Questions about tubes from a newbie.

[Muskydave22]

I have been debating getting a set of macro tubes just to mess around with my 85 1.8. I know there are versions like the kenko tubes that allow AF and info to go from the lens to the camera, i.e aperture and what not.

But if I don't know for sure if I want to do this type of photography, should I buy a cheap set of tubes off ebay that are manual and try to use them first? I know metering will be hard and meticulous, and I will have to fool the lens with stopping down with the DOF preview button but is this a better decision for someone who does not know for sure if they want to do macro photography?

Dave

[John_B]

Muskydave22,
I would strongly suggest a set of Kenko extension tubes. They will allow you full control over your lens for a less cost then Canon extension tubes. If you don't like macro photography you can always sell them ;)

Not having control over an EF lens (common with cheap extension tubes) is too inconvenient for my liking. Lets say you want your lens aperture at f/8 you need to attach the lens to the camera set it to f/8 and press the DOF preview button while removing the lens from the camera. Then attach the tubes then the lens and try to get your subject in focus by moving the camera back and forth with the darker viewfinder to get your photo. You need to repeat this process for each aperture adjustment.

[Dalantech]

Not that you need my confirmation, but that's excellent advice John 8)