When to use different strengths of Diopters.

[Zack Mahar]

If i had access to a +0.5, a +1, and a +2 diopter. What are different use cases for the three. I can understand that a +2 is the most effective at creating macro images, but what would the point be of using a +0.5 or a +1 when the +2 is just better.

[David Mullen ASC]

Because you don't know all the scenarios you will be facing between the minimal focus on the lens and the size of the object and the distance you need to be at. +2 may be too strong in some cases and you won't be able to focus on the object.

[Alissa Alexina]

Diopters are not only used for macro, but also for improving the minimum focus of the lenses - essential for working with anamorphics. And since the stronger the diopter, the shorter is the minimum working distance, here the most useful and popular diopter is actually a +0.5 which allows to focus on subjects up to 2m away. For instance, a +1 diopter can focus up to 1m, a +2 can focus up to 50cm and a +4 can focus up to 25cm (which is very limited - I once used it to film a macro shot of the actor's eyes and the lens almost touched his nose).