Extension Tubes

[RASphoto]

I was looking at getting a Very Good Macro lense for close ups. I have heard of extension Tubes but dont really know much about them I know they are for use with any of your lenses to give you a Macro shot or will get you closer to your subject. Can you use a Tube with a Macro lense for even closer shots? Are these Tubes a worthy purchase? Any comments appreciated.

thanks

[jbradc]

I have the Canon EF 25 II and use it a great deal with my 70-200 F4 L and 50 F1.4 and the rusults are great. You can use it with just about any lens it simply moves the rear element further from the film plane (sensor) so focus distance is reduced. For example a 25mm extension tube on a 50mm lens will result in 1/2 lifesize magnification.
This photo was taken with my 50mm F1.4, 25mm Extension tube and flash...
http://shp.smugmug.com/gallery/130489/1/7272321/Large

[RASphoto]

wowwwwwwwww! That Picture is Awesome. thanks for the info I think I will invest. Appreciate it.

Bob

[CyberDyneSystems]

Definately a worthwhile and affordable investment! :)

[[blur]]

A great investment but I recommend not laying out the mega-bucks for Canon extension tubes. It's a hollow tube for crying out loud.
You can get 3 Kenko's for the price of one Canon tube
You get a 12mm a 20mm and a 36mm. I paid just over $100 USD for these tubes some years ago. Canon charges over 100USD for one tube.

Kenko makes two types for Canon. One type for AF and one for manual focus. You must specify For C/AF if that's what you want.

Here's a link to them at Adorama. $129USD
http://www.adorama.com/KNAETSEOS.html?searchinfo=kenko&item_no=13

[RJSorensen]

The bee in the flower is a very nice shot. I have an interest in this and I guess I will have to get one to understand how they work . . . I seems that you can stack them as well? Did I understand that they will work with macro lens as well? One more thing would a close up lens help this setup in any way or is that another 'can of worms?'

[tim]

That's a great photo jbradc!

Are the extension tubes compatible with the Canon 100mm F2.8 macro? And does it still retain full auto focus and everything else the camera does for you? I'm considering getting something that'll let me get a lot closer (or further away with the same magnification) than the 100mm lens by itself.

[[blur]]

The tubes are compatible with any EF lens(not sure about EF-S) and AF is maintained as well as metering.
I'm telling you the Kenko set is the best deal out there. Made in Japan. You can combine the tubes or separate them.
I've used them on my 70-200 2.8 with a 2x extender and the tubes.

Here's a pic. Dew drop close-up with the above set-up.

[tim]

Thanks blur. I can see that DOF control would be very important with those things. I'll add them to my want list :)

[[blur]]

I use them with my 100 2.8 macro as well.
One other thing - they've got stainless mounts!
The quality isn't as superior as canon but they are very well made and well worth it.

[blueskybutterfly]

VERY COOL Bee picture

[pturton]

[blur]
<You can get 3 Kenko's for the price of one Canon tube>

Without access to a Kenko tube to see how well it is made, I wonder how safe it would be to hang a $2000 lens on a $20 tube. SInce use extension with the 400mm f/5.6 and 70-200 IS, I purchased a Canon tube. I feel confident that a knock on the lens won't shatter this extension tube and cause the lens to fall.

How durable are the Kenko tubes? Would you hang your telephoto on a Kenko?

Paul

[pturton]

[blur]
<I've used them on my 70-200 2.8 with a 2x extender and the tubes.>
I missed this line. I guess you do hang a big lens on your Kenkos.

Paul

[[blur]]

[blur]
<You can get 3 Kenko's for the price of one Canon tube>

Without access to a Kenko tube to see how well it is made, I wonder how safe it would be to hang a $2000 lens on a $20 tube. SInce use extension with the 400mm f/5.6 and 70-200 IS, I purchased a Canon tube. I feel confident that a knock on the lens won't shatter this extension tube and cause the lens to fall.

How durable are the Kenko tubes? Would you hang your telephoto on a Kenko?

Paul
Well I've been using them for years and no problem so far.

Like I said in my previous post they are very well made. I would say the finish is not on a par with Canon and yes they are made of plastic(except the steel lens mounts), but all in all I think they are holding up pretty well. I have not noticed any loosening or stress fractures in the time that I've owned them. Plus I've got insurance! But that's beside the point.

When I hang this unweildy load (70-200 2.8, extender, tubes) I always hang it from the tripod collar mount on the lens, thus distributing the weight more evenly.
I'm just suggesting a low cost alternative. Weigh the pros and cons and make your choice

Sorry if I sounded like I was slighting anyone who would purchase the Canon tubes. Was not meant in that way.

[pturton]

[blur]

Thanks for this info. As I mentioned, I have not had the access to examine these tubes and from your report they sound like a great product well worth purchasing. And no, you did not sound like you were slighting anyone - no apology is necessary.

Oh yes, insurance - I just got my updated policy and bill ;-(

Paul

[[blur]]

[blur]

Oh yes, insurance - I just got my updated policy and bill ;-(

Paul
Yeah, me too. Oy!
Necessary evil :evil: (don't get to use that smilie too often).

[wolf]

The tubes are compatible with any EF lens(not sure about EF-S) and AF is maintained as well as metering.

Kenko extension tubes are compatible with EF-S lenses.