with and without the extension tubes.

[Bald Eagle]

I was testing the differences on my new lens today, this first shot is approximately 2 feet away, using my Tamron 28-300 with 68mm of Ext. tubes.

[Bald Eagle]

This next shot was taken with the new lens only, no extension tubes, as you can see, there is a difference as to magnification, neither of these shots were cropped at all. I didnt move any closer or further away, just took off the tubes. Let me know what you think.:D :D

[mebailey]

I think the shots are equally sharp but the one with the ET allows much more appreciation of detail and draws your eye much more strongly to the subject. Both are technically excellent shots. The ETs give you that in your face wow factor that all macro photographers seek, imo.
BTW, it was nice of that DF to sit there long enough for you to switch tubes out!

[Bald Eagle]

Thanks Mike, for the kind words, this Dragon actually sat there long enough for my wife to take photos as well, in fact, he was still posing when we left. I like the WOW factor better myself as well.:D :D

[Desertraptor]

I think you should be a Kenko rep. I'm getting myself a set of them tubes. That was the sealer for me :)

Thanks BE

[dancinec]

Nice shots, thanks for sharing your experiences. I wonder what happen if the experiment was done on Canon 100-400 mm lens? Is there something different about the Sigma lens that make it more capable than others.

[RockOne]

Thats a big difference in detail level. Looks like a good combination for macro work.

[sw2001]

Looks like the only disadvantage is the DOF suffers a bit with the extension tube. Where the pictures with tripod or handheld?

[BigAl-SA]

The first one definitely has more WOW, but as SW said (and we all hate it) DoF takes a beating as soon as we go macro!

[Ballen Photo]

These are BOTH very good B.E. Of course my pick has to be #1 though. Tough to beat the macro settup for detail. :D ;)
-Bruce

[pxl8]

Am I right in thinking that these were shot at the wider end of the lens? At 2ft the dragon seems quite small in the second shot.

It's a good example of the effect tubes have. The magnification on the second is due to the change in focusing thus changing focal length. Using tubes on a zoom takes some getting used to, it's almost as if the focusing and zoom rings swap functions.

[Bald Eagle]

Thanks everyone for all the kind replies and comments, I like what I've seen so far from the combo, I'll be working on more tonight. thanks again:D

[JoseC]

Two excellent pictures that demonstrates very well what you get with extension tubes.
Jose

[Bald Eagle]

Two excellent pictures that demonstrates very well what you get with extension tubes.
Jose
Thanks, that is exactly what I was trying to show. they are worth their weight in gold.:D :D :D

[Leorooster]

These are BOTH very good B.E. Of course my pick has to be #1 though. Tough to beat the macro settup for detail. :D ;)
-Bruce

Yep, I say the same. Great work.

[Bald Eagle]

Yep, I say the same. Great work.
Thanks again Leo, I hope your back gets better soon, I miss seeing your photos.:D :D :D

[Leorooster]

Thanks again Leo, I hope your back gets better soon, I miss seeing your photos.:D :D :D

Thanks BE. I miss the fun going out to the field too. :D :D

[Ballen Photo]

Thanks BE. I miss the fun going out to the field too. :D :DLeo, Back trouble SUX!:( I'm sorry to hear you're still suffering through that. Get better soon, OK? :cool:
-Bruce

[Leorooster]

Leo, Back trouble SUX!:( I'm sorry to hear you're still suffering through that. Get better soon, OK? :cool:
-Bruce

Bruce - thanks. I will try my best:D

[chemicalbro]

both are great shots BE............. the one with the tubes is really cool did you use your offshoe flash for these?

[Bald Eagle]

both are great shots BE............. the one with the tubes is really cool did you use your offshoe flash for these?
Thanks CB, I'm still trying to perfect my technique with the off-camera flash, I find I have to re-think the distance a little, but it still works just fine for me. Thanks again.:D :D