extension tube: new at this stuff,, can anyone help?? I have an extension tube for macro shots, but the camera keeps saying LENS NOT ATTACHED i have a nikon d5000...

overexposed Loc: hawaii

new at this stuff,, can anyone help?? I have an extension tube for macro shots, but the camera keeps saying LENS NOT ATTACHED i have a nikon d5000

Lmarc Loc: Ojojona, Honduras

I have a Nikon D-60 which I use with extension tubes occasionally. I get the same warning statement. The new Nikon lenses for DSLR's have electrical contacts on the back which send information to the camera body. When the camera can't detect the contacts it assumes the lens is not attached even though it may be on the extension tube. I find that I can only use tubes with lenses that I can operate manually with an aperture ring and manual focus. Some of the new kit lenses do not have manual aperture adjustment capability so they cannot be used with the rings. This is where it's nice to have a camera that can use the old F-mount lenses. Hope this helps.

ShakyShutter Loc: Arizona

You both need new extension tubes with the lens contacts included. These are out there.

overexposed Loc: hawaii

i found that if i put in M mode,, it seems to work
but not very well,, will play around with it to see.. thanks again

tomfr Loc: Brevard N.C.

When you finally get a proper set-up, don't get too discouraged by your first results. There are some significant differences when using tubes. The most noteworthy IMHO is the loss of light. Also, a less than steady camera is magnified. They will take some getting used to. It is my firm belief, when dealing with tubes, you get what you pay for.
Good luck!!
Tom F

jwegge11 Loc: Stillwater, MN

Is there a big difference between using an Extension Tube or a Macro Filter? Can you combine the two?

DeWayne

Been using the cheap tubes myself, and yes, they do require a bit of effort to master but it is totally doable. The trick to making the newer lens work is to set the aperture on the lens (while the lens is normally attached to the camera), then mount the tube/s followed by the lens. Yep, a real PIA, but it does work. I always shoot manual settings anyway, so that part is no issue for me. It does get old having to go back and forth with the process if you want to change aperture, but that's the price we must pay for being cheap. Namaste

Igore Loc: Wisconsin

Can someone describe what the extension tube does for macro and how to use it properly. Also it it a good substitute for a macro if you are just testing the waters to see if you like that type of photography.

tomfr Loc: Brevard N.C.

Igore wrote:

Can someone describe what the extension tube does for macro and how to use it properly. Also it it a good substitute for a macro if you are just testing the waters to see if you like that type of photography.

IMHO, I would rent a true macro lens. There are a number of lens rental outfits on the web. This way you get a real feel for what a specific lens is capable of.
Good luck
Tomf

DeWayne

Igore wrote:

Can someone describe what the extension tube does for macro and how to use it properly. Also it it a good substitute for a macro if you are just testing the waters to see if you like that type of photography.

Quite simply, extension tubes extend the focal length of your lens without adding extra glass, allowing you to focus closer to the subject.

Igore Loc: Wisconsin

Rental from the web is too much $$ and my local shop sucks. I guess I will buy some Canon ones cheap from e bay to play with macro and see if I like it. I did some shots with my 18-135 which came out good but I could not get as close as I wanted to for the shot.

gessman Loc: Colorado

Igore wrote:

Rental from the web is too much $$ and my local shop sucks. I guess I will buy some Canon ones cheap from e bay to play with macro and see if I like it. I did some shots with my 18-135 which came out good but I could not get as close as I wanted to for the shot.

I think the simplistic mostly plain English answers to your questions is that extension tubes go between your lens and camera body and cause you to have to get closer to your subjects which then makes them look bigger in the photo. And yes, extension tubes are a good substitute to buying a macro lens to experiment with to see if you want to make a larger investment in a lens. Have fun.

overexposed Loc: hawaii

thanks everyone for a great reply,, and yes u r all correct,, not i want the real deal,, hahaha but for only $10, you can get the fever for a macro

John Brown Loc: New Mexico

It seems as if your extension tubes do not have the needed electrical contacts needed for the digital camera...or somehow you have attached the lens to the extension tube improperly.