| Re: Macro - extension tube, lens, compact?
That extension tube price is probably for a full set; and even then it sounds expensive. My experience has been that one 25mm tube gives the best results and should be available for around £100 for a genuine Canon tube.
They can be useful for converting a decent sized zoom into a macro type lens, say something over 200mm lens size. The light loss can be compensated by increasing the ISO; but this can sometimes create other problems.
However, with your current lens my advice would be to save your money and put it towards a 'proper' macro lens, as previously advised.
From my experience, something around 100mm is fine for flowers and larger approachable insects like butterflies and will make a useful general purpose lens as well. But if you want to photograph smaller creatures like hoverflies or spiders etc then I would recommend 150mm.
I prefer a bit more working distance for those nervous species so I use a 180mm but this is even more expensive and is virtually a tripod only lens.
Incidentally, a tripod will prove its worth with most macro photos whatever the lens.  |