Vivitar 58mm Close-Up Macro Filter Set Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the Vivitar 58mm 4-Piece Close-Up Macro Filter Set. This kit is designed to enable macro photography with a standard lens, allowing for a larger image scale and detailed close-up shots of subjects. The set includes +1, +2, +4, and +10 diopter filters, which can be used individually or in combination to achieve various levels of magnification.

Image: Vivitar 58mm Close-Up Macro Filter Set, showing the four filters and the protective pouch.

What's in the Box

Your Vivitar 58mm Close-Up Macro Filter Set includes the following items:

• One (1) +1 Diopter Close-Up Macro Filter (58mm)
• One (1) +2 Diopter Close-Up Macro Filter (58mm)
• One (1) +4 Diopter Close-Up Macro Filter (58mm)
• One (1) +10 Diopter Close-Up Macro Filter (58mm)
• One (1) Nylon Filter Wallet for storage

Setup and Installation

To use the Vivitar Close-Up Macro Filters, follow these steps:

1. Identify Lens Thread Size: Ensure your camera lens has a 58mm filter thread. This information is typically printed on the front of your lens or in your camera lens manual.
2. Select Filter: Choose the desired diopter filter (+1, +2, +4, or +10) based on the magnification level required.
3. Attach Filter: Carefully align the filter's threads with the threads on the front of your camera lens. Gently rotate the filter clockwise until it is securely fastened. Avoid overtightening to prevent damage to both the filter and your lens.
4. Stacking Filters (Optional): For increased magnification, multiple filters can be stacked. Attach the lowest diopter filter first, then screw the next desired filter onto the first one. Exercise caution to ensure proper alignment and avoid cross-threading.

Always handle filters by their edges to avoid fingerprints or smudges on the glass surface.

Operating Instructions

Vivitar Close-Up Macro Filters allow your lens to focus at much closer distances, effectively reducing the minimum focusing distance and enabling macro photography. The diopter strength indicates the magnification power:

• +1 Diopter: Provides a slight increase in magnification, suitable for larger macro subjects.
• +2 Diopter: Offers moderate magnification for detailed shots.
• +4 Diopter: Delivers significant magnification for smaller subjects.
• +10 Diopter: Provides the highest magnification in the set for extreme close-ups.

Tips for Best Results:

• Lighting: Macro photography often requires ample and even lighting. Consider using external light sources to illuminate your subject.
• Stability: Due to the shallow depth of field at macro distances, even slight camera movement can cause blur. Using a tripod or monopod is highly recommended to ensure sharp images.
• Aperture: Experiment with smaller apertures (higher f-numbers) to increase the depth of field, which is often very narrow in macro photography.
• Manual Focus: For precise focusing, especially when stacking filters, manual focus may yield better results than autofocus.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care will extend the life and performance of your Vivitar Close-Up Macro Filters:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth specifically designed for optical surfaces to clean the filters. For stubborn smudges, a small amount of lens cleaning solution can be applied to the cloth (not directly to the filter).
• Storage: Always store the filters in the provided nylon filter wallet when not in use. This protects them from dust, scratches, and impacts.
• Handling: Avoid touching the glass surfaces of the filters with your fingers. Hold them by the metal rim.
• Environment: Keep filters away from extreme temperatures, high humidity, and corrosive chemicals.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using your Vivitar Close-Up Macro Filter Set, consider the following:

• Filter Not Screwing On Smoothly:
  Ensure the filter is correctly aligned with the lens threads. Do not force it, as this can cross-thread and damage both the filter and the lens. If resistance is met, unscrew, realign, and try again gently. Verify that your lens has a 58mm filter thread.
• Loss of Clarity or Sharpness:
  While these filters provide magnification, some slight reduction in optical quality, especially at the edges of the frame or when stacking multiple filters, can occur. This is more noticeable with higher diopter strengths. Using a smaller aperture (higher f-number) can help improve overall sharpness and depth of field. Ensure filters are clean and free of smudges.
• Difficulty Focusing:
  Macro photography has a very shallow depth of field. Use manual focus for precise control. Ensure sufficient light on your subject. A tripod or monopod will significantly aid in achieving sharp focus by eliminating camera shake.
• Darker Images:
  Close-up filters do not significantly reduce light transmission. If images appear dark, check your camera's exposure settings (ISO, aperture, shutter speed) and ensure adequate lighting for your subject.

Specifications

Support and Warranty

For technical support or warranty inquiries regarding your Vivitar Close-Up Macro Filter Set, please refer to the contact information provided with your product packaging or visit the official Vivitar website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

Vivitar is committed to providing quality products and customer satisfaction.