Extension Tubes???

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leeharrison2

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Name
Lee Harrison
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So extension tubes, how good are they and what exactly do they do??? I seen them used a lot in macro and this is what I'd like to get into...


Do they work?
Do You loose Quality?

Lee
 
Hi Lee
I have an ad in the classifieds wanted section for a set, sold mine early last year and I wish I hadn't :'(

anyways .... yes they do work, what they do is move the lens further away from the sensor, and so nearer the subject, but the DOF is really narrow.

you will not lose quality with tubes as there is no glass between them, they are just tubes with air in the middle so nothing will detract the image.

there are some cheap ones on fleabay if you want to give them a try. Auto ones work with the contacts on the lens, manual ones don't have the contacts and you have to shoot in full manual mode whereas the auto ones will meter for you.

I'm no expert but I think you'll get the idea.
 
thanks thanks great :), I think i'll have look around and see what I can find, how much more magnification do yuo usually get with this kind of set up?
 
I've got a Kenko set that I use regularly with my 100 L macro and while you don't lose any IQ you do lose a bit of light (not a great deal) when using them so you might need a flash when using them in anything but good light. I would suggest you get the AF ones though as they are far easier to use (and quicker) than the manual sets.
 
I have the tenner ones from here (thanks Cowasaki!)

Couple with an older lens that has Aperture as well as focus control.

I have a nice macro lens (the 105mm) and with the extension tubes I can get to around 2:1 ratio (lens is a 1:1 ratio - ie full size on the sensor I think - usual macro lenses that aren't 1:1 are 1:2 or 1:4)

If you go on a meet with others, see if anyone has a macro lens and tubes to demo for you... or if its the same brand, may loan to you...
 
I have the Polaroid ones with the auto AF. They work very well and the quality is really good.
I've decided that macro isn't for me.

Incidentally Scotty Pro - I replied to your wanted thread offering mine. :D
 
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I currently have a Nikon D40, which has no built in Auto Focus, so it has to be built into the lens, would the Auto extension tubes work with this??

thanks
Lee
 
leeharrison2 said:
I currently have a Nikon D40, which has no built in Auto Focus, so it has to be built into the lens, would the Auto extension tubes work with this??

thanks
Lee
Click to expand...

Auto-focus is usually a PITA with macro. Most people do this:

Get things roughly right by hand/eye. With a couple of tubes on, you will have very little range of focus anyway.

Then focus by moving your body back and forth very gently. You'll see the sharp zone moving across the subject as you do.
 
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