Lens for use with macro extension tubes

Hi,
I am wanting to practice more with macro photography but I'm not in the position to get a macro lens right now. I'd like to get a set of extension tubes to use but the only lens I have right now that they will connect with is a 55-200mm. Does anyone who has experience with extension tubes know how well these will work together? I have been thinking about purchasing a 50mm 1.8 but would rather not have to buy both at the same time if I can use the 70-200mm with the extension tubes.

Hi Erica,

Welcome to the forum!

I often use extension tubes on my sigma 50-500mm for regular macro work. I have also used a friend's 70-200f4L withe the tubes. Either one works quite well with the tubes. However, i won't stack all my 68mm of tubes on the 70-200mm because the subject would be too close to the lens. Perhaps a 36mm tube is sufficient.
Here are some of the samples.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=155682

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=145370

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=109901

I have the Kenko tube set. When I want to get really close, I stack all 3 on my 50 and get a little better than lifesize. A plus for the f1.4 lens is that it is easy to manual focus even with mediocre light - especially compared to f4. Seems like the working distance is a little closer than the Canon 100f2.8 macro, but generally OK.

I really don't like using the tubes on a zoom because one little bump on the zoom ring and everything gets outa whack. You're always fighting between image size and working distance. Perhaps your 55-200 at 55 will be easier to deal with since it would be at one end.

You can always get the tubes now and a lens later.

cfcRebel: Great macro shots with your 50-500 - you must have one of those 3rd hands i've been meaning to get.

You can use tubes on most lenses; they're progressively more awkward, while more powerful, on wider angle lenses (because the same tube on a wide-angle lens will require you to position the camera much closer to the subject than it needs to be on the longer lenses, but it also gives you fgreater magnification). You can use the tubes on your (is it a 55-200 or a 70-200?) lens just fine, although if it's the 70-200, you'll have better results than if it's the 55-200, just because the basic lens is better.