Beginner macro set up

[Bryman]

Im wanting to get into macro but the thing is, I'm not sure whether or not it's something i'll stick to. I've read that prime macro lenses are the best way to go but i don't want to invest all that money just yet. Now my question is, would a set of kenko tubes and my 700-200mm f4L be a good combo for macro?

[LordV]

Im wanting to get into macro but the thing is, I'm not sure whether or not it's something i'll stick to. I've read that prime macro lenses are the best way to go but i don't want to invest all that money just yet. Now my question is, would a set of kenko tubes and my 700-200mm f4L be a good combo for macro?
A set of kenkos should be good with the 70-200 at 70mm- give you just about 1:1- might also work well with the tamron at 40-50mm giving you over 1:1- good way to start macro and the tubes will be useful with a "proper" macro lens if you get bitten.
brian V.

[Courierman]

i used the kit lens and tubes ,but i was allways on top of the bugs and theyed be off and running so i got the sigma 150mm BUT its not as sharp as the canon 100 macro or the ef-s 60

here is one of my shots with the kit (EF-S 18 55) lens and tubes

http://mcc.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/pics/fly4.jpg

[Pete]

Actually, you can get a Canon 50mm f/1.8 pretty cheaply these days. Couple that up with extension tubes and you have yourself a very cost effective macro set up.

[Bryman]

Pete, would the 50mm + tubes be a better combo compared to tubes + any of the two lenses I already own?

[Bryman]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the 50mm and tubes compared to 70-200mm f4 or tamron 17-50mm f2.8?

[jgogums]

Here are a few reeeeeaaalllly quick sample shots.
Both shot using a full set of Kenko tubes @ 1/40, F/8, ISO 800. Manual focus.

First one is using my 70-200 with focus ring set at 70 mm.
Second shot is my 50 mm lens with the full set of tubes.

Paper clip is 1 inch long. Working distance for both shots was ROUGHLY 2 inches...I didn't do any math here...just did a general guestimate.

I wanted to try and give you an aperture setting that is real in the macro world, so I picked F/8 but it's common to shoot with even smaller f stops.

My 50 and full set 'filled up my frame' more than the 70 and tubes did but the working distance is very similar and I found the 70-200 easier to get focus on. Again, real quick photos...not meant to be conclusive that the 70-200 is better, etc... Point being...I think a set of tubes will keep you pretty interested with either your tamron or 70-200 lenses and will work great if/when you get a dedicated macro lens. Hope this helps...keep reading/searching here. The people here are truly helpful and know their stuff!

[Bryman]

Wow! that looks really good. Thanks for your help. I'll have to invest in some kenko tubes. Is there a certain kind that I should get or are they pretty much the same?

[banana]

I bought the cheap kenko set on ebay, from KEA photo out of hong kong. I live in the US, and they were here in a week and packaged well. I absolutely love them with the 50mm f/1.8. Its a match made in heaven.

[zman]

The 50mm f/1.8 with full set of tubes will give you roughly 1:1.5 magnification.

[jgogums]

I got mine a few months ago off Ebay, new, from a retailer in Hong Kong. This is not uncommon for many people on this forum. I forgot who I went with but do a search for "kenko extension tubes DG" on Ebay and see what pops up. I want to say it was maybe 135 bucks...shipped to Hawaii. Took a bit over a week but still cheaper to get the whole set (12mm, 20mm, 36mm) this route then going with just one of Canon's ext. tubes by themselves.

Also I'd recommend doing a quick search on this macro forum or the lens forum for info. on Kenko tubes. I've been told there are cheaper 3rd party versions out there that some have had trouble with (lens disengaging from mount) so might want to stay away from the "too good to be true prices" for some other look alike sound alike knock off (you'll see these on Ebay also).

Again, do a quick search on Kenko tubes in this forum and you'll get enough info to make your eyes hurt and your wallet lighter.

Enjoy!

[Bryman]

I bought them 2 minutes ago! But before I did I searched HKsupplies and people have had great transactions with them so I pulled the trigger. Thanks for all your help guys, you convinced me to spend more of my nonexistant money :p

Good thing it only cost me $103 shipped to missouri.

[jgogums]

Congrats! HK supplies sounds familiar. Think I got mine from them also.
Seriously be careful in this forum.
The power of the human brain to rationalize/justify ANYTHING and this fourm is a recipe for major debt!:eek: :lol: :rolleyes:
But damn....it's fun.
I don't know...your position in life may be enviable to many...college, camera, girls ;) vs. work, camera, work :confused: .
Ahhh...make the most of it brother....:cool:

[keegsmeister]

Hmm...I'm new here (and I am a newbie at photography), but after reading this thread I'm actually deciding to get the Kenko extension tubes on Ebay too! :D

What I'd like to know is does these Kenko tubes accomodate for a 72mm lens diameter or only the kit sized lens 18-55mm (not sure the size)?

Thanks for your advice. Correct me for anything I've went wrong thanks.

Keegan

[LordV]

Hmm...I'm new here (and I am a newbie at photography), but after reading this thread I'm actually deciding to get the Kenko extension tubes on Ebay too! :D

What I'd like to know is does these Kenko tubes accomodate for a 72mm lens diameter or only the kit sized lens 18-55mm (not sure the size)?

Thanks for your advice. Correct me for anything I've went wrong thanks.

Keegan

Extension tubes fit between the camera body and the lens so they should fit any normal lens. However in practice the Kenko extension tubes have a baffle inside which fouls the rear protuding element of EF-S lenses like the kit lens. You can modify the smallest tube by suitably cutting the baffle with a modelling knife so EF-s lenses will fit, with no ill effect on their performance.
Brian V.

[keegsmeister]

Ah I get you thanks very much. I look forward to playaround with macro shots once i get them. Thanks again :)