Macro

[milou]

Would extension tubes be considered as acceptable for occasional macro work using a Canon 50mm Mk 2 lens? And could the tubes be used on a 70-200L i.e. would they be of any practical use? Or would the best bet be a dedicated macro lens?

My wife has told me that there are a considerable number of dragonflies at the university’s botanical gardens so I fancy doing a “dod” and try and capture some.

Thanks


David

[dod]

definitely, only thing is as you stack them you lose a number of stops of light, which shouldn't be too much of an issue with the F1.8 on the 50mm. Make sure you get a set of "Auto" tubes though, that way you wil retain the metering.

I suspect that for the dragonflies the 70-200 with a tube or two might be a better option, they tend to be fairly nervous, at least the ones here are anyway, that way you should get decent magnification and still have a decent working distance.

This was taken with the 70-200 and cropped

http://www.hardmuirstables.co.uk/pictures/closeup/dragonlaying.jpg

[milou]

Thanks dod.

By the way, is this month's issue of Outdoor Photography mag, there were three stunning shots of a dragonfly and two butterflies taken with a 300d and a Sigma 105 macro. Your stuff was just as good and probably better - have you thought of sending them some photos? Small prize of 50 quid but mucho kudos in publication.

[Garnock]

I agree with everything Dod said and would add that extension tubes are the best ( i.e. most affordable ) way to achieve good macro shots.
You will lose some light and lose focus at infinity but no loss of quality.
I like to use extension tubes on my 300mm lens for garden bird photography. If I use all three extension tubes on this lens the max focus distance is around 10 -12 feet. With one or two tubes the distance increases.


BTW that's a superb shot, Dod. :thumb:


Cameron

[milou]

Cheers guys.

So something like Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) should do?

[dod]

Cheers guys.

So something like Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) should do?

Yep, they seem to be the tubes of choice. Jessops also do a set and they're more or less the same price if I remember correctly

[milou]

Thanks :)