
( Brand: Fujinon ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: CL8658 ), ( Country Of Origin: Japan ), ( Filter Effects: Close-up )
The **Fujifilm Fujinon CL8658 86-51mm f/5.6-6.7 Macro Lens** is a versatile and high-performance close-up lens designed for photographers seeking precision, clarity, and flexibility in macro and extreme close-up photography. Part of Fujifilm s renowned **Fujinon** lineup, this lens delivers exceptional optical quality with a **fixed 86-51mm focal length**, allowing for a seamless transition between wide-angle and telephoto perspectives while maintaining a consistent f/5.6-6.7 aperture range. Its **1:1 macro capability** ensures razor-sharp detail at life-size magnification, making it an ideal choice for capturing intricate textures, delicate subjects like insects, flowers, and small objects with breathtaking precision. The lens features a **compact and lightweight design**, making it highly portable for on-the-go photographers without compromising on performance. Its **aspherical lens elements** minimize distortion and chromatic aberration, ensuring crisp, natural-looking images even at the closest focusing distances. The **internal focusing mechanism** eliminates the need for lens extension tubes, allowing for quick and smooth adjustments without changing the lens s external dimensions. Additionally, the lens incorporates **Fujifilm s Super EBC (Extra-Band Coating) and Nano Glass Coating** technologies, which enhance light transmission and reduce ghosting and flare, resulting in vibrant, high-contrast images even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether used for scientific documentation, artistic macro photography, or detailed product imaging, the **CL8658** combines reliability, optical excellence, and practicality, making it a standout choice for photographers who demand the best in close-up imaging.
The Fujinon CL8658 (86-51 cm, 58x-75x magnification) is a high-magnification close-up lens designed primarily for macro photography, particularly for use with DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
---
### **Pros**
1. **Extreme Magnification Range**
The lens offers a wide magnification range (58x to 75x), allowing for highly detailed close-up photography of small subjects like insects, coins, or textures. This level of magnification is difficult to achieve with standard macro lenses or even dedicated macro lenses without significant loss of image quality.
2. **Compact and Lightweight**
Unlike bulky macro lenses or extension tubes, the CL8658 is small and portable, making it ideal for travel or on-the-go photography. Its size allows it to be carried in a pocket or attached to a camera bag without adding significant weight.
3. **Affordability**
Compared to high-end macro lenses (e.g., Canon MP-E 65mm or Nikon 105mm f/2.8), the Fujinon CL8658 is relatively inexpensive. This makes it an attractive option for hobbyists or photographers on a budget who still want professional-level close-up results.
4. **Versatility for Small Subjects**
The lens is particularly useful for photographing tiny subjects that are challenging to capture with standard lenses. Its fixed focal length (equivalent to 100mm on full-frame cameras) and high magnification make it a go-to tool for detailed work.
5. **No Moving Parts**
Unlike some macro lenses with zoom capabilities, the CL8658 has no moving parts, which reduces the risk of mechanical failure or dust ingress. This also means it requires minimal maintenance.
6. **Compatibility with Most DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras**
The lens is designed to screw directly onto the camera s lens mount (typically the front element of a standard lens), making it compatible with a wide range of cameras. It works well with APS-C sensors, where the magnification appears even higher due to the crop factor.
7. **Sharpness at High Magnifications**
For its price point, the CL8658 delivers surprisingly sharp images at high magnifications, especially when used with a camera equipped with a high-resolution sensor. While it may not rival a dedicated macro lens in terms of edge-to-edge sharpness, it performs well in the center of the frame.
8. **Easy to Use**
The lens is straightforward to attach and detach from a camera. It requires no additional adapters or accessories for basic use, making it accessible for beginners or casual photographers.
---
### **Cons**
1. **Limited Field of View**
The lens has a very narrow field of view, meaning you can only capture a tiny portion of the subject at a time. This requires precise focusing and careful composition, which can be frustrating for subjects that are not stationary or for larger scenes.
2. **Fixed Focal Length and Magnification**
The CL8658 does not offer zoom or adjustable magnification. You are locked into a specific magnification range (58x-75x), which may not be ideal for all subjects. For example, photographing larger insects or objects may require a lower magnification, which this lens cannot provide.
3. **Working Distance is Extremely Short**
The working distance (distance between the lens and the subject) is very short, often requiring the subject to be placed directly against the lens or held very close. This can be impractical for live subjects (e.g., insects) that may move or be startled by the proximity of the lens.
4. **No Aperture Control**
The lens does not have an aperture ring, and its effective aperture is determined by the camera s aperture settings when used with a standard lens. This can limit control over depth of field and low-light performance, as the lens itself does not open or close.
5. **Image Quality Limitations**
While the CL8658 is sharp in the center, it suffers from vignetting (darkening of the corners) and may lack sharpness in the outer edges of the frame. The lack of a dedicated macro lens design means it may not perform as well as specialized macro lenses in terms of resolution, contrast, or chromatic aberration control.
6. **Depth of Field is Extremely Shallow**
At high magnifications, the depth of field is nearly non-existent. This means only a tiny portion of the subject will be in sharp focus, requiring precise focusing techniques (e.g., focus stacking) to achieve a fully sharp image.
7. **Compatibility Issues with Some Cameras**
While the lens is compatible with most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, attaching it to a camera with a larger lens (e.g., a telephoto lens) may cause issues with the lens hood or other accessories. Additionally, some cameras may have limited space on the lens mount, making it difficult to attach the CL8658 without obstruction.
8. **No Image Stabilization**
The lens lacks image stabilization, which can be problematic when shooting handheld at high magnifications. This may result in blurry images if the camera is not stabilized (e.g., on a tripod or using a gimbal).
9. **Durability Concerns**
The lens is not weather-sealed, and its compact design means it may not be as durable as a dedicated macro lens. It is also more susceptible to damage if dropped or mishandled due to its delicate construction.
10. **Limited Creative Flexibility**
The fixed magnification and narrow field of view restrict creative possibilities. Unlike a zoom macro lens or a wide-angle lens, the CL8658 offers little flexibility for framing or adjusting the perspective.
---
### **Conclusion**
The Fujinon CL8658 is a highly specialized tool for photographers who need extreme magnification for small subjects. It excels in scenarios where a compact, affordable, and portable solution is required to capture intricate details that would otherwise be impossible to achieve with standard lenses. Its strengths lie in its portability, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to deliver sharp, high-magnification images without the bulk of a dedicated macro lens.
However, its limitations such as the lack of zoom, shallow depth of field, short working distance, and narrow field of view make it less versatile for other types of photography. It is not a replacement for a macro lens but rather a complementary tool for specific use cases. The lens is best suited for hobbyists, travelers, or photographers who occasionally need to capture highly detailed images of small objects or insects without investing in expensive macro equipment.
---
### **Recommendation**
The Fujinon CL8658 is **highly recommended** for the following users:- **Macro photography enthusiasts** who primarily shoot small subjects (e.g., insects, coins, textures) and want a portable, budget-friendly option.
- **Travel photographers** who need a compact solution for capturing details without carrying heavy gear.
- **Beginners or casual photographers** who are experimenting with macro photography and do not yet need a high-end macro lens.
- **Photographers who already own a macro lens** but occasionally need even higher magnification for specific subjects.
**Not recommended** for:- **Professional macro photographers** who require high-resolution, edge-to-edge sharpness, depth of field control, or zoom capabilities.
- **Photographers who shoot larger subjects** (e.g., flowers, small animals) and need a wider field of view or adjustable magnification.
- **Those who prioritize image stabilization, weather sealing, or durability** in their photography gear.
- **Users who frequently shoot in low light** and need better low-light performance (e.g., a lens with a wider maximum aperture).
**Alternative Considerations:**- If you need a more versatile macro solution, consider a dedicated macro lens (e.g., Canon MP-E 65mm, Nikon 105mm f/2.8, or Sigma 105mm f/2.8).
- For a balance between portability and performance, a **macro extension tube** or **reversing ring** with a standard lens can be a cost-effective alternative.
- If you primarily shoot insects or very small subjects, a **polarizing filter or a ring light** may complement the CL8658 by improving contrast and lighting.
In summary, the Fujinon CL8658 is a fantastic tool for its intended purpose but should not be expected to replace a dedicated macro lens. Its pros outweigh its cons for the right user, making it a valuable addition to a photographer s kit for specific macro needs.
Fujinon CL8658 86-51 cm, 58 75mm, Close Up Lens. Condition is Used. Condition is Us. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.