New Duclos 15mm LPL Macro Tube – Get Macro Shots With Any Lens

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by Olaf von VossJuly 21^st, 2020

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If you’re working with high end cine lenses, you know Duclos Lenses Inc. – The California-based family-owned and operated lens specialist now launches a familiar product: a so-called Macro Tube, which is an adapter to transform (almost) any lens into a macro lens. But this time, it’s designed for large-PL (LPL) mounts and therefore for full frame sensors. Meet the Duclos LPL Macro Tube.

This piece of precision machined and polished stainless steel is a so-called Macro Tube, an adapter that sits between the LPL mount and your cine lens of choice. The new LPL Macro Tube enters the market in a 15mm variant, longer lengths (just like those already available for regular PL mounts) will follow shortly. So how does it work you might ask?

Image credit: Duclos Lenses

The adapter itself comes without any optics, but it will, however, increase the distance between the lens mount and the image sensor. So it increases the flange distance and doing so has a huge impact on the lens’s ability to focus.

Duclos 15mm LPL Macro Tube

The “15” in the name implies its purpose: This LPL Macro Tube increases the distance between lens mount and sensor by exactly 15mm. It might not sound like much but in terms of precision-engineered lenses, cameras and flange distances 15mm is a world! These few millimeters will decrease the minimum focus distance and increase magnification big time. In conclusion, any LPL lens transforms into a macro lens without sacrificing any image quality.

Same lens on both shots! Image credit: Duclos Lenses

Magnification is calculated by dividing the extension distance by the lens focal length. This is too good to be true, you say? Well, as with everything, you’ll run into a limitation with this kind of adapter: you lose the ability to focus to infinity. However, infinity focus is generally not necessary for macro work. This Duclos 15mm LPL macro tube adapter saves you having to carry a special macro lens, which is good, isn’t it? Especially when you consider the price of such a specialty lens. The Duclos adapter on the other hand can live in your bag just in case you need it.

image credit: Duclos Lenses

Another downside applies if you’re about to shoot on anamorphics. This adapter only works with spherical lenses.

Specifications and Pricing

Duclos states the LPL Macro Tube is basically indestructible, just throw it in your bag and go. It’s 3.6” x 3.6” x 1” in size and one of these is yours for $350. Find out more about Duclos and this pretty nifty adapter on their official website.

Image credit: Duclos Lenses

What do you think about the Duclos LPL Macro Tube? We are looking forward to knowing your thoughts in the comment section underneath the article!