Are all macro tubes equal?

[Peter69]

Hi
Just wondering if I need to spend loads of money on macro extension tubes.
I just want to play with them.
Meike & XCSource have a set for under £50 where Kenko want £145

Do some carry data from the lens and others don't?

 

[sk66]

Yes, some have data communication and others don't. But more importantly, some are complete crap in construction and others are built well (all plastic vs mostly metal).

 

[Peter69]

Thanks Steven, any recommendations?

 

[sk66]

Well, a lot of them are made by the same companies and just rebranded. Kenko's are good. I use a Meike (?) zooming extension tube (it's metal) or sometimes TC's to get the magnification. If you just want to play and don't mind wasting some money then maybe cheap plastic ones... Or if you have an old manual lens a reversing ring or reverse mount can get you macro for cheap.

Really, there are a lot of ways to go about it...

 

[pingu666]

you could check reviews on amazon, my super cheap ones screw together, and might benefit from some felt inside, but yeah cheap plain ones are good for old manual lenses and reversed etc, if you want to use modern af stuff go straight for decent 40 50 quid up ones

 

[Peter69]

The Meike are cheaper enough, if they're good for my modern stuff I'll get a set

 

[sk66]

The Meike are cheaper enough, if they're good for my modern stuff I'll get a set

If your lenses to not have an aperture ring you NEED tubes with electronic communication....

 

[Peter69]

If your lenses to not have an aperture ring you NEED tubes with electronic communication....

Thanks for that important piece of information

 

[Peter69]

. I use a Meike (?) zooming extension tube (it's metal) or sometimes TC's to get the magnification..

Do these have the contacts?
I guess these are what you have
http://www.meikestore.com/product/m...extension-tube-set-for-nikon-camera/1221.html

 

[sk66]

They say they are AF capable tubes so they must have communication.

I use a helicoid extension tube which extends from 46-68mm and I really like it... the "zoom" function can be used much like a macro rail. It's sold under several brands to include Meike, but it's hard to find. It's almost entirely metal and it's not particularly cheap (but it is cheaper than many).

 

[Swanseajack]

Do these have the contacts?
I guess these are what you have
http://www.meikestore.com/product/m...extension-tube-set-for-nikon-camera/1221.html

If you look at picture 3 in your link they have contact pins, so they should communicate with your camera body.

Edit: Also from the description: > This tube set contains three piece tubes of different length -- 12mm, 20mm, and 36 mm -- which can be used individually or in any combination to obtain the desired magnification. These extension tubes are designed with all the circuitry and mechanical coupling to maintain auto focus and TTL auto exposure with most Nikon lenses, given there is enough light to activate the cameras AF system properly

 

[Peter69]

doh