Extension Tubes / Reversal Ring: I have decided on the Canon SL2 for my "beginner" camera. It comes with the EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 is STM Lens, 0.43x Super Wide Angle Aux Lens, and 2.2x...

Junebugg71

I have decided on the Canon SL2 for my "beginner" camera. It comes with the EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 is STM Lens, 0.43x Super Wide Angle Aux Lens, and 2.2x Telephoto Aux Lens....all of which I know nothing about.

As previously mentioned in my Intro post, I am interested in Macro photography. I have been watching YouTube and see little "hacks" to get Macro shots, without having to purchase a dedicated Macro lens right now.

I've seen videos with extension tubes and a reversal ring, allowing me to flip the kit lens for closer shots. Now, I understand the quality may not be the same as with a dedicated macro lens, and I will work on getting one of those....but for now....which do you all think I would be able to get the most decent shots with, extension tubes, a reversal ring, or...???

I know I need a 58mm diameter, but other than that, are there specific tubes for the SL2, or are all ETs compatible with all cameras??

Thanks.
Angela

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I like the mechanical extension tubes. They're cheap and basic. I wind up setting focus and exposure myself anyway when I do macro, so why spend money for something I'm not going to use? One tip about those extension tubes. The ones I've seen have a small silver release button. The thing is, you don't push on the button to release the tube. You must slide it one way or the other. We've had people post that they couldn't remove the tube, and that's why.

I haven't done much with lens reversing, but that's a possibility.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Congrats on choosing the SL2.

Junebugg71

Thank you! 😊

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I use my extension tubes all the time and they are some of the earliest tools I purchased in photography. The difficultly they make for shorter focal lengths, say less than 70mm, is how close they shorten the minimum focal length. That is, to focus with the tube installed at say 35mm, you might be so close you have to remove the lens hood to not bump into the subject when focusing. The 3rd party versions may / may work in retaining autofocus. More importantly, they may / may not last. The Canon versions are much more sturdy even if Canon's 'air' is really no better than the 3rd party open air inside the tube.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Junebugg71 wrote:

Thank you! 😊

Consider the <quote reply> button, when appropriate, to direct replies to specific prior posts. Usually, the context is clear. Sometimes not.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

I bought a cheap set of extension rings of ebay about £8. They didn't have any electrical contacts so you have to shoot in manual - which I found OK for table / tripod top set ups. The only downside was the threads on the rings were a bit rough. I lubricated them with vaseline (petroleum jelly) wiped off the excess and washed my hands before touching the camera. That solved the problem of them being a bit stiff to connect.
At a fraction of the cost of the dedicated ones with the contacts ....it is a great way 'try' macro.
I also experimented with a step down ring to reverse a lens onto another lens....it works but not as simple as using extension tubes.

for the sake of a few pounds .....the cheap plastic ones do work!

You need to get the extension tubes to match your camera....as it has to slide and twist on as any other lens.

have fun

Junebugg71

CHG_CANON wrote:

I use my extension tubes all the time and they are... (show quote)

Thanks you. Sorry, I don't belong to or post in forums (besides this one, like 3 days ago), so I wasn't aware there were specific buttons to use for specific things. Be patient with me, I'll get it, I promise.

Junebugg71

jerryc41 wrote:

I like the mechanical extension tubes. They're ch... (show quote)

I saw some with those silver buttons, as a matter of fact, the ones I'm looking at actually have them, and honestly, I would've probably thought you pushed them too. LOL. So, thanks for that tidbit!

Will any extension tubes fit, provided they're 58mm? Or do I need a certain kind? I'm assuming since they're just open tubes, anything with the right diameter would fit.

Will these fit my SL2?? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBFSXYT/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_XvBHDb8R564ZA

There are no reviews, and I don't specifically see the SL2 listed, but the title states Tube Ring Set for Canon EOS FS mount. I chose these because they are metal instead of plastic, but also reasonably priced.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Angee

Junebugg71

CHG_CANON wrote:

I use my extension tubes all the time and they are... (show quote)

Will these fit my SL2?? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBFSXYT/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_XvBHDb8R564ZA

There are no reviews, and I don't specifically see the SL2 listed, but the title states Tube Ring Set for Canon EOS FS mount. I chose these because they are metal instead of plastic, but also reasonably priced.

Thanks!
Angee

Junebugg71

G Brown wrote:

I bought a cheap set of extension rings of ebay ab... (show quote)

Thanks for the info, and tips!

Angee

legion3 Loc: Deer Park Long Island

Junebugg71 wrote:

Will these fit my SL2?? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBFSXYT/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_XvBHDb8R564ZA

There are no reviews, and I don't specifically see the SL2 listed, but the title states Tube Ring Set for Canon EOS FS mount. I chose these because they are metal instead of plastic, but also reasonably priced.

Thanks!
Angee

yes

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Junebugg71 wrote:

Will these fit my SL2?? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBFSXYT/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_XvBHDb8R564ZA

There are no reviews, and I don't specifically see the SL2 listed, but the title states Tube Ring Set for Canon EOS FS mount. I chose these because they are metal instead of plastic, but also reasonably priced.

Thanks!
Angee

Those tubes look just fine. Remember all Canon EF and EFs mount accessories will fit your camera just fine. These appear to have the contacts so the aperture etc should function as well just fine.
the 58mm is the front filter thread diameter of your lens and is irrelevant to extension tubes. For now do not bother with reversing the lenses and use and learn the extension tubes. Again, what you posted look just fine as they are EF mount and will work fine with every EF, EFs, M and RF mount Canon camera ever made. (M and RF will need an adapter but once mounted you still get 100% operability with Canon).

jesse1dog Loc: Afon Fathew

You will get results with your kit lens set at 55mm focal length, and I suggest then manual focus.
Make sure your camera is stable.
Use the camera self-timer to avoid camera shake.

Macro photography opens up a different world, and you will see things you have never seen before or imagined - try looking at a piece of torn newsprint for instance.
But above all - have fun.

Junebugg71

Architect1776 wrote:

Those tubes look just fine. Remember all Canon EF ... (show quote)

Thanks!!
Wait....don't the extension tubes still have to screw into the camera, and the lens screw onto the extension tubes? If so, wouldn't the diameter still matter?? Am I missing something....or just stuck in my natural state of confusion??