Using a Extension tube

[m and m]

Hello, every one i'm looking to get into macro but would like to try out a extension tube befor i jump into a 100mm 2.8 macro, which leads me to the question. Is any body able to supply me with a few sample pictures of them using a extension tube, and what lense they used it with. I'm looking to take pictures of my aquariom coral and just want to get the idea of this will get the job done, or if i should just invest into the 100mm.

[John_B]

m and m,
Welcome to POTN :)

You don't tell us what camera and what lens you will be using with which length extension tube? ???

ex. if you are using a 50mm lens you will need approx 50mm of extension tube to give you true macro 1:1 life size. If you go the extension tube route, I suggest the Kenko set which has three tubes of different lengths totaling 68mm.

A true macro lens like the 100mm f/2.8 will give you more room between your subject and the lens which could be helpful for a coral shoot. It will also give you better sharper macro images :)

Lighting will also be different, a tripod or flash with extension cord will really help shooting coral.

[golfingguy27]

Hi.. I am getting ready to start a seperate post to show one of my first attempts at macro photography as well and say your question. This one is taken with my 50D, 70-200 f/4 lens, with 48mm of Kenko extension tubes on it. I'm sure there are better examples out there, but I thought this one turned out pretty cool.

Todd

[Jannie]

I use extension tubes all the time with my L lenses and have used a 180 macro but prefer the ability to shoot different lenses up close. If your intention is just about how close you can get and 1-1 is important, it will be more convenient to buy a macro. But if you just want to work much closer then I love extension tubes and use them often. I can't post anything at the moment because I'm writing this on my phone but will say that there is absolutely no loss of image quality with extension tubes, I've heard people claim
otherwise but have found no evidence of that what so ever.

I've been doing a lot of close product shooting this week with a 85L and 12mm or24mm tubes and the image quality is stunning. Looking at the images on a 30" monitor, the client asked me why I would ever want a macro if I can do this. But if you just want to get extremely close then a macro or a macro with extension tubes is going to be easier.

Extension tubes can be confusing at first as the only work within very limited distances from camera to subject and if you want to get closer you have to switch to a longer tube or stack an additional tube.

[LowSpark420]

Ok...someone explain this to me. If I purchase the Kenko extension tube set given my two lenses, will one lens over the other give me more "working space" from the subject?

I am a rookie and still unclear what gives you more distance between your subject and the lens while still providing the clear, up-close shots.

[GCGuy]

The 55-250 will give you more working space, but will be harder to hand hold and get sharp shots at smaller apertures. Here a few shots using a 36mm extension tube on the 70-200 2.8 IS at around f/16 if I remember right. External flash was used to provide enough light. I've found the the zoom on the lens pretty much sets your working distance, AF is about useless, you focus by moving closer or farther from your subject.

http://pjspix.smugmug.com/photos/640119469_mAFuN-L.jpg

http://pjspix.smugmug.com/photos/660359012_t5dsM-L.jpg

http://pjspix.smugmug.com/photos/660362337_2ASha-L.jpg

[PMCphotography]

They're so cheap you might as well just buy a set. I got a set to play with and i think it cost me $15...

[LowSpark420]

Good to know. I guess when you are saying harder to hold with the longer lens and tubes combined...but that would be taken out of the equation if I used my tripod for a steady shot.

I also just ordered a wireless shutter remote (main purchase reason was for upcoming family pictures I will need to be in)