Kenko Extension Tube Set anyone?

Any one owns or have experienced with the Kenko Extension Tube Set for Canon EOS?

- Is AF still possible with the tube(s) on a 50mm f1.8 for example?
- How it is compare with Canon's Extension tube? (I understand Canon is more expensive and it supports EF-S lens)

Appreicated.

bufferbure1,
Yes the Kenko tubes still gives AF and aperture control over EF lenses, however AF is not really good to use when taking macro photos. With 48mm extension tubes (the 36 + 12mm tubes) you will get 1:1 macro with your 50mm and your subject will be 2" from lens, not much can be done with AF. One Canon extension is the price of 3 Kenko extensions, why pay more for air?

And order them from Hong Kong on Ebay. I saved about $80 over US camera stores shipped and insured ($115)

Mel

Like Mel said above, around $100 on ebay, from Hong Kong shipping in 2-3 weeks. Worth the money savings, they work fine.

Thx for the quick responses. BUt how would the IQ using the tube compare to 500D close up lens?

John_B wrote in post #3059764
bufferbure1,
Yes the Kenko tubes still gives AF and aperture control over EF lenses, however AF is not really good to use when taking macro photos. With 48mm extension tubes (the 36 + 12mm tubes) you will get 1:1 macro with your 50mm and your subject will be 2" from lens, not much can be done with AF. One Canon extension is the price of 3 Kenko extensions, why pay more for air?

Thx John. How the IQ with the ext tube is used on the 75-300? Soft or acceptable?

was wondering the same thing...only thing I have right now is a 70-200 2.8 and am hoping I can get by with some good shots until I recover from my recent purchases.

thanks

The great thing about extension tubes is that they dont effect IQ. There is no glass in the tube.. hence the name.

I have a set of Kenko ext. tubes and they're great. They do take some practice to get used to, especially if your usuing a 50mm (like me) but they are so fun and useful to have around once you do.

Edit. Do not buy the Canon version btw. The plastic may be a tad better quality but in the end all you are really paying for is air between your body and lens. And plus, you could probably find a cheaper set of kenkos on ebay, theyre always there. stay away from the 'other' extension tubes on ebay, as they do not retain the af function.

bufferbure1,
Like cskn0125 said the tubes don't affect quality. When the 75-300 lens is at 75mm with all three Kenko extension tubes you will get 1:1 macro.
Here are some photos taken with a full set of Kenko tubes (68mm) and my Canon 75-300 lens.
Fuzz
Red Leaf
Dry Bud

drifter106 wrote in post #3060795
was wondering the same thing...only thing I have right now is a 70-200 2.8 and am hoping I can get by with some good shots until I recover from my recent purchases.

thanks

I thought I had read here somewhere that the tubes don't give good performance with the 70-200. You might do a search and see what comes up. Fairly recent thread, but not sure if it was f/2.8 or f/4. I seem to recall someone tried and was pretty disappointed.

Mel

I have the 70-200 f/4 and use these extensions with no issues...I tend to use the 100-400 with them more often though, and it produces excellent results...

Prydain wrote in post #3061659
I thought I had read here somewhere that the tubes don't give good performance with the 70-200. You might do a search and see what comes up. Fairly recent thread, but not sure if it was f/2.8 or f/4. I seem to recall someone tried and was pretty disappointed.

Mel

They'll work fine with the 70-200 f/2.8 as well. You may be remembering a post of mine saying I'd prefer to use a 0.25x close-up lens to a 12 mm tube because the focussing distance throughout the zoom range would be consistent. I have, and use, the Kenko tubes and they're fine. Just some things I shoot, I'd prefer the lens to remain parfocal (focus point remais constant while zooming), which it won't with tubes.

Second (third? fourth?) those Kenko tubes, I did notice some weirdness early on, they didn't seem to stop where they needed to when putting them on my body. Since then I really don't try to go beyond locked or unlocked position. Maybe I have a funky set, but be aware of this when you get yours.

John_B wrote in post #3059764
bufferbure1,
Yes the Kenko tubes still gives AF and aperture control over EF lenses, however AF is not really good to use when taking macro photos. With 48mm extension tubes (the 36 + 12mm tubes) you will get 1:1 macro with your 50mm and your subject will be 2" from lens, not much can be done with AF. One Canon extension is the price of 3 Kenko extensions, why pay more for air?

Not that you should pay more for air, but want about the use of EF-S lenses?

Also, perhaps given your knowledge on the subject, you can help me out on my post here?
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=346989

I use the Kenko tube set with the 70-200 f2.8 and a 2x doubler, it still autofocuses, excellent sharp pictures with a tripod. I can take pics from about 3 feet away, very narrow fov. The kenko tubes work with the ef-s lens also, no problem. For really close pics try a 50mm lens reversed on your standard lens. There are adaptor rings on ebay for reversing lenses. I often use the kit lens with an adaptor ring, and a FD mount f1.4 50mm lens I bought cheap off of ebay reversed on the front. With this setup you have to really get close to the subject. The results are flies eyes as big as a car.