Extension tubes?

[EXILER]

currently i am shooting with a nikon D200 (with hopes in upgrading to a D300s soon )

but recently i have found my self very intrested in macro photography. so i picked up a Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens

i was also looking to pick up a Nikon 27.5mm AI Extension Tube PK-13 until i read that these wont work with lenses with AF-S.. is this a (MANUEL ONLY) accessory from nikon.

from my understanding these extension tubes help focus as you get closer to your subject.

please share your input.. i could use some serious help from all the macro gurus..

[BCampbell]

Yes, basically an extension tube reduces your minimum focus distance and creates a narrow zone of focus. This allows you to physically put the lens closer to the subject, increasing the magnification ratio.

This is why they are inexpensive alternatives to dedicated macro lenses, though a dedicated macro lens usually returns better image quality.

As long as the mounts are the same, a manual-only tube should work, you will just not have all of the control you usually have with the lens (the camera and lens can't talk to each other; they can still have a tea party, just a silent one). So, you will probably not have autofocus and will be shooting wide open. This presents a unique challenge, because you are doing three things at once:

- narrowing your focus zone
- shooting with a shallow DOF
- focusing manually with a camera body not optimized for this

It will be hard at first to get what you want in sharp focus. But you can do it. You're probably best off locking the focus and focusing my moving the camera, in fact, and there are special focus rail setups for tripods to help with this.

Hopefully someone with more macro knowledge can give more info.

Good luck!

[EXILER]

thanks for the reply Bcampbell.. yeah it is a real challenge... are their any extension tubes for nikon cameras that works with an AF-S lens like the 105mm 2.8

[BCampbell]

Not sure; try looking here to start. It seems like the Keno three-pack would work with AF-S, but that is three tubes for a sizeable chunk of change.

[EXILER]

thanks campbell... although the link doesnt seem to work... thats for the help

[BCampbell]

Hmn, you're right... maybe this one. In any case you can browse B&H, there's an entire extension tube category... good luck!

[PWhite214]

I am using older, manual lenses with extension tubes on my Sony Alpha. That way I have the best of both worlds. There are adapters available for many different lens / body combination's. Older, manual Nikkor, Canon, Minolta as well as others can be had for a very reasonable price.

Use a "MACRO" adapter for best results. Because it has no 'lens' it acts as a short extension, so you lose the ability to focus to infinity, but the idea is to get close anyway. I paid about $20 for my Minolta to Sony adapter on EBAY.

Phil

[inkista]

Maybe the Pro Optic set, if the Kenko set is too expensive for you.

[EXILER]

thanks for the help guys.. i think im going to opt for the kenko 3 pc set... i was reading the reviews and that sounds like a pretty good bang for the buck...

thanks again you guys rock!

[ziplock122949]

Did you end up getting the set and how did the set work for you? Pros, cons?