sabfish

I have a Fuji X-T30. I would like to be able to take macro's using my 18-55 Fuji Lens. I have never used extension tubes or close up lenses with any of my cameras interchangeable lens cameras (in the past, Nikon SLR or DSLR). I am able to take fairly good close ups with my Sony rx100 m3.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated on extension tubes v. close up lenses. Also advice on Fuji extension tubes/lenses v. generic brands.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

You should probably ask this in the Macro Section.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Extension tubes are some of my oldest and most-used tools. The third-party tubes are fine (they don't have any glass) as long as they maintain autofocus for your lenses / camera.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

The tubes will allow you to get closer but at a loss of light. No real difference in IQ as the lens IQ is maintained. The close-up lenses will not affect the exposure much but will degrade the IQ depending on the ones used. The less expensive single diopter ones are only sharp in the center, not the edges. The pricier dual-element ones will give better IQ at the edges but at an additional cost. Neither way will allow you to focus to infinity and the magnification ratio is fixed. A true macro lens will allow an infinite variation in the magnification ratio and also will allow you to focus to infinity. The 18-55 lens you want to use will place you right on top of your subject making lighting difficult. If your subject is mobile, (insects), they may flee...There are also lens reversal rings that will allow for macro, but then you are totally shooting in manual. A true macro lens in the 90-105mm focal length is the most convenient... Edit, as noted above, not all extension tubes maintain automatic functions. The less expensive ones will mean a loss of AF (although most macro shooting is done via manual focus) and possibly metering.

sabfish

Thanks. Didn't realize there was a Macro Section.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Extension tubes work best with lenses that are optimized for best results at or near their minimum focus distance - in other words, true macro lenses. You can still get good results using them with other lenses, and generally are preferable to using closeup filters. Canon (and others) does make two element achromatic filters which is actually very good, probably as good as using extension tubes. Their 500D is intended to be used with 70mm to 300mm lenses, and the 250D is intended for 18mm to 135mm lenses.

I would stick with Fuji tubes to avoid mechanical issues. I wouldn't worry about automatic focus - if you are in that close you are likely using a tripod and manually focusing anyway, but having the electrical connection to pass aperture information to the camera is helpful. If you go non-OEM, Vello and Kenko are pretty decent.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

There is a True Macro section and a Closeup Section - both are worth visting.

repleo Loc: Boston

Another option to consider is to use a close up filter with a normal or telephoto lens. This combo will give you more working room than extension tubes (ie you can be further away from your subject.) Canon make two excellent close up filters. The 250D is suited for lenses with a focal length anywhere from 30 to 135mm. The 500D is geared for lenses with a focal length anywhere from 70 to 300mm.

A good article here:
https://digital-photography-school.com/6-tips-for-near-macro-photography-with-a-telephoto-lens/

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Here's a link to the UHH Macro Section:

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/tpr?p=311675&t=22447

I prefer a MACRO lens that is designed for best performance a close distances. When required I favor extension tubes or bellows. I have used a close-up lens attachment in a hitch- a high-quality coated model is best.

If you use an extension tube that is fully integrated with your camera's metering system, the light loss that occurs due to the extension will be compensated for so no compensatory calculations will need to be made. The camera's meter will read normally.

sabfish

Thanks to everyone for their helpful responses.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Extension tubes really reduces your depth of field to a point of almost no return. You must be really really good at what your doing. If it were me, I would highly recommend a macro lens that is designed for close ups.
Macro lenses have a flattening effect in their design and are especially designed for the task.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I assume that when you say close up lens you mean a close up filter that screws into the front of your lens. If you go this route, get a high quality aspherical type. The quality falls off towards the edges but most clos up subjects are in the middle of the field anyway. And you don’t lose F stops like you do with extension tunes. The tubes give excellent quality.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Agree! For a close-up lens I use a Canon 500D on my 70-200

debk

I too debated this a few years ago. I didn't really feel like I had the money to spend on a macro lens at the time. But I didn't want to spend the money on extension tubes, then find out that I should have used that money toward a macro lens instead. When I realized that you could use extension tubes on a macro lens, I ended up getting the Kenko extension tubes which allowed metering with my camera. Finding that I liked macro, I did end up getting a macro lens which is much easier to use. Tokina makes a sharp 90mm lens, but I don't think you can go wrong with either a Tamron, Sigma (provided they have a mount for Fuji) or your camera brand.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida