swallowtail Loc: Melbourne, Australia

Hi, I am looking for extension tubes and a focusing rail, I'm on a budget. Does anyone have or know anything about the ones listed below. I would be grateful of all opinions.

1)Opteka Auto Focus DG EX Macro Extension Tube Set for Canon
2)Velbon Super Mag Slider
4-way adjustment - forward / backward / left / right
Detachable lower base - changeable to 2-way slider
Made from lightweight and durable magnesium alloy
Lateral adjustment range: 30 mm, Forwards/backwards
adjustment range: 60 mm.

Will the Focusing Rail fit onto any tripod? Sorry if this is a stupid question!!!

Thanks
Anne

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Anne: I use the Velbon Super Mag Slider for Focus stacking. The slider will attach to your tripod using the mounting plate that you would use to attach camera to tripod. the camera attaches to the slider using the 1/4"-20 that is on the plate on the slider.

There is a set screw on the bottom of the slider which removes the lower base (side-to-side) movement. I switched mine so that the adjusting knob are on opposite sides. The side-to-side movement is shorter-- useful for fine tuning composition. The front-to-back rails have greater movement, useful for adjusting the focal plane for incremental movements for focus stacking.

I have no experience with the Opteka extension tubes. I use a set of Kenkos which are fully automated for AE/AF control.
I have submitted several samples of tripod-mounted stacks. You are welcome to PM me if you have questions about my process using the Velbon.
Good luck, Allen

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I own a set of Kenko Auto-extension tubes, with no experience with Opteka Auto Focus DG EX Macro Extension Tube Set. I found this article describing this set, which sound fine, but does not reveal if main construction is plastic or metal: http://opteka.com/AFDGextubecan.aspx Durability and proper fit are paramount for extension tubes.
Read more here:
FAQ: Extension Tubes vs Bellows vs Tele-Extenders vs Add-on "Close-Up" lenses
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26496-1.html

Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.

Just keep in mind that you will have the weight of the lens or camera (which ever way you mount things) hanging on the tubes. Good quality tubes would be in order.

swallowtail Loc: Melbourne, Australia

Thanks Allen, I will buy the Velbon Super Mag Slider, B&H, Andorama and Amazon are out of stock at the moment but will order when they have them in again. I have decided to buy the Kenko Extension Tubes, will order them tomorrow. Thanks for the information. Anne

swallowtail Loc: Melbourne, Australia

Thank you Nikonian72, Have decided to order the Kenko Auto-extension Tubes, will order them tomorrow. I also couldn't find if the Opteka were plastic or metal construction.

swallowtail Loc: Melbourne, Australia

Thanks Flyextreme, Have decided on the Kenko, better to be safe than sorry.