Extension tubes or Macro lens

[drumbatter100]

Hi All

I Have got a canon 70-200 f4 L IS lens and a set of Kenko extention tubes for which I intend to use for butterflies this summer. Would this outfit be adequate or should I invest in a macro lens. If a macro would be the best bet which one should I go for. My camera is a canon 40d.

Many thanks for your replies in advance,

DB100

[pressld2]

Hi DB and welcome to the forum!

I asked a similar question when I first joined - see Do I need a macro lens?

I went for the Sigma 150mm macro in the end but users of the 105 and 180 or the Tamron 90mm are all getting excelent results too. Don't forget that you can still use your extension tubes or a teleconverter with a macro lens too, and then you can get some extreme close-ups!

Dave P.

[glsammy]

I'm sure all those mentioned are fine lenses. Just bare in mind the main advantage of the longer focal lengths, that is a greater working distance from your subject. With wildlife that's a major benefit. That's why I went for the Sigma 150mm, which I regard as the best lens I own. I did consider the 180mm, which whilst it offers even better working distances is a much larger lens and I considered this a bit of a disadvantage when using for macro work, especially as I take a lot of shots hand held.
Your other point re extension tubes, only you can really decide if they're good enough with your particular lens. I use tubes with the 150mm, which makes for some interesting shots, but it's not a set up I'd use all the time. The main disadvantage is your viewfinder gets dimmer the more extension tubes you put on.

[Steve S]

DB100,

Only you can really decide if what you have got is adequate, it all depends on how you want to use the results.

I'd say, use what you've got and see how things look. If you think that the results aren't as good as you would like then invest in a macro lens.

Generally speaking, any equipment designed for a specific task is going to perform better than a "general purpose" item at that given task.

Extension tubes allow a lens to focus closer - macro lensses are optimised to maximise their performance at short foucus distances.

Steve.