Paul Diamond Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA

I'm seeking advice and help, please. I shoot with Nikon D800E and D850, a variety of lenses. I need to buy an extension tube or set that will give me closer focus without losing auto exposure or autofocus features of my lenses/cameras. I haven't found any yet. I'm hoping fellow Hoggers can help point me toward something that will work for me. If you have personal experience using the thing you are recommending, even more valuable advice.

Thanks for reading, and for your help, please.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Nikon's look onto their web site.

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/about-nikon/search.page?q=extension%20tube&currentPage=1&facet=Overview

Paul Diamond Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA

Thanks, didn't see the PK-13 when looking through Nikon USA's site. Appreciate your help.

Paul Diamond Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA

Looks like the PK-13 is not equipped with the digital contacts to communicate between the lenses' focus and exposure system and the modern Nikon camera's. Am I missing something? I already have old style Nikon tubes, even an old Nikon bellows. But these don't couple to the D800/D850 electronics. And, "G" lenses don't have manual setting of f/ stops?

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

You have a very limited choice. I personally have no experience with (or use for) autofocus extension tubes, so can make no recommendations. Good luck!
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=Extension%20Tubes&filters=fct_camera-body-mount_65%3Anikon-f

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

'G' means they've been 'gelded', literally having their aperture ring removed. Look at Kenko tubes. They're not the build quality of Nikon equipment, but do retain electronic communication from the DSLR to AF-enabled lenses.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

Kenko, as already mentioned by CHG CANON.

But beware putting too much strain on them due to their internal connection design.

PhotoDerek Loc: County Durham, UK.

Talk to B and H in NY or Gray's of Westminster in UK see what they suggest. Email them obviously at present.

russjc001 Loc: South Carolina

Kendo extension tubes are excellent

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Kenko%20Extension%20Tubes%20Nikon&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&ap=Y&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4t0c-IU_RW71SWsi_Qi9OrQs6yNVm_Mj6r8TYJhRpPCfb4VaejXVVIaAsOIEALw_wcB

User ID

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agillot

i use MEIKE , NOT PRICEY , WELL MADE .

Jerry Green Loc: Huntsville, AL

I wanted an extension tube that was metal with electrical contacts. I made one out of my Nikon 1.4X teleconverter after the glass got broken from being dropped. I wish that Nikon would sell the teleconverters without the glass as full auto extension tubes.

photoman43

The Nikon tubes do not allow AF. Kendo tubes allow af and electronic info to transfer. You may get slight vignetting with Kenko tubes when used with Nikon macro lenses, and kenko tubes are not as robust in construction as the all metal Nikon tubes. Use the Kenko tubes carefully and try to use only one tube. If more than one is used, separation could occur during use.

Randyfrieder Loc: Long Island, New York

Hi,
You might also look for a current version used Nikon teleconverter. Possibly one that has fungus or a scratch in the optics. Then if you take out the optics, you will have perfectly functioning, AF and Exposure control.
As a Nikon product it is guaranteed to be compatible with your lenses.
Note, the TC’s are designed to not fit onto certain lenses, because the glass in the TC might damage the glass at the rear of some lenses. Obviously, this is no longer an issue with the optics removed, but you might have to file off a little tab on the front of the TC, so that it can fit on any Nikon F mount lens. And only AF-S lenses will work automatically, but any Nikon mount lens will work, with manual control, giving you a lot of flexibility.
This is only recommended if you have the necessary skills.
In the 70’s, I did this with a TC, and I was able to remove or reinstall the entire optical group as one self contained unit, whenever I wanted to use it as a TC, or an extender, a quick swap and I was good.
YMMV.
As a completely different idea, you might not be aware of close-up lenses, that look like filters, but they allow the lens to focus closer. These are available in different diopters aka strengths of magnification. And, they usually come in a kit with two or three strengths.
Since they just screw in to the front of your selected lens, like any filter, you retain every function that your lens has, without any compromising of any of the lens’s functionality.
They are not the best choice optically, but usually they are just a little soft on the edges, which you can allow for and crop out. And with the proper sized close-up filter/lens, and some step up or down rings, you can use the set on many different lenses, easily.
And lastly, this is probably the least expensive option. Maybe worth a try, get a used set from here or on eBay to test, if you don’t like the results, you are only out a few dollars, they are that inexpensive!!

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

The Kenko tubes are a good value and I highly recommend them. For $129 you get three tubes: 12mm, 20mm and 36mm. You can use them individually or combine any two or all three for greater extension. They maintain full lens functionality and are well made with strong mechanical lens latches (which can be important!).

I don't know if the current Kenko tubes are metal. The older ones I've used for around 15 years (with my Canon kit) certainly are.

If the lenses you plan to use with them are relatively lightweight, the $79 Vello/Opteka extension tube set (same sizes as above) is an alternative. They are plastic and lighter built than the Kenko... but would probably be fine so long as you aren't using them with particularly heavy lenses.

Avoid the really cheap sets (under $25). They don't have any electronic contacts to support AF, VR or aperture control on G series lenses. You might be fine with manual focusing close-ups... And losing VR isn't a big deal, particularly if using a tripod... However, not having means of controlling the aperture of modern lenses is a problem. This type of extension tube is okay for use with vintage lenses that have a built-in, mechanical aperture control ring.

It's the same problem with Nikon's own PK-11, PK-12 and PK-13 extension tubes (sold separately for $90 or $100 apiece!). There is no means of aperture control with many modern lenses. They also don't support AF or VR, but, again, those are things you can live without. The lack of aperture control with any G-type lens is a problem, though.

EDIT: Image quality with cheap sets of "close-up filters" really sucks. There are better quality, such as the Canon 500D and 250D (both in very limited sizes). HOWEVER, even those cost some image quality. I've used them, still have one (77mm 500D), but prefer to use macro extension tubes with no optics to spoil a lens' native image quality capabilities. The better quality diopter lenses ain't cheap, either. For good ones, you'll pay as much or more for one than for a set of quality extension tubes... and the diopter lenses will be more limited in their usefulness, only usable on select lens diameters. Macro extension tubes, on the other hand, are highly universal... can be used with practically any lens.

I also just came across a Movo 25mm extension tube selling for $35. I have no personal experience with it, but according to the description it's all metal (aluminum). Whether it's up to the quality of the Kenko or not, I don't know. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1542435-REG/movo_photo_ext_n25_25mm_af_extension_tube.html