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03/20/2005 10:06:44 AM · #1 |
| I'm thinking of getting an extension tube, but I'd first like to know how they work, how well they work, and any suggestions on what model would be nice, too. Thanks! |
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03/20/2005 10:56:06 AM · #2 |
Extension tubes just move the lens further from the sensor. What this does is enable the lens to focus closer, and thus increase magnification. A side efect is that you cannot focus on distant opbjects with extension tubes. You can stack extension tubes for more effect, and they are often sold in sets of three for this purpose.
They contain no optical elements, so they do not degrade lens performance, but because they increase magnification, a lens that is already a little soft will look even softer. Best to use a sharp prime of between 35mm and 100mm focal length (though longer ones work fine too). The magnification will be increased the most for the shorter focal lengths, but the working distance will be small!
AF is not something you want to do with extension tubes either, but at these close distances, manual focus is the way to go anyhow. Set the desired focs distance and move the camera to obtain focus.
Kenko makes a good, reasonably-priced set of tubes. The Canon tubes are much more expensive, and IMO are not worth the extra $$.
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03/20/2005 05:44:25 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
Kenko makes a good, reasonably-priced set of tubes. The Canon tubes are much more expensive, and IMO are not worth the extra $$. |
In your oppinion they may not be worth the extra, but I like the fact that I still have AF funtions enabled while using them.
Message edited by author 2005-03-20 18:01:29.
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03/20/2005 06:11:32 PM · #4 |
I have 2 Canon Extension tubes - EF 12 and the EF 25
I can make some comparison shots for you if you would like - just let me know what lens you would like to use it on and I will see what I can do..
ebertdj@hotmail.com |
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03/20/2005 06:14:40 PM · #5 |
| I found an amazing bargain on KEH.com on an old extention tube that is for the old manual lenses. My system is Nikon but I'm sure Canon has the equivalent. I have to set the f-stop manually on the lens but if you're comfortable with the manual settings on your camera, it's a great way to get one without laying down the big bucks. As kirbic said, the focus is very soft but you can get some powerful images of interesting detail...the ruffle on the trumpet of a daffodil or the veins of a leaf. Good luck! |
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03/20/2005 06:26:26 PM · #6 |
I got some very manual tubes off ebay ($24)., You can use the mount with no tubes, 1 2 or 3 tubes or any mix of the parts. They are not equipped for the canon EOS lenses, electrically speaking. There are two workarounds - one is set hte aperture on an EOS lens while on the camera and remove the lens while the camera is on. Most EOs lenses will stay stopped down (the 50mm 1.8 Mk 2 will, the 18-55 kit lens will not)
Option 2 is to gat an EOS-M42 adapter and use a full manual M42 lens, such as a 50mm Praktika or Biotar. These are cheap on ebay.
I have the tubes, an adapter, and a vivitar 135mm 2.8 (M42 mount).
Here are some pics -
 a sweet potato, handlheld
 an HO scale hopper car.
And as a bonus, here is the Vivitar lens and M42 adapter, no tubes
The tubes, adapter and lens cost me a total of $60. Just shoot in full manual mode and it all works.
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