Macro extension tube(s) or Macro lens?
Sep 8, 2020 15:42:57 #
Strictly from the picture quality point of view, which is better, macro extension tube(s) - those that are mounted between the camera body and its lens, or a macro lens - the one with a ring and a single lens, screwed on top of the camera's lens (like this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HCYRY3R/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?pd_rd_i=B07HCZ6TLC&pd_rd_w=n40Rk&pf_rd_p=48d372c1-f7e1-4b8b-9d02-4bd86f5158c5&pd_rd_wg=cXR4s&pf_rd_r=GKGQ0896P0H28KKP44ZW&pd_rd_r=e136016d-db42-4e37-8258-880a64fd29ed&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSFVPRDIwNEJaTFNMJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjQ0MTUzSktFNkRERUwzT1JNJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyMTA2ODIxOThWTEFHUjFEVTdSJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1 ?
I want to move into macro photography but without spending major money for a proper macro lens, but instead continue using my old lens (18-70 zoom). I have a Nikon D200.
I want to move into macro photography but without spending major money for a proper macro lens, but instead continue using my old lens (18-70 zoom). I have a Nikon D200.
Sep 8, 2020 15:48:52 #
I'd say between the 2 choices you offer, the extension tubes are optically better. But, the best choice would be a true macro lens.
Sep 8, 2020 15:55:24 #
Interesting.
I would think between the two, hollow extension tubes may be better as the lens optics themselves are not altered, other than altering the focal length of the lens.
Additional glass on the other hand, if not designed and ground well, could mess up the image.
I would think between the two, hollow extension tubes may be better as the lens optics themselves are not altered, other than altering the focal length of the lens.
Additional glass on the other hand, if not designed and ground well, could mess up the image.
Sep 8, 2020 16:06:35 #
Pstrykacz wrote:
Strictly from the picture quality point of view, w... (show quote)
Your options call for the tubes to be superior.
Sep 8, 2020 18:44:34 #
Yup - get tubes that have the correct contacts for your camera. I use Kenko. they work perfectly and cost less than the OEM versions. (They feed the data from the lens to the cam, but do not indicate to the camera that they are in place, so you have to keep notes of when they are installed).
Sep 8, 2020 19:14:50 #
I've had good results with tubes. They are good at the low focal lengths in a sense because to find the magnification it is the extension length divided by the focal length, plus add back the lenses 'native' magnification. So 25mm of extension on a 50mm lens would give you at least .5x max magnification. On the other hand distortion and lens problems can also be magnified, especially at the lower end. Plus you have to get so close to the subject you put the lens in your own light. Also you lose f stops with magnification. Count on one stop for .5x magnification and 2 stops for 1x
Calculator and more info https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/macro-extension-tubes-closeup.htm
Calculator and more info https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/macro-extension-tubes-closeup.htm
Sep 8, 2020 19:24:42 #
BTW - the item for which you provided the link is typically called a diopter.
A "macro lens" is typically a whole lens, designed for close-up work, that mounts on the camera.
A "macro lens" is typically a whole lens, designed for close-up work, that mounts on the camera.
Sep 8, 2020 20:07:40 #
Pstrykacz wrote:
Strictly from the picture quality point of view, w... (show quote)
Something like that will get you close to .5x magnification. Meaning a one wide subject could be a half inch wide on your sensor.
Sep 9, 2020 06:49:35 #
John Sh
Loc: Toronto, Australia
Contrary to what others have said, the extension tubes are only as good as the lens you put in front of them.
I use dedicated macro lenses, Nikor 65 and Nikor 105 Micro, with and without the tubes. They are much better than the 18-300 with or without tubes. As the man once said, it depends!
I use dedicated macro lenses, Nikor 65 and Nikor 105 Micro, with and without the tubes. They are much better than the 18-300 with or without tubes. As the man once said, it depends!
Sep 9, 2020 07:53:36 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Pstrykacz wrote:
Strictly from the picture quality point of view, w... (show quote)
The simple answer is, for now you could use extension tubes. But for a little more, you can get the Nikon 60mm D AF macro lens used. Using extension tubes on a zoom lens will result in a useful image but IMHO, you are always better off with a true macro lens. The Nikon 60mm 2.8 D is one of the sharpest lenses Nikon ever produced.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1311&_nkw=nikon+60mm+f2.8d&_sacat=0
Sep 9, 2020 08:16:47 #
extension tubes with a good lens work .also a quality macro lens .at around $ 60 for the tubes , it allow you to experiment with different lenses .i use MIKE brand tubes , no issue there .
Sep 9, 2020 08:17:27 #
billnikon wrote:
The simple answer is, for now you could use extension tubes. But for a little more, you can get the Nikon 60mm D AF macro lens used. Using extension tubes on a zoom lens will result in a useful image but IMHO, you are always better off with a true macro lens. The Nikon 60mm 2.8 D is one of the sharpest lenses Nikon ever produced.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1311&_nkw=nikon+60mm+f2.8d&_sacat=0
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1311&_nkw=nikon+60mm+f2.8d&_sacat=0
I was browsing on keh and checked for that lens since you mentioned it. They had an 'ugly' one for $150, but they do have a 6 months warranty and 2 weeks trial (you pay your own shipping both ways if you return it for no reason).
https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-60mm-f-2-8d-af-micro-nikkor-lens.html
Sep 9, 2020 08:23:34 #
Pstrykacz wrote:
Strictly from the picture quality point of view, w... (show quote)
I bought a couple of old film-era macro lenses that, even after purchasing adapters, were quite inexpensive. They are much more convenient than using extension tubes and my experience with the front add-on macro adapter is that there is a significant loss of quality.
However, I just noticed that you use a Nikon camera. I switched to Sony soon after discovering how adverse Nikon is to giving any support for non-Nikon lenses; with a Nikon camera I'd not advise using other than Nikon lenses.
Sep 9, 2020 08:30:13 #
Sep 9, 2020 09:13:02 #
Has anyone tried extension tubes with a zoom lens?
My extension tubes work perfectly with my Sony 50mm f1.8 prime but I cannot get any focus with my Sony 24-105mm f4 zoom.
Am I doing something wrong? Asking because the OP references for use with a zoom lens.
My extension tubes work perfectly with my Sony 50mm f1.8 prime but I cannot get any focus with my Sony 24-105mm f4 zoom.
Am I doing something wrong? Asking because the OP references for use with a zoom lens.
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