Can't get Macro Extension Tube Set for Nikon Off!

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

08/29/2005 05:57:52 PM · #1

I bought a macro extension tube set on Ebay -- for fun and wanted to see what it would do....I placed it on the camera exactly as you would when changing lenses....now I can get the whole thing off the camera ... but the extender won't come off of the lens itself... what the heck -- it fit on perfectly... I feel really stupid cause it did nothing for taking pictures and now my lens is stuck ... Do I have to take it in or what...and yes I am sticking to stuff from B & H now!!

Rikki

Canon EOS-20D

08/29/2005 06:11:28 PM · #2

If its anything like the one I got, there's a small button on the side that you have to slide forward (I think) to release it from the lens.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

08/29/2005 06:15:02 PM · #3

OOOOOHHHH MMMYYYYY GOOOOSH!!Thank You!!!!!!You are so right!! Worked......okay now how do you take a picture using one of these things???

jab119

08/29/2005 06:29:13 PM · #4

Originally posted by 4ROGGYCHEF:

OOOOOHHHH MMMYYYYY GOOOOSH!!Thank You!!!!!!You are so right!! Worked......okay now how do you take a picture using one of these things???

SHARLA, for taking pics with the extension tubes you really should use a tripod and have a lot of light available. If you havea remote use that, if no remote use the self timer. your magnification will be much greater than before and the slighest camera shake will ruin a pic

the extension tubes limit your focus range. you will not be able to focus on anything a few feet away. but you can now get up close and very personal with stuff.

depending on the size of the tubes you got (my kenkos are 12,24 and 36mm) depends on how close you can get.

The 12mm allows me to get closer but not too close, the 24 I can get even closer and then the 36 allows even closer.

you can combine any of the tubes to get different magnifactions. but be warned your DOF will be VERY narrow and you will need to start out at an f10 and keep stopping it down ( to f22 or smaller) until most of your subject is in focus.

try setting up someting at your dining table and possibly a desk lamp or something to get some more light on your subject.

again use your tripod, if you have a prime lens use that first (50mm) if not you can use a zoom but you have to find the right mm (preferablly 50mm) and the right distance. Set up your camera/subject so you can slide your subject either towards or away from the camera. This is a LOT easier than trying to move the tripod.

Take some test shots and be ready to manual focus. and dont be dissapointed if most of the shots dont turn out very well. I had about 75 bad shots before I got use to using the tubes

James

Message edited by author 2005-08-29 18:30:44.

Rikki

Canon EOS-20D

08/29/2005 06:31:20 PM · #5

You have one of theseright?

You have to remember that these things do not have the conductors that would allow for automatic focusing. You never should use autofocus in macro shots anyway. It's actually pretty cool but a PAIN in the butt to use. I've taken a few shots that I'll upload and post to this thread so you can see what I'm talking about. Anyway, use manual settings and try to get as sharp a focus as you can. Also, your DOF will not be that great. I've used all three barrels and they can take pretty damn close up photos. I would say out of every 50 I take, I get 3-4 good ones.

have fun with it but you're probably better off getting a macro coupler if you have two lenses available or just go full macro. Check out the macro shots in my portfolio.

08/29/2005 06:32:29 PM · #6

thanks again -- will work on this tomorrow when the kids are at school...Don't want another broken U.V. lens from my 2 year old son!!