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01/20/2010 10:13:56 AM · #1 |
I'm curious if anyone has used an extension tube on the Canon 85 1.8 for portraits. I love the lens but hate that it doesn't focus close enough for me to fill the frame. The min focus distance is stated to be 2.8', but it feels like miles for someone working in a small space.
So I'm not talking about stacking tubes for ultra-macro photography - just a small extension to allow closer focusing.
What tube have you used? Is it usable in this mode? What is the max focusing distance reduced to? Do you have any samples?
Thanks!
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01/20/2010 10:26:04 AM · #2 |
I've done it for macro shots, but never for portraits. I don't own the lens anymore, but I don't ever remember thinking it didn't focus close enough. Adding an extension tube, even a short one, is going to really cut down your max focus distance. |
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01/22/2010 01:48:07 PM · #3 |
| Thanks for the info. Anybody else use this combo? Am I just better off trading the 85 for a 100mm macro? |
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01/22/2010 02:05:05 PM · #4 |
After I read your post, I was confused as to your conundrun- it didn't mesh with my memory of the performance of the lens (Nikon version- but the focus distance is the same). And then I realized... 5D mkII... no crop. With my sensor, it fills the frame and then some. I've used the Nikon 85mm with extension rings... in fact it's my preferred method for insects while I save for the Nikon F4 200mm Micro. If you're interested, I could take some shots with the minimum amount of extension I have (12mm). I'm not sure how useful it would be since I have a crop sensor, but if you're interested I'm more than willing.
ETA: I can't believe I never realized you're from Colorado. What part?
Message edited by author 2010-01-22 14:28:59. |
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01/22/2010 04:24:37 PM · #5 |
I'm in suburb of Denver, though originally from Grand Junction.
Given the similar characteristics of the two lenses, that would be great. I guess I'm most concerned about how reduced is the max focus distance - is it still usable for portraiture? Are we talking 5-10', or less? For that matter, I'd be curious what's the min focus distance after adding 12mm of extension.
Surely there's a calculator for all this online, but I can't find one. |
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01/22/2010 06:34:20 PM · #6 |
| Well, you post piqued my interest, so I had to try something... I don't have an 85/1.8, but I do have a 75/1.5, so similar in focal length. I first tested the minimum focus distance, found it to be about 2.5 feet. I then mounted it to a 12mm extension tube and tested again. The minimum focus distance turns out to be just over a foot (sensor to subject). It's *way* too close for any kind of portrait work, IMO. Now, for still life with (small) fruits, it might work... ;-) |
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