengths lenses. 

A true macro lens will get you closer and be the best optical choice for close-up work. The principle reason for using close-up attachments instead is to take advantage of the fast aperture bokeh effects possible with f/1.4 and f/1.2 apertures. An ancillary reason is that it is far easier to tuck one or two of these filters in your camera bag for an occasional close-up need, than it is to take up room with a separate macro lens. 

The Fuji 56mm is the lens where the close-up capabilities would be most apparent. Even with close-up portraits, the 56mm sometimes does not get in close enough. Next in line would be the 55-200mm zoom. This lens already has impressive close-up abilities for a long zoom, but the Nikon 5T and 6T allow it to get in tight enough for serious macro magnification while still maintaining a comfortable distance with the telephoto range of the lens.

This test scene was set up to see how the various Fuji lenses might would work with close-up attachment lens. 

3T and 5T
Two elements; 1.5 Diopters; 62mm thread mount; This lens is intended for use with telephotos (hence the "T" at the end of the name) but is reputedly excellent with all lenses that it'll fit.

4T and 6T
Two elements; 2.9 Diopters; 52mm thread mount; This lens is intended for use with telephotos (hence the "T" at the end of the name) but is reputedly excellent with all lenses that it'll fit.

The 5T and 6T are 62mm and fit the 56mm f/1.2 Fuji lens, and the 55-200mm zoom. With a 58-62mm step-up ring (shown on the right) they the 62mm set will also fit the Fuji 18-55mm zoom. 

3T and 5T
Two elements; 1.5 Diopters; 62mm thread mount; This lens is intended for use with telephotos (hence the "T" at the end of the name) but is reputedly excellent with all lenses that it'll fit.

4T and 6T
Two elements; 2.9 Diopters; 52mm thread mount; This lens is intended for use with telephotos (hence the "T" at the end of the name) but is reputedly excellent with all lenses that it'll fit.

The 3T and 4T are 52mm filter size and fit the Fuji 35mm f/1.4 lens. 

This was taken with the Fuji 56mm lens set to its closest distance. This lens would benefit from having a close-up attachment to come in tighter.

56mm with 5T (+1.5 diopters)

56mm with 6T (+2.9 diopters)

35mm with no filter. This lens already gets in tight. 

35mm with 4T (+2.9 diopters)

35mm  with 3T (+1.5 diopters)

55-200mm with no filter. This lens has an impressive close-up range for a long focal length zoom. Adding the Nikon 5T or 6T really allows it to get in tight enough for macro work. Plus the Nikon close up attachments were computed specifically for this focal length so the performance is exceptional. 

55-200mm with 6T (+2.9 diopters). This is very close to 1:1 macro. 

55-200mm with 5T (+1.5 diopters)

18-55mm with no filter.  Like the 35mm, this zoom gets in close already. 

18-55mm with 6T (+2.9 diopters)

18-55mm with 5T (+1.5 diopters)

In my next blog post I will discuss using these filters with a fast aperture lens like the Fuji 56mm f/1.2 lens specifically to create a bokeh effect with a close-up subject.