Nikon Rayfact VF Float Lens Test Preview

RobertOToole · Post by **RobertOToole** » Fri May 22, 2020 6:53 pm

Just taking a break from processing images but I wanted to share a quick preview to the test:

Rayfact VF 91.7mm vs. SK Macro Varon CAS 85mm vs. Mejiro Float 4/110

Also even though I had my hands full, I took the extra time to include a couple of ringers, stacked lens pairs, just to keep things interesting.

Special thanks to owners of the Rayfact and Mejiro, both here in the forum, for the generous loans!

I'll going to break up the results in more than one post, there's too much info

Rayfact VF vs SK Macro Varon at 0,5x on Nikon D850
Rayfact VF vs Mejiro Float at 0,5x on Nikon D850

Rayfact VF vs SK Macro Varon at 2.0x on Nikon D850
Rayfact VF vs Mejiro Float at 2.0x on Nikon D850
Rayfact VF vs Scheider APO-Componon 4/60 + Makro-Symmar 5.9/120 at 2.0x on Nikon D850
LoCA test on all 4 lenses on Nikon D850

Rayfact VF at f/3.9 vs SK Macro Varon, f/4.5 at 3.0x on Nikon D850
Rayfact VF vs Mejiro Float at f/4 at 3.0x on Nikon D850
Rayfact VF vs Scheider Componon 2.8/35 Makro Iris at f/2.8 + Scitex S-3 110 at 3.0x on Nikon D850

(skipped 1x)

The results will be interesting, I guarantee

Any questions comments, post them below.

Best,

Robert

Update: just measured the Mejiro pupil size and its not an f/2.8, it measures out at f/4. Notes say the flash power at "f/2.8" was the same as the Rayfact at f/4 so that confirms the answer.

Lou Jost · Post by **Lou Jost** » Fri May 22, 2020 7:26 pm

These two are going to be very interesting!:

Rayfact VF vs Scheider APO-Componon 4/60 + Makro-Symmar 5.9/120 at 2.0x on Nikon D850

Rayfact VF vs Scheider Componon 2.8/35 Makro Iris at f/2.8 + Scitex S-3 110 at 3.0x on Nikon D850

At these low magnifications the relatively inexpensive and easily obtainable stacked lenses might have a chance of beating even a super-specialized and expensive optic. I can't wait to see the results!!!

RobertOToole · Post by **RobertOToole** » Fri May 22, 2020 7:31 pm

Lou Jost wrote:These two are going to be very interesting!:

Rayfact VF vs Scheider APO-Componon 4/60 + Makro-Symmar 5.9/120 at 2.0x on Nikon D850

Rayfact VF vs Scheider Componon 2.8/35 Makro Iris at f/2.8 + Scitex S-3 110 at 3.0x on Nikon D850

One comment before I get back to processing raw files

One pair was not-so-hot, the other was simply superb, A++, 5 stars

Best,

Robert

Lou Jost · Post by **Lou Jost** » Fri May 22, 2020 7:32 pm

I would put my money on the second one.

lothman · Post by **lothman** » Thu Jun 04, 2020 11:47 am

RobertOToole wrote:
One pair was not-so-hot, the other was simply superb, A++, 5 stars

Best,

Robert

Robert we are still curious

RobertOToole · Post by **RobertOToole** » Thu Jun 04, 2020 2:18 pm

Hi Lothman, thanks for asking, sorry I have been really busy with too many other non-photo related tasks

I will share all the images this weekend. The prices on the SK 2.8/35 (and 4/35) Componons are going to go up after I post the test results, just a heads up.

I haven't worked since March, so no income for 2+ months, and it looks like reaching my first job shooting in Alaska in July will be difficult, I will need a 14 day quarantine, or a Covid-19 test that is negative within 72 hrs of my departure! I just want to photograph bear cubs in Alaska!

On a positive note, I picked up a Tarantula Spidering and I'm really glad I did. It emerges in the morning and sunbathes all day, and jumps on anything I toss into his enclosure.

Quick video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IktOKyVuVdE

Best,

Robert

Macro_Cosmos · Post by **Macro_Cosmos** » Thu Jun 04, 2020 8:16 pm

Poor cricket, it had no chance!

Did know you're a weather forecaster

RobertOToole · Post by **RobertOToole** » Thu Jun 04, 2020 8:28 pm

Macro_Cosmos wrote:Poor cricket, it had no chance!

Did know you're a weather forecaster

Yeah forgot about that!

NHK had a good documentary on, that was the news break

Robert

RobertOToole · Post by **RobertOToole** » Sun Jun 07, 2020 10:51 pm

The VF page is finally up but my eyes are burning from too much time staring at the monitor

Anyone have some free time to lend a hand with proofing the page?

Best,

Robert

chris_ma · Post by **chris_ma** » Sun Jun 07, 2020 10:57 pm

RobertOToole wrote:The VF page is finally up but my eyes are burning from too much time staring at the monitor :shock:

Anyone have some free time to lend a hand with proofing the page?

sure, I'm not a native english speaker, but I'd be happy to help (and to see your results ;)

chris

Bakwetu · Post by **Bakwetu** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 4:41 am

I'm not a native speaker either, but if more help is needed let me know. I'm used to reading scientific reports and good at finding inconsistencies etc.

Either way, I am really looking forward to see the test.

Lou Jost · Post by **Lou Jost** » Mon Jun 08, 2020 7:45 am

I would be happy to, Robert.

RobertOToole · Post by **RobertOToole** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 8:47 am

Thanks for all the assistance and input guys!

Instead of posting multiple parts as planned I decided to run the test in one big report

https://www.closeuphotography.com/nikon ... -lens-test

The page is up and I will post portions of the results here as soon as I get a chance but it's my birthday so I'm a little busy with my wife and friends but I will have some time later

The results are interesting and its worth a read

Thanks again for the help again guys and thanks to the owners of the lenses, they made the test possible in the first place!

Best,

Robert

chris_ma · Post by **chris_ma** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 9:16 am

Great test, as always!
thanks a lot, certainly an impressive bunch of glass.

Enjoy your birthday and many happy returns
chris

lothman · Post by **lothman** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 10:18 am

Robert this ist stunning work again

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!