A bunch of questions: ext tubes, reverse lens, coupled lenses

First, I'll start with the Extension Tubes question:

I picked up a set of extensions. I didn't really have the cash right now for Kenko's, so I grabbed the cheapest set I could find, which were $5.88. The season's almost over, so I just wanted a set to try out for now without dropping $150~$200 on Kenko's. My question is this...

1 - When I have the tubes on, it's so dark when looking through the viewfinder, is there a way to brighten things up without throwing the setting off? If I'm not in direct sunlight, it becomes a crap-shoot whether I'm in focus or not because I can't see things light enough.

2 - ...also, with these cheap tubes, my aperture shows up as "00". I know how to get around this, but do Kenko's let you change your aperture (and show your aperture), and with Kenko's, is it also dark when looking through the viewfinder?

Now, in regards to the coupling ring for back to back lenses (Well, face to face actually) and reverse mount lenses...

1 - When using a coupling ring, what gives the best results? Should I go with my macro on the camera and say, my 50mm on the front? Is there a 'desired combination, should the 'longer' lens be on the back? Are there any secrets or tips to the coupling ring setup?

2 - Reverse mount setup...what kind of results does this give in comparison to the two coupled lens setup? I guess my question is, which way is better & easier, the reverse or coupled?

3 - The big question...Out of the 3 choices, Tubes/reverse ring/coupled lenses, which do you feel is the best, and easiest to use (and why)?

I just got my tubes and adapters, but I don't have the time to do all of these experiments right now, lol. I'd just like to have a little heads-up and insight before trying them all out.

Thanks a TON!!!!

~Ace

Because your set of tubes have no electrical connections there is no control over the aperture and it wont be letting much light in. Kenko tubes have the necessary electrical connections so both problems are actually one and are not a problem with the Kenko solution.

1. Any system giving higher magnification will reduce the amount of light on the subject, but using non communicating ext tubes tends to make you view the subject with the lens already shut down to the desired aperture so it's even darker. Some people use the modeling lights built into flashes or you can use a LED torch to help light the subject.

2. Yes Kenkos allow full aperture control and hence the subject will be a bit brighter as the aperture is wide open until you take the picture.

3. Rule with lens coupling is the longer focal length lens stays on the camera with the shorter one reversed on the front. The reversed lens is normally used wide open and focused on infinity. All focus and aperture control is done with the longer main lens.

4. A lens directly reversed onto the camera body can give very good results optically but you have the same problem you have with those extension tubes of no aperture control. The kit lens reversed like that actually makes a neat zoom macro lens going from 1:1 to about 3:1.

5. I think ease of use wins out here in the long run so any system that gives full aperture control is preferred. My own preference is to start with auto ext tubes which can take a 100mm macro lens from 1:1 to 2:1 magnification. Then perhaps think about reversing a lens on the front (a 50mm lens reversed on to a 100mm macro lens will give from 2:1 to 3:1 mag and in combination with the ext tubes can give upto 4:1.

Brian v.

Thanks Snowy & LordV!!! Great info Brian, I appreciate you taking the time to explain it all!

Sorry for interfering in your thread Ace, but I have one question : Which one of these options give the best result for image quality? Can anyone arrange them in term of image quality?
- Kenko Extension tubes
- Reversed lens
- Lens reversed in front of a macro lens
- Macro lens (Canon 250D or 500D)

Pri wrote in post #15071459
Sorry for interfering in your thread Ace, but I have one question : Which one of these options give the best result for image quality? Can anyone arrange them in term of image quality?
- Kenko Extension tubes
- Reversed lens
- Lens reversed in front of a macro lens
- Macro lens (Canon 250D or 500D)

Not sure if it's possible to give a definitive answer to this- depends on the lenses being used but they are all capable of giving very good results. I do always suggest starting with extension tubes though.
Brian v.

Fewer lens elements "in general" gives better image quality, but the big variable is the individual quality of those lens elements. Ext tubes and reverse rings don't add any lens elements, so they theoretically don't degrade image quality, but the higher magnification will make imperfections already there more visible.

Reverse rings and cheap ext tubes are so cheap, you don't have a reason not to try them on the equipment you have. The great thing about these is that they give you dual use of stuff you already own. But don't get so carried away that you buy lenses specifically for use with reverse rings or ext tubes, you'd almost certainly be happier considering a dedicated macro lens.

Another option is if you already own a microscope with removable objectives, you can get an adapter to mount those on your camera: http://www.edmundoptic​s.com …968?dc&PageNum=​1#products

Thanks for your input Brian and Greg ;

I have a set on cheap extension tubes ; I used it on my EFS 18-55mm lens when I started with macro but the results was not good! I avoid to use these with my canon 100mm macro lens : the lens is not securely fitted on these cheap built extensions tube and my lens can fall off at any time. I’m looking forward to buy a Kenko extension tube in a near future! Is kenko the only option for extension tubes or is there any other good brand?

I’m also looking forward to use my EFS 18-55mm lens reversed on my EF 100mm macro lens. (Already bought a 58mm coupling ring and waiting for it) Is this a good option? Or is it better to get a prime 50mm lens?

You can check out polaroid's version of extension tube, I have heard they are pretty good at a fraction of the Kenko's cost.

For using the cheap non-communicating tubes I always used a flashlight to focus with the lens at about f/16.

As for lens stacking I haven't tried it. From everything I see and read, less glass is better. But on that note the nifty fifty is probably better to reverse than the kit lens. It is noticeably sharper.

A 50mm reversed will not give you much magnification reversed (by itself). Your 18-55 zoomed to 18mm will be decent. Wide angle lenses give more magnification when reversed.

Still waiting for the coupling ring to give it a try! Then I'll see if I need to buy the 50mm or maybe a 40mm.