Extension tubes thoughts?

Hi All,

Got some dosh to spend (not as much as I really want, as usual)

Was thinking of taking a punt on a set of Kenko extension tubes.
Anyone have any experience with these? Point me to any examples? Never tried much close up stuff so it's a fishing exercise so far.

Loooong ago I used to have a very nice Tamron 90mm lens on my AE1 and was fairly happy with what it could do, but I am keen to explore further.

Now have EOS5 MKII 50mm F1.4 and 24 - 105 so the 50mm is worth plugging the tubes on as a looksee.


If I get any half decent results then I may consider spending more on it, just looking at the moment.
Thanks. RP

Haven't currently got any examples but I used to use mine on the 50mm 1.8 and was well pleased..............s​ometimes wonder why I bought the 100mm macro?

Rob, since these are just extension tubes, take a look around for non Kenko branded tubes. Since you are essentially paying for tubes and not glass, there is no reason to spend lots of money, unless of course you are independently wealthy, for empty air. Obviously look for tubes with the electrical contacts, but there really is very little need to pay for brand name for something like this.

I ended up ordering a set of kenko's this morning and will have them monday. I can post pics from my 50 1.4 and soon to be new tubes if you would like.

Sirquack, i was going to get the vello's but after reading they are plastic, it kind of ruined them. I want to use them on my 70-300 macro setting and afraid it will break from the weight.

Birdkev, Nice fish!

Sirquack, I thought the Kenkos a good price (compared to one Canon tube!) so happy to try them.

Forgottenalarm, Thanks for the offer, if you've the time to post a couple of quick results I'd appreciate a look.
Rob.

No problem.

Rob-P wrote in post #16215752
Birdkev, Nice fish!

Thanks Rob.

sirquack wrote in post #16213454
Rob, since these are just extension tubes, take a look around for non Kenko branded tubes. Since you are essentially paying for tubes and not glass, there is no reason to spend lots of money, unless of course you are independently wealthy, for empty air. Obviously look for tubes with the electrical contacts, but there really is very little need to pay for brand name for something like this.

while its true you have to be carefull with 2 things:

1- You don't want tubes that wobble or can break and your $xxx lens drop right into the floor.
2- inside coating, you want something with a mate black finish, or else the light will bounce all over and you'll loose a lot of contrast.

I am guessing dosh = cash? Just asking, never heard that word before

Leon

Forgottenalarm wrote in post #16213851
I ended up ordering a set of kenko's this morning and will have them monday. I can post pics from my 50 1.4 and soon to be new tubes if you would like.

Sirquack, i was going to get the vello's but after reading they are plastic, it kind of ruined them. I want to use them on my 70-300 macro setting and afraid it will break from the weight.

The Kenko body isn't made of metal is it? I have the Vello's and no complaints. They do have a plastic tube (not light though) but the mounts are nicely machined metal. Sort of like a 50mm 1.8 Mk 1.

They came in today. Unfortunately though I did not have a chance to get pics. Tomorrow will be alot more time oriented. I can say with the 50 1.4, the subject is withing a couple inches from the lens. I needed to put on my 1.4x tc on to give me a little. Comfort space.

Dasher108
I am guessing dosh = cash? Just asking, never heard that word before
Leon

Sorry Leon.

I presume you don't speak 'British' ? Ha Ha.

Dosh = slang, money, cash, moolah, dinero, Beer tokens!

I'll try English for my next question (though I am a Scot!).

Forgottenalarm, looking forward to seeing what you get for a first try. Thanks.

rob-p my apologies for taking too long.
the 50 1.4 with the tubes is hard to get used too. people werent kidding when they said you will be close to the target for shots. inches at best with just 1 tube. the following test pics are from my 70-300 with just one tube. hopefully they look ok, i edited them on my old laptop so if they are grainy or discolored, please let me know.

Forgottenalarm.
WOWSER!

(Apologies from me for the delay in responding to your kind post) I have been in the ER for a pesky eye problem.)

Nice pictures for a test on new kit. Love the first Bees blonde cut.
Would you recommend the Kenko tubes then?
Thanks McP

Heya,

I have tried two extension tube kits. First, was a $14 non-electric kit. Worked ok. But doing the whole manual deal with a lens for the aperture takes serious tinkering and I was losing patience and it was really bad for field work for me. So I paid a little more finally and got a $50 electric kitted extension tube for my T4i. I picked up the Fotodiox Pro for $50 shipped. I read the reviews and some people seemed to have issues, but I figured I could return it. Well, it fits my lenses just fine, and the circuitry works fine. My only gripe was that it took a little working in, to get the mechanisms to loosen up a touch. But after the initial break in of turning and touching, etc, it's smooth and works fine now. Lets me control aperture with camera and all that which is the point, and very important. Obviously with macro you want to manual focus though still.

I hooked up my junk 18-55mm EF-S kit lens to it for fun. I get about 1~2" inches from the subject depending on my zoom, which I tend to leave it around 35mm on the lens, and then just step up or down my aperture depending on the DOF I'm trying to get on my target.

I do both field shots and indoor shots with it of insects and stuff. I do not use a flash. I just use natural sun light. Or I use constant lights near my subject when indoors (I collect things out from under spider webs and off the road, so they don't move... ever...).

Again, done with a 18-55mm EF-S kit lens that came with my T4i, and a $50 Fotodiox Pro circuit extension tube kit. No flash.