Extension tubes.

[Jetl3on]

A rookie question, but what is an Extension tube? I understand its to do with Macro, but what are the benefits of using one? Any before/after shots I can oogle?

Heading for hotter climates in May, and if this will enhance/improve my closeups, what kind of tube should I get to fit a 40mm Nikon Macro?

Cheers

Edited by Jetl3on on Thursday 19th April 09:39

[RobDickinson]

An extension tube reduces the minimal focus distance.

Turns a 1:1 macro lens into a 2:1 macro lens. i.e. provides mroe magnification. At the cost of infinity focus and a bit of light.

[Simpo Two]

It fits between the camera body and lens (usually the 50mm lens but doesn't have to be). You will get instant close-ups (magnification depends on length of tube) and quality is high as there's no extra glass involved. The downside is that you lose infinity focus - but you can always remove the tube - and most lose the linkage between camera and body so you'll be using manual. I believe Kenko tubes retain this linkage though to what extent I don't know.

Another way to get instant macro is a reversing ring, so you mount the 50mm lens backwards. Sounds odd but gives remarkable results.

[RobDickinson]

They have the 40mm nikon micro...

But I suspect the 40mm has quite a close minimum focus anyhow. Tubes are better with longer lenses more often than not but it depends on what you are shooting.

[Jetl3on]

Are reversing rings better than Extension tubes? Any recommendations for a decent Tube on a budget?

Edited by Jetl3on on Thursday 19th April 13:42

[SamHH]

Jetl3on said:

Are reversing rings better than Extension tubes? Any recommendations for a decent Tube on a budget?

Edited by Jetl3on on Thursday 19th April 13:42

You should get extension tubes that have electrical contacts in them. This will allow you to control the aperture of the lens normally (like you do without the extension tubes). A set of three will cost about 120 pounds new (commonly available ones are made by Kenko), or maybe 60 pounds if you can find them used. You can get ones without the electrical contacts but you will have either no control over the aperture (with modern lenses) or you will have to stop down the lens manually (with some older lenses).

In terms of optical performance, reversing rings are as good as extension tubes, but they also remove the electronic communication between lens and camera, losing control of the aperture.

[RobDickinson]

Reversing rings are a pain to use.

Tubes are easier, even ones without contacts.

kenko fully coupled tubes are good fun.

[francisn]

The reason for a reversing ring is that at a certain point the lens starts giving better resolution when working in reverse. It varies from lens to lens depending on the lens design and frankly is very specialist and for most people is a bit of a red herring.

[RobDickinson]

Bellows are another option btw.

As is selling the nikon kit for a canon mpe65..

[Jetl3on]

A set of AF Tubes are winging their way to my cave as we speak.

Thank you