Kenko Extension tubes with Nikon 70-300 VR

[Amp34]

I'm cogitating on getting a macro lens but am currently being drawn to a set of electronic extension tubes instead because they are cheaper and will be smaller and lighter than a dedicated lens.

I have used a set of manual extension tubes with my Canon tele zooms and find them pretty good (almost 1:1 at the short end and can use the zoom as a large focus "zone") but found it annoying I couldn't change aperture easily, that AF wouldn't work and that IS/VR wouldn't work. Now I have found out that the AF will not work on the 70-300 VR either but can someone (hopefully with this combination) tell me if I should be able to adjust aperture normally and whether I will be likely to be able to use the VR alongside it?

Thanks

 

[Amp34]

No one got any experience with this?

 

[SamHH]

I don't have that lens but I can't see why it wouldn't autofocus, change aperture and have functioning VR if you use extension tubes with electronic contacts.

Where have you read that the autofocus won't work? Were you reading about old Nikkors with screw-drive autofocus (unlike your AF-S lens)?

As for the VR, if it does function, which I think it will, it will be of limited use at close range. It's just not designed to work that close. Similarly auto-focussing doesn't help much when the plane of focus is so small; most people use manual focus for macro photography.

 

[Amp34]

That was my assumption too but it would be nice if I could get someone to test it for me and answer questions on it. Unfortunately I can't remember where I read it however it was a comment specifically with the IF version. I don't intend to use the AF for macro work but I would like to try the VR to see how much use it will be or close up work, the current crop of Macro lenses have IS/VR so it may be a positive use.