I'm reading Bryan Peterson's "Learning to See Creatively" and he keeps mentioning that he uses extension tubes a lot. I researched them online, and it looks they are mostly used for macro shots. So, my questions are:
1. Can you use an extension tube with a macro lens to get even closer shots? I already own a nice macro lens.
2. Can extension tubes be used with telephoto zoom lenses?
Are extension tubes worth the investment? I'm completely unfamiliar with them.
I used to use them years ago back in the film days, and I would like to get one for my Oly DSLR. What I know is that the extension tube literally means that all of your lens, the glasses and mechanism are now 25mm further away (or further) from your sensor, so yeah, coupled with a macro lens can mean you get more image on your sensor. So yeah closer.
I have read that with a 100mm macro where you are getting at least 1:1 ratios, with extension tubes you can increase that to 3:1 and even 4:1. But like everything else, when you are getting that size, camera shake and light become critical.
Likewise if you were to add extension tubes to a telephoto.
I have a set of tubes and use them for macro shots. Yes you can use them with tele zoom lens, lets you get further away and still get macro shots.
However if you have a good macro lens I'm not sure these tubes will be of any benefit to you. I have them as a cheap alternative to buying a macro lens, and for what I do they suit me fine.
#1. Combo 100mm macro lens & extension tubes (mine : Kenko ET), full set of it (12mm+20mm+36mm) will give you approx. 2x life size (on AP-C dSLR ). Working distance reduced to ~8-9cm. Darker viewfinder.
#2. Before i own macro lens, i used telephoto lens+ET for more magnification. this combo works great, no image degradation as ET has no optics in it.
if you love to shot macro, i think ET (with electric connection~you can control the lens' aperture) would be good investment.
The magnification comes from the ratio of the extension tube (say 25mm) divided the focal length of the lens you use with it. So with a 50mm lens (25/50) you get more magnification than with a 200mm (25/200).
So you can use them with a tele-zoom, or with a 100mm macro lens, but you'll get better magnification with a 35mm or 50mm lens.
@bobfoto@jdonnelly@wahyusp@mikew Thanks to all of you for your input. I really do enjoy macro. I have a 100mm macro lens, but I’d like to get even closer so I think I’m going to put the extension tubes near the top of my “want” list. I bought my camera about a year ago, and since I knew nothing about photography I thought a nice camera would be enough to make me happy. Now I know the camera’s just the beginning . . .
How close do you need to get? With that 100mm macro at closest focus you must be inches away from your subject. Ok, well maybe a foot. If you add on the extension tubes, you'll almost touch your subject, and have a tough time getting light on your subject.
On the other hand, you don't have to save up for the >$100 AF extension tubes. It's very hard to autofocus doing macro anyway. Just get a $10 set of the manual tubes. Use M mode for exposure, and focus manually.
Again I think you'll end up with more magnification using extension tubes with a 50mm lens rather than your macro. I know that doesn't make sense, but if you do get them, try both. The 50mm should allow you to get closer than the 100mm
@lisjam1@mikew - Michael is right in that lighting becomes an issue. WIth my 35mm macro + 2x converter, I sometimes get too close and the length lens creates a shadow from the inbuilt lens. You may have to think about a diffuser or remote lens?
@lisjam1 I have "close up filters" that I purchased for about $27 (Four of them magnification +1-+4) I'm new to all of this but they seem to have the same outcome as extension tubes. They may even resolve some of the problem others have mentioned above because they don't creat shadows.
You can use them with a macro lens but I don't know anything about a zoom lens. It screws right on to your lens though so you should be able to use filters with either of them.
@bobfoto Hi Jason. When I'm doing anything remotely macro I use a tripod and focus rail. Tripod fixes camera shake especially when used with a remote or using self-timer feature. Focus rail lets me focus precisely if I have to make tiny focus adjustments - sometimes 2 or 3mm.
@marper - I have never heard of a focus rail... what is this? I'm too lazy to use a tripod... I just rest the camera up against a hard sturdy object... But I am willing to learn more about this rail thingo?
@lisjam1 - I used a tripod for the self portrait back on the 8th of Feb, but like that shot, it is the only black and white shot I have done, it is the only full selfie I have done and the only shot where I used a tripod.
I like to think that perhaps me holding onto the camera actually means that I am involved somehow.
@bobfoto Personally, I hate lugging a tripod around and adjusting it so I’m also too lazy to use a tripod most of the time, but there have been occasions that I couldn’t get a clear shot without it. Maybe I should lay off the caffeine.
I understand what you mean about being involved. I sort of feel that way about post processing. It’s nice to tweak my photos, but I feel like I should work on developing my skills at getting a good photo in the first place instead of manipulating them after the fact. Not to disparage post processing as some people are really good at it, but to me it’s a whole different genre.
@lisjam1 - likewise, the only time I post process like crazy are on my 365 shots. Trying to get "clever or arty"! Otherwise, most of my shots are SOOC with a touch of contrast, and sharpness.
@bobfoto Focus rail mounts on tripod & camera goes on top. There are a couple of knobs which you use to move camera backwards/forwards or left/right. It doesn't work unless it's on a tripod. Cost is about $30 on Ebay
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I purchased this set http://www.amazon.com/Kenko-Auto-Extension-Nikon-Mount/dp/B000JG88JU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1312905753&sr=8-2 about a month ago. I am still learning how to use them! :)
I have read that with a 100mm macro where you are getting at least 1:1 ratios, with extension tubes you can increase that to 3:1 and even 4:1. But like everything else, when you are getting that size, camera shake and light become critical.
Likewise if you were to add extension tubes to a telephoto.
If you can afford them, I'd go for it.
However if you have a good macro lens I'm not sure these tubes will be of any benefit to you. I have them as a cheap alternative to buying a macro lens, and for what I do they suit me fine.
#2. Before i own macro lens, i used telephoto lens+ET for more magnification. this combo works great, no image degradation as ET has no optics in it.
if you love to shot macro, i think ET (with electric connection~you can control the lens' aperture) would be good investment.
So you can use them with a tele-zoom, or with a 100mm macro lens, but you'll get better magnification with a 35mm or 50mm lens.
Thanks again!
On the other hand, you don't have to save up for the >$100 AF extension tubes. It's very hard to autofocus doing macro anyway. Just get a $10 set of the manual tubes. Use M mode for exposure, and focus manually.
Again I think you'll end up with more magnification using extension tubes with a 50mm lens rather than your macro. I know that doesn't make sense, but if you do get them, try both. The 50mm should allow you to get closer than the 100mm
You can use them with a macro lens but I don't know anything about a zoom lens. It screws right on to your lens though so you should be able to use filters with either of them.
I like to think that perhaps me holding onto the camera actually means that I am involved somehow.
I understand what you mean about being involved. I sort of feel that way about post processing. It’s nice to tweak my photos, but I feel like I should work on developing my skills at getting a good photo in the first place instead of manipulating them after the fact. Not to disparage post processing as some people are really good at it, but to me it’s a whole different genre.