Extension tube questions...

I plan to get either a set or a single tube (probably Kenko) for my macro work. Here's my questions:

I own an 85mm f/1.8 (min. focus 33.6") and a 50mm f/1.4 (min. focus 17.7"), seems like the 50mm will be the best with the extension tubes.

Can I get by with one long tube? If so This would possible save me some money and I don't do macro very often. I have found a set of 3 Kenko tubes on eBay for $100/shipped which seems good.

Thoughts?

Depends on how close you want to go, and what working distance you want to use.
The same tube will give you closer working distance, but higher magnification on the 50mm....

I have a 21mm tube, and on my 1D2 it gives something like this on the closest focussing distance:
(image in the black border is uncropped FoV. Shot this to try something for another thread on POTN)

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TimothyHughes wrote in post #2586196
I plan to get either a set or a single tube (probably Kenko) for my macro work. Here's my questions:

I own an 85mm f/1.8 (min. focus 33.6") and a 50mm f/1.4 (min. focus 17.7"), seems like the 50mm will be the best with the extension tubes.

Can I get by with one long tube? If so This would possible save me some money and I don't do macro very often. I have found a set of 3 Kenko tubes on eBay for $100/shipped which seems good.

Thoughts?

kenko tubes come in a set of three and cost about 75 bucks or about the cost of one canon tube.

ed rader

i have the set of 3 Kenko tubes, and they are great. You will get higher magnification on the 50mm, but the 85 will let you stand a bit farther away (like if you want to shoot some skittish bugs). For flexibility sake, i would get the set instead of one long tube. Its really a great way to spend $100

With an extension tube the focus range of a prime lens becomes very limited. That mean you put the extension tube on and move the camera back and forth until the subject comes into focus. You have very little range left for composition because of the limited focusing ability. A selection of extension tube lengths means you can choose the ring or combination of rings that allows you to choose the composition you want. I consider this selection to be very valuable when using a prime lens and almost as useful when using a zoom lens.

ScottE wrote in post #2587514
With an extension tube the focus range of a prime lens becomes very limited. That mean you put the extension tube on and move the camera back and forth until the subject comes into focus. You have very little range left for composition because of the limited focusing ability. A selection of extension tube lengths means you can choose the ring or combination of rings that allows you to choose the composition you want. I consider this selection to be very valuable when using a prime lens and almost as useful when using a zoom lens.

How true - the word "range" is an oxymoron.

Best to have all three or be accustomed to being frustrated, and as pointed out the Kenkos come in a set of three - which I bought instead of one Canon.

Think of it this way: from three lengths, there are seven combinations of length available. What are the odds of guessing the right tube or combination of tubes the first time? Having only one combination (length) lessens the chance of a mistake, but considerably increases the chance of frustration.

As one reviewer put it, the optical properties of Kenko air are just about as good as those of Canon.

ed rader wrote in post #2586242
kenko tubes come in a set of three and cost about 75 bucks or about the cost of one canon tube.

ed rader

where can you find them for $75? i see it closer to $150 in most places

Get all 3.
I have them and I can never tell which tube to use in any given situation. I have used all 3 for all sorts of different things. I have a review and some sample pics (with nifty fifty) here:
http://www.pbase.com …sen/kenko_exten​tion_tubes

jacobsen1 wrote in post #2588275
Get all 3.
I have them and I can never tell which tube to use in any given situation. I have used all 3 for all sorts of different things. I have a review and some sample pics (with nifty fifty) here:
http://www.pbase.com …sen/kenko_exten​tion_tubes

Thank you! Great review and super pics. Nice watch as well

~$95 shipped
http://cgi.ebay.com …ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm​dZViewItem


I bought mine from that seller. It's perfectly legit.

TimothyHughes wrote in post #2588637
Thank you! Great review and super pics. Nice watch as well

Glad I could help.