Extension tube or Raynox DCR250

SilentGoddess

SilentGoddess

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Rayna
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I need a bit of help!

I have EF-S 18-55 mm IS Lens Kit for my EOS 500D and I want to increase their macro capabilities. I am looking for cheap option because I can't afford macro lenses at this point.

From what I have seen on the web my choice would be between extension tube or Raynox DCR250. But I am very confused which option is better for my lenses and possibly could be applied for Nifty Fifty (in the future when I buy it).

I prefer better quality pictures than higher closeup. If either option can achieve both - GREAT! My price range is maximum of 40 pounds.

Thanks in advance!
 
The kind of tubes (manual only) you can get for under £40 are pretty useless TBH, so it's the Raynox then.

No bad thing though as it happens - really good way to get started in macro, and it may be all you ever need.

If it's flowers and butterflies, go for the DCR-150; tiny bugs and beetles, go for the DCR-250.

Remember that you need good light for macro, because you will want a high f/number to get enough depth of field. So either good and sunny, or a tripod, or flash/ring-flash.
 
The kind of tubes (manual only) you can get for under £40 are pretty useless TBH, so it's the Raynox then.

No bad thing though as it happens - really good way to get started in macro, and it may be all you ever need.

If it's flowers and butterflies, go for the DCR-150; tiny bugs and beetles, go for the DCR-250.

Remember that you need good light for macro, because you will want a high f/number to get enough depth of field. So either good and sunny, or a tripod, or flash/ring-flash.
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I have read that Reynox attachments influence the quality of the photo. Is that true? Obviously me having just the basic lens kit is not advantage but... nothing I can do at the moment.
 
SilentGoddess said:
I have read that Reynox attachments influence the quality of the photo. Is that true? Obviously me having just the basic lens kit is not advantage but... nothing I can do at the moment.
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True, but so do tubes. Normal lenses are not optimised to work that far out of their regular range either. And the Raynox is forty quid, not 400 ;)

But you may be surprised. Here are a few thousand Raynox images I prepared earlier :D http://www.flickr.com/groups/raynoxdcr250/
 
I don't know how true this is because i've never used one, but I once heard that the raynox 250 vignettes on focal lengths under 50mm.
I do have a set of manual extension tubes though. The manual focus is a bit of a pain but there is no glass inside them so they don't effect image quality. The lens you use with manual tubes also needs to have an aperture ring so you can change the aperture while they are attached. The 50mm 1.8 for example has an aperture ring.
 
Leokull said:
I don't know how true this is because i've never used one, but I once heard that the raynox 250 vignettes on focal lengths under 50mm.
I do have a set of manual extension tubes though. The manual focus is a bit of a pain but there is no glass inside them so they don't effect image quality. The lens you use with manual tubes also needs to have an aperture ring so you can change the aperture while they are attached. The 50mm 1.8 for example has an aperture ring.
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True, the Raynox vignettes below about 50mm, but you don't want to use it below that anyway as you have to get too close. It's made to work on kit lenses and 50-200-ish zooms, where the ability to change focal length also gives more options on distance/magnification.

There is no aperture ring on Canon lenses, which is why they are a total pain to use with non-auto tubes. There is a workaround, but it's such a pain - just not practical.
 
Bit late as you've decided. But I'd prefer something that goes on the end of the lens rather than between the lens and the body. Especially when out. I don't like removing lenses when out and about. Sticking something on the end is a far better option.

Some of the cheaper tube sets look poorly made to me also. I bought one set and never used it as I could see potential for flakes of paint or metal inside my camera body.
 
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