Lens Extensions

[Ishyid]

So I was exploring wasting time on B&Hphotovideo, and notcied that they have lens extensions that llow you lensto get a lot closed, and still be able to focus. They state that it makes you standard lens into a macro lens at a fraction of the cost. Is there any truth to that? Or do you loose a lot of quality when you use the extensions to make your normal lens a macro lens.

[inkista]

Canon XT. 50mm f/1.8 II. Kenko extension tube set, all three tubes stacked. 68mm total extension.

It works, but it's not at all like having a macro lens. You lose focus to infinity. You lose focus much past a few inches, really. And you can only get the combination to focus at a very specific distance from the subject. So, a macro lens is still a better choice. But extension tubes and lens reversal are good inexpensive ways to do closeups until you can afford the macro lens of your dreams. I'd recommend extension tubes over close-up filters because there's no glass in extension tubes--nothing to degrade image quality. And both tubes and lens reversal will work well in combination with a macro lens when you get one.


Canon XT. EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens, with 50mm f/1.8 II reversed on the front of it (used a reversal ring to screw the two lenses together face-to-face by their filter threads).

[Trader]

I don't know if they mention it or not but not all extension tubes will work with all lenses. I have the Kenko 2x tube that I use with my Nikon D300. Forget about auto focus it is just much easier and more reliable to use manual and you do not have a lot of depth of field. The main thing I use mine for and get the best results from is when added to my 105mm macro lens to get even closer with it. Hope that helps.