bobgreen Loc: Maryland

I must first apologize for posting so much recently. I hope my numerous posts don't bother folks.

Much as I would like to purchase a macro lens, my recent GAS attacks have left me a bit short on funds. I am thinking of possibly using extension tubes for some macro work. Honestly, it's been 20 years or more since I used them and my memory isn't what it used to be.

I'd appreciate some advice and opinions on their use. I looked at Adorama and B&H and noticed a wide price range as well.

LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

You might want to post this in the macro section of UHH. Excellent advice there.

bobgreen Loc: Maryland

Thanks!

LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

PS. There are expert informational articles on the macro forum. These are right on the opening page of the section. I'm pretty sure one of the topics is extension tubes. Nikonian72 is the forum moderator; he will steer you in the right direction.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

I am happy with my Kenko extension tubes. I have another set I bought first from Fotodiox which remain unused since receiving the Kenko set. Found first set a bit unfriendly to use, but the Kenkos are everything the Fotodiox set are not. Not into bugs and such, but keep a 12mm or a 20mm on a 50/1.8 for ring shots at weddings. No auto focus of course and best shots are on a tripod using live view for me, but I have seen excellent hand held shots also. Works even better with a ring flash. Have a nice one made by Neewer. Very reasonable. Canon ring type flash is nicer, but price is a bit much for something used occasionally.

seniormomentnw Loc: Seattle

I fiddled with extension tubes, and they do work, but I found it to be very fussy work. I shoot to have fun, not drive myself nuts. I finally broke down, traded in a lens I have not been using, and bought a macro lens. Good luck with the extension tubes.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

They are not exclusive. I use mine to go beyond 1:1....

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I would go with the Kenko extension tubes https://www.amazon.com/Kenko-Extension-Tubes-Digital-Cameras/dp/B000JG88JU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1501929146&sr=8-2&keywords=kenko+extension+tubes
I have had mine since 2009 and they work well. I also use them on longer lens to enable closer focusing

bobgreen Loc: Maryland

Thanks!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Don't apologize for posting. Without people posting, I'd have a very dull day.

Extension tubes work fine. You can plain, non-coupled tubes for about $10. When I use them for macro, I don't mind having to make the adjustments manually. For a lot more money, you can get automatic tubes. One tip, and this applies at least to the manual tubes: When you want to release it from your camera, you have to slide the little silver button one way or another. Pushing it in will not release the tube.

https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=extension+tubes

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Find a good bellows for your camera. Used ones are fairly inexpensive. It is an infinitely variable extension tube and easier to get what you want. If you have the EOS system get a bellows from the older FD/FL cameras, a cheap adapter and a used FD or FL 50mm f1.8 lens for cheap and you are really set up for some great shots. The EOS cameras will meter and if you want, AV will provide automatic exposure.
Do the same with Nikon only you will not need the adapter but your 3xxx and 5xxx cameras meter will shut down so you will need to guess the settings until you get it dialed in.
But the bellows can be a lot of fun.

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

Basic info: Price range is mostly due to the fact that some (the cheap ones) do not have wiring to connect the lens and the camera. Others (the more expensive ones) have contacts and wiring that connects the camera and lens. Some just have a "NAME" so are more expensive.

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

===================

YES!.....

KENKO extension Tubes are what I use on my digital cameras - Even with my Canon 100 mm 1.8... they work well and good.

-0-

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

You did not mention what camera sand lens system you use, and that can make a big difference in your choices.

Most camera systems today use some form of electronic communication between lens and camera, both for autofocus and to set the lens aperture. If this is the case with your gear, you will probably want to avoid the cheap, simple tubes without electronic contacts. With those, there's no means of setting the aperture, unless your lens has a mechanical means of setting the aperture. Those tubes without electronic connectivity also don't support autofocus. That's not really a problem, since manual focus is fine, maybe even preferable a lot of the time close-up and macro work. But it's a major problem when you can't adjust the aperture (I know of a awork around with modern Canon gear, but it's a pain in the arse because you have to remove and remount the lens repeatedly, any time you want to set the aperture.... I don't know if this is possible with other systems).

A better solution is the extension tubes with electronic contacts, often referred to as "autofocus" tubes, although they also support aperture control, which is arguably much more important.

Depending upon your system, you might find the "better" extension tubes available from the OEM manufacturer, Kenko, Opteka and Zeikos. The latter are sold under a whole bunch of different names, including Bower, Dot Line, Vivitar, Fotodiox and more... no matter, it's the same thing. The Opteka might now be sold rebranded, too... maybe Vello, for example. IMO, the Kenko are the bestfor the money. The set I use is pretty comparable to some OEM I've also got, but the set of three Kenko (12mm, 20mm & 36mm) costs about the same as or less than a single 25mm OEM (Canon) tube. I think you'll find the same is true of Nikon and possibly other OEM. The Opteka set has the same sizes as the kenko, but are a bit more plasticky and lighter built, but less expensive. The Zeiko set of three include 13mm, 21mm and 31mm tubes, are even less expensive, but even more plasticky (they even offer another, "budget" version that uses polycarbonate bayonet mounts).

Expect to pay about $125 for Kenko set, $80 for the Opteka (Vello), or about $50 for the Zeikos (or a little less for the "econo" version with plastic mounts).

Tube sets for mirrorless camera systems are available too, but typically only include two tubes.

Extension tubes are very versatile, useful with a lot of different lenses, have little or no effect on image quality with most lenses (the tubes have no optics) and are easy to use. Even with several macro lenses in my kit, I always carry a few tubes, just in case they're needed.

bobgreen Loc: Maryland

Excellent! Thanks for all the good and useful information. I did forget to mention I have a Nikon d7100. My current lends selection is,an 18-70 zoom, 50mm 1.8d, and 85mm 1.8 d, all Nikon. I've just ordered a Sigma 10-20 followed with either a Nikon 70-300 fx or Tamron 70-300 di vc.