Extension tubes vs a macro lens

[MadamMauMau]

Firstly, apologies if this has already been asked a gazillion times before, but I couldn't find it on a search. Also, apologies for the profundity of my ignorance on this and if I have completely missed an important point somewhere. I am still at the stage at which I am blissfully unaware of how little I know.

I am only just starting to build my armory of lenses and am looking for something to help me take close up, still life shots. I currently use the Canon 50mm f1.8 prime as my main lens and it is great for the relatively low light situations I tend to find myself in. However, of course, it just wont get close enough.

So, I am looking at macro options and want to ask, for a miser on a severe budget (I'd rather not go above £150/$300 at the moment), what are the relative merits of a cheaper macro (such as the Tamron 90mm) as against a set of (much cheaper!) Kenko extension tubes?

[gasrocks]

Welcome to the forums. Put an ext. tube on your 50/1.8 to start with and see how you do.

[MadamMauMau]

Thanks. Yes, I am tending to think along those lines and have found some pretty cheap ones on ebay from Hong Kong.

[gasrocks]

Watch out. Some of those cheap ones are poorly made. But, maybe ok to start with to get your feet wet.

[MadamMauMau]

Thanks. I was considering Kenko as these seem to get some good press. Does anyone know if an older set of Kenko tubes (6-7 years old) would have any connectivity issues (apart from the obvious ones with EF-S lenses)? I ask as I might be able to get a set second hand.

[Woolburr]

As long as the tubes have contacts, they should work...not all will fit an EF-S lens as you noted. If the price is right...what the heck!

[MadamMauMau]

Thanks chaps. That is so helpful. I'm so glad I finally emerged from the gloom of lurkerdom!