Nikon 50mm F1.8 with Extension Tubes?

[SuperCNJ]

Has anyone used the nifty fifty with extension tubes for macro work? Does it work and is it any good? Does it retain AF?

[V8burble]

Yes Nifty will work with tubes fine. Kenko tubes will AF if you want to, but Nikon ones wont (no electrical connection)

[SuperCNJ]

thanks! I'm going to be cheeky and ask if you have any photos with this setup? :p I just want an idea of how well it works as a macro lens and what sort of magnification it can achieve?

[puddleduck]

To get to about 1:1 you'll need to stack a 36mm and 24mm tube (actually this will be a little over 1:1 I think)

[swag72]

This was taken with my nifty fifty plus extension tubes. Forget the AF whem you are working with this, much better to MF and move yourself.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2995573145_e505b9e3c3_o.jpg

Hope that helps. This was also maxed out with all the tubes attached - Not sure what magnification that gives, but it was pretty hard work.

[Wail]

Just out of curiousity, how do you calculate the magnification when combining a lens with an ET?

[SuperCNJ]

This was taken with my nifty fifty plus extension tubes. Forget the AF whem you are working with this, much better to MF and move yourself.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2995573145_e505b9e3c3_o.jpg

Hope that helps. This was also maxed out with all the tubes attached - Not sure what magnification that gives, but it was pretty hard work.

Thanks, I can't seem to view flickr images here, will take a look when I get home.

Just out of interest, would you say a 50mm+extension tubes would be better than getting the Raynox DCR-250 (I notice you have that as well :D)?

[swag72]

Just out of interest, would you say a 50mm+extension tubes would be better than getting the Raynox DCR-250 (I notice you have that as well :D)?

That is really hard for me to answer - I have only really played with the extension tubes once, and I decided that I didn't really get on with them. I found pictures dark and they were generally cumbersome to use. Now that I am comfortable working in manual mode I really must give them a try again, as I think I will get more out of them with regards exposure.

The Raynox I quite enjoyed playing with, much easier than the extension tubes as it's a simple adaptor on the front of the lens.

To be honest though, I don't know how the hell I'd ever catch any moving insect with either of them as you have to be really precise in your focussing - So hats off to those who do manage it.

Both of these are good to play with, depends on what you want to photograph I think. For me, anything with legs, wings or a heart beat and forget it - I'll stick to flowers!