Extension tubes: I'm a little confused about extension tubes and when they are used. I have a Canon 100 mm macro lens 2.8 IS. Are extension tubes used on non macro lenses to get the...

boomboom Loc: Stow, Ohio

I'm a little confused about extension tubes and when they are used. I have a Canon 100 mm macro lens 2.8 IS. Are extension tubes used on non macro lenses to get the close up of a macroe lens or are they used with a macro lens to get even closer? Hopefully this is not such a dumb question that no one will respond. Thanks for the clarification.

gmcase Loc: Galt's Gulch

Both.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Extension tubes were designed to be used with macro lenses. But obviously, they can be used on all lenses.

Read more here: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26496-1.html

boomboom Loc: Stow, Ohio

Thanks for your quick reply. I'm pretty new to macro photography so I'm hopeing to learn from the experts rather than the hard way. With a retirement budget, would it be better to save for a ring flash or extension tubes first? Are both a necessary piece of equip. to be a good macro photographer?

jdeanb Loc: Texas / central

I would go for some sort of flash . You can look on this site for the different set ups different people use then decide what you think would work best for you. James

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

From past reading here it is suggested that extension tubes you buy should be compatible with any auto lens requirements you plan on using. The electrical contacts (and, of course, the right lens mount).

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Your Canon 100-mm macro lens should be able to capture 1:1 magnification (life-size). I estimate that only 5% of macro-photography utilized extension tubes. They have their value, but are difficult to use because of very narrow DOF, and huge demand for light.

As mentioned in previous post, a macro lighting system can be used with your macro lens. I do not recommend an exotic system. Please view our various macro set-up systems for ideas: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html

Do you currently own a speedlight? If so, a $30 O-Flash attachment (like mine) can easily get you started.

gmcase Loc: Galt's Gulch

Nikonian72 wrote:

Do you currently own a speedlight? If so, a $30 O-Flash attachment (like mine) can easily get you started.

Do you know if there is an O-Flash that works with a 7d and a 430 ex2? I have looked at their model/chart info several times and it appears they only have one that works with the 580 ex2. Maybe I am missing something. I really want one but don't want to sink several hundred into a 580.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

gmcase wrote:

Do you know if there is an O-Flash that works with a 7d and a 430 ex2? I have looked at their model/chart info several times and it appears they only have one that works with the 580 ex2. Maybe I am missing something. I really want one but don't want to sink several hundred into a 580.

Charts list just the most common combos of cameras & speedlights. All that is really needed is metric distance between center of camera lens and center of mounted speedlight lens. O-Flash models reflect the millimeter distance needed for camera/speedlight combo, which keeps lens centered within O-flash 3/4-circle.

jlrivera Loc: Round Lake, Illinois

Nikonian72 wrote:

Extension tubes were designed to be used with macro lenses. But obviously, they can be used on all lenses.

Read more here: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26496-1.html

I have a Nikon D90 with a Nikkor 18-105 and a Nikkor 55-300 plus, a Zeikos set of extension tubes (12mm, 20mm,36mm). Which combination of the tubes I have to use with my lenses to get a "true macro shot"? Now I don't have time=$$$ to buy a real macro lens.

gmcase Loc: Galt's Gulch

Nikonian72 wrote:

Charts list just the most common combos of cameras & speedlights. All that is really needed is metric distance between center of camera lens and center of mounted speedlight lens. O-Flash models reflect the millimeter distance needed for camera/speedlight combo, which keeps lens centered within O-flash 3/4-circle.

Thank you. I will measure carefully and try again. They are such a bargain and your recommendation weighs heavily in my mind.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

jlrivera wrote:

I have a Nikon D90 with a Nikkor 18-105 and a Nikkor 55-300 plus, a Zeikos set of extension tubes (12mm, 20mm,36mm). Which combination of the tubes I have to use with my lenses to get a "true macro shot"? Now I don't have time=$$$ to buy a real macro lens.

My analogy: Using extension tubes on a zoom lens is like putting knobby tires on a station wagon to go off-roading. You can do it, but you will not be happy with results.

Read more here:
FAQ: Macro Lens vs Standard Prime & Zoom Lenses
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26499-1.html

jlrivera Loc: Round Lake, Illinois

Nikonian72 wrote:

quote=jlrivera I have a Nikon D90 with a Nikkor 1... (show quote)

like putting knobby tires on a station wagon to go off-roading; jaja! good analogy but, Don,t have the $$$$$ for a macro lens. Asking again: what combination I have to use with my lenses to get a true macro 1:1. Sorry for being so ........... Thanks in advance.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

jlrivera wrote:

Don't have the $$$$$ for a macro lens. Asking again: what combination I have to use with my lenses to get a true macro 1:1.

I have no personal experience using extension tubes on zoom lenses. Using tubes, the most dramatic and manageable changes in WD are with shorter lenses.

jlrivera Loc: Round Lake, Illinois

Nikonian72 wrote:

jlrivera wrote:

Don't have the $$$$$ for a macro lens. Asking again: what combination I have to use with my lenses to get a true macro 1:1.

I have no personal experience using extension tubes on zoom lenses. Using tubes, the most dramatic and manageable changes in WD are with shorter lenses.

Thanks Nikonian :thumbup: