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07/06/2011 08:33:30 PM · #1 |
Hey all, I did a search and found some info but here are a few questions that I still have...
1.) There is no element in the tube, so is there any loss of quality like there are with tele-converters?
2.) Can you use them on lenses that aren't prime? All I see is people using them on a 50mm prime, but how would one work on a 70-300? I have a 50mm prime, but I love my 70-300 VR too... So I'm just curious
3.) Would you get this?
//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/407711-REG/Kenko_UNITUBE25DGN_25mm_Uniplus_Tube_DG.html
or a set that is stackable like this
//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375238-REG/Kenko_AEXTUBEDGN_Auto_Extension_Tube_Set.html
How important, or moreover, how big of a benefit is it to have the ones that are stackable vs the 25mm???
Now, I have to be honest, I don't really know all that much about macro photography, but I'm looking to get started and I can't really afford a macro lens because I'm currently saving for the D7000... So with that said, are these tubes a good way to go? and feel free to post your shots with tubes as I'm curious to see the quality...
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07/06/2011 08:42:52 PM · #2 |
They are a decent way to go... let's take your questions by the numbers:
1.) Yes, but only because the image from the lens is magnified more, so more of the aberrations that are present will be visible.
2.) Yes, you can, however the range of focus will be narrow, even more so than on a prime. I've tried using them on my Canon 70-200/2.8 and I was not impressed.
3.) If it were my only route to macro, and I really wanted to do some macro, yes, I would. I own a 12mm and a 25mm tube, the 12mm is a Canon and the 25mm is another brand, I think it's a Kenko. I'd buy the set, you will need to change the stack length to change magnifications. Your focus adjustment will do very little with extension tubes in place.
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07/06/2011 08:47:43 PM · #3 |
1) there's no optical loss that I notice, although it is much, much, much more narrow DOF. these are basically metal tubes that have the proper threading to fit your camera/lens.
2) I use them mainly on my 18-200 (at the 200 end), and find it's a bit easier to work with than when it's on my 50mm.
3) I would try //www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Nikon-Extension-Extreme-Close-up/dp/B003Y5T464/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1309999330&sr=8-3 --note-- these are manual focus only, which explains the price difference between the more expensive ones. With DOF so narrow anyway, I prefer the manual focus.
for $12, play around and see if they're something you think are worth a few hundred. I have the Canon equal, and they're pretty awesome to play with.
4) stackable: I generally like mine on the highest stack, just so I can magnify a bit more. I have taken off the rings and played with the different views. I think it's a personal preference.
These are straight from the camera, no edits besides resizing smaller. They're all from the day I got it, so they were my own experiments. This were all the maximum tubes.
      
Message edited by author 2011-07-06 21:02:11. |
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07/06/2011 09:07:18 PM · #4 |
One of the macro gods recommended the kenko extension tube set. I think it was Roz, but I don't remember... But it definitely was one of the macro gods on DPC.
kenko extension tubes
that link is for the canon mount -- they have a nikon mount, as well. |
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07/06/2011 09:11:08 PM · #5 |
1 - if you have any sensor dust at all, you will see it!
2 - I use them mostly with my 105mm f/2.5 MF lens (haven't even tried to auto focus with extension tubes in eons) but I also use them sometimes with my 100-300 f/4 at 300mm (also using manual focus). Practice makes perfect .. or at least lets you get the hang of using extension tubes.
3 - I have the stackable set and use them a LOT during the summer for bugs (big surprise, right?). I like the flexibility of adding and subtracting tubes depending on how small my subject is.
Other tips:
- the slightest breeze will drive you nuts
- try using diffused fill flash, even in broad daylight, when shooting very small things
- shoot at something like f/16 or smaller. You'll be surprised how shallow that is with extension tubes.
- I find I get the best results moving me to get the subject in focus instead of fiddling with anything on the camera. YMMV.
- most people recommend using a monopod or tripod
Examples with different lenses (details on lenses and etc. are in my photographer's notes):
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07/06/2011 10:39:21 PM · #6 |
This seems like a viable option since I really prefer manual focus anyway. My only question would be how do you control the aperture on a lens where there is no aperture control on the lens? Now, my 50mm has the aperture control on it, so could I just set it with that??? Seems obvious, but I just wanted to be sure...
Message edited by author 2011-07-06 22:39:31. |
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07/06/2011 11:07:33 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Sirashley:
This seems like a viable option since I really prefer manual focus anyway. My only question would be how do you control the aperture on a lens where there is no aperture control on the lens? Now, my 50mm has the aperture control on it, so could I just set it with that??? Seems obvious, but I just wanted to be sure... |
Yes, you could set the aperture manually, since you have a ring to do so. Now, keep in mind, there is s huge penalty. You'll have to set the aperture, then compose, and the viewfinder will be darker than the pits of hell. If you are buying extension tubes, by all means get the ones that maintain electrical contact, *unless* you will *only* be using them with a totally manual lens, in which case, well, electrical contact is useless. |
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