55-250mm + Extension Tube = Need a Tripod Collar?

[ArmySoldier777]

Hello again everybody,

I just recently purchased an extension tube for my 55-250mm lens so I can get close to macro like shots without having to pay hundreds for a dedicated lens "someday I will have one though." Well it's been working out great for me, and I've been able to take some pretty good shots. The wind is always a big problem though, even the slightest breeze will cause camera shake. I don't have a real high end tripod, but my quantaray supports up to 11lbs and i've never had any issues with it since I got it. So somebody suggested to me that I get a Tripod collar for my lens and that would eliminate most of the problem. Does anybody here have any advice on this? I also did a quick google search, and I didn't really see anything for the 55-250mm, but maybe I just didn't look hard enough.

I appreciate any help I get, so thanks in advance to everyone!
David

[JFSanders]

Wind will affect your subject more than the camera. With that being said doing macro without a remote release and a mirror lock up function will be a futile and frustrating exercise. You can improve by using the delay shutter function in a pinch but mirror slap will irritate you. The tripod you have will have to do for now and it will do fine for most things except the more demanding ones. You didn't say what your brand is so I am not sure how much weight you have hanging off of the camera body.


JIm

[ArmySoldier777]

JFSanders,

Sorry about not including more info, here's my setup:
Canon EOS Rebel XSI/450d
Canon EFS 55-250mm lens
Zeikos ZE-CVAFC Auto Focus Macro Extension Tubes for Canon

I also forgot to mention that I do use a remote release as well as mirror lockup


I appreciate you taking the time to reply, thank you very much.
David

[JFSanders]

Ok, next step is to sand bag your tripod and put a windbreak between the subject and the wind. After that you start spending serious money on focusing rails and such. And if you are looking for greater DOF you may want to look at focus stacking software. There are some good ones for free online just google focus stacking.

Jim

[ArmySoldier777]

Alright then. Thanks for the tips. I've been visiting these forums for awhile, and while glancing through, i've never heard anybody mention focus stacking software.. I wish I'd known about that before. I have some images that aren't macro that could've benefited from that.


I appreciate all the help you've given me. Saved me from buying something that I didn't need as well.

David

[JFSanders]

Someone on the net was working on a Focus stacked HDR image, I can't find the page now but if he ever got it right it should be a beautiful thing to behold. Glad to be of help.

Jim