Sorry guys I have picked up on this thread a little late.
I have only just started using the converter on dragonflies’ etc this year, as I purchased it in the winter.
I think you are right, that at short distances and for use on the macro setting it seams hardly worth it as you have to zoom out so far to be able to focus this close, so you may just as well use the camera alown.
If you want a full frame picture of a small Damselfly you need to be close to it don’t you as its only just over an inch long, if it allows you to approach this close you may as well be using the camera alown.
With larger species the subject fills more of the frame from further distance, so you may be able to use the converter particularly if it will not allow you to approach very close. This is when it’s useful. But then if it’s that far away you can digiscope it, (yes I do carry all this stuff around with me
).
If you have a look at my site the keeled skimmer pictures are both taken with this lens, also at Thursley Common.
http://members.lycos.co.uk/digitalwildlife/odonata/Keelskim.htm this was ok as I could not get any closer to them without getting wet.
Basically I thing the bigger the subject the more useful it is. But if you can get to within a foot of the subject then you may be better off using the camera zoom alown. I am still experimenting with it and would be interested in others finding.
http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php?photo=5996&password=&sort=1&cat=533&page=1
This photo was taken using it, as were the others here
http://members.lycos.co.uk/digitalwildlife/odonata/gringed.htm
But this is a big insect that allowed a close approach.
If I see a likely subject I would start at full zoom and take pictures as I move closer, if I get very close I would zoom out a little and move the camera closer for a close up (sounds silly doesn’t it). If its still there and allowing photos to be taken within cm’s then I may take the lens off. Lets face it it’s a telephoto lens designed to bring distant things closer, it not really meant for macro work.
The fact that you have to zoom out to use the macro setting, has always bugged me, sort of defeats the object but that’s just the way it is. Is that correct that the 4500 should focus down to 2cm? Because I am sure I have never got mine to do that.
I would be interested in others opinions of this lens and its uses, I am still struggling to judge exactly when to use it and when not to.
All the best
Rich