Macro extension tubes?

ConCon wrote in post #15948008
.... I was thinking that the pancake lens would be the one I would use with the tubes.

I've seen some shots with the 40 and the photog quite liked the match-up. He was using a set of cheapies which I also bought at B&H, non-metal mount, and work just dandy for me but have not used them much - all the better that I did not spend $200 on Kenko or Canon.

B&H recently released a cheapo metal mount option (perhaps Vello) which I would have bought if I had to do it over again as they were only $10 more than mine.

I support the use of cheapo's but be careful of stacking them or at least support your lens.

I actually have the Vello's from B&H and I have nothing but positive results with them. I currently use them on my Canon 85 1.8 and my Sigma 30 1.4 and they both work fantastically. I had originally decided to get a 100 Macro lens, but the extension tubes were much cheaper and while I sharpen my skills, this should be just fine.

Do you think that $120 is too much to pay for Kenko tubes? Or can I get the same quality for less?

I never did believe in a whole set of tubes. Experience tells me that I rarely use more than 12mm of extension. I carry a 12mm and a 13mm tube with me just in case. If you are using more extension, I believe you should switch lenses. Have never used more than 25mm of extension in my life. Gene

ConCon wrote in post #15961380
Do you think that $120 is too much to pay for Kenko tubes? Or can I get the same quality for less?

I'd take them for that price. It's about the same as they were going for a couple of years ago and a good bit cheaper than the current price. You could find something cheaper if you looked around, but the Kenko tubes have a good reputation for a reason.

gasrocks wrote in post #15961802
I never did believe in a whole set of tubes. Experience tells me that I rarely use more than 12mm of extension. I carry a 12mm and a 13mm tube with me just in case. If you are using more extension, I believe you should switch lenses. Have never used more than 25mm of extension in my life. Gene

I have a set and use all 3 tubes, but for different lenses. My favorite combinations are

12mm tube + 50mm f/1.4
20mm tube + 100mm f/2
36mm tube + 70-200 f/2.8

I will occasionally stack the 12 & 20mm tubes on the 50mm if I want to get super close with incredibly shallow depth of field.

i use all 3 tubes, and a 1.4TC on my 100mm macro to get even closer...

for $120 kenkos, i think they're a good deal...they're good tubes, with no problems what-so-ever

I am very happy with the Kenko tubes I bought about ten years ago. I don't know about new ones, but these are of excellent quality.

I have the Kenko's and they work great. I have never heard any complaints about Kenko's. The two biggest problems I have heard about on the cheap knockoffs, is rattling because the fit is too loose, or the fit is too tight and they are hard to get on and off. $120 for Kenko's is a good price. I frequently see used Kenko's for $100, here and on Craigslist. Rick

alazgr8 wrote in post #15964811
I have the Kenko's and they work great. I have never heard any complaints about Kenko's. The two biggest problems I have heard about on the cheap knockoffs, is rattling because the fit is too loose, or the fit is too tight and they are hard to get on and off. $120 for Kenko's is a good price. I frequently see used Kenko's for $100, here and on Craigslist. Rick

Do a search for 'Kenko tubes unlocking'

I just bought a set for $6 and it works great. It was made of metals and all thread connections were smooth without any issue. Of course, I have to do manual focus since no connection between lens and body any more.

How do you adjust the aperture? Do you know about the DOF button trick?

To set the aperture you:

1. Remove the lens and tubes from your camera.
2. Install the lens only.
3. Determine the aperture you want to use and set it via the camera's controls.
4. Press the DOF button and hold it while removing the lens.
5. Install the tubes on the camera.
6. Install the lens onto the tubes.
7. All set, the aperture will remain where you set it... but you will have to focus manually with the now-dimmed sown viewfinder.
8. Every time you need to change the aperture, repeat steps 1 through 5.

Just last week I got a set from Cowboy Studio for $12. The mounts are a little stiff but it's not a problem. This is the second item from Cowboy studio (the other item was a tripod collar) and both products are good quality and shipping was prompt.

msowsun wrote in post #15965722
How do you adjust the aperture? Do you know about the DOF button trick?

To set the aperture you:

1. Remove the lens and tubes from your camera.
2. Install the lens only.
3. Determine the aperture you want to use and set it via the camera's controls.
4. Press the DOF button and hold it while removing the lens.
5. Install the tubes on the camera.
6. Install the lens onto the tubes.
7. All set, the aperture will remain where you set it... but you will have to focus manually with the now-dimmed sown viewfinder.
8. Every time you need to change the aperture, repeat steps 1 through 5.

Photographic equivalent of wearing a hair shirt while subsisting on bread and water

I don't like without the electronics, but I have a M42 set for some MF lenses I have - used with EOS->M42 chipped adapter though. AF Confirm helps a bunch with macro.

Had a set of Zeikos tubes but used a lens that was too much weigh for them and the plastic body broke.
Picked up a well-priced Kenko set that I'm very happy with.