Advise on extension tubes please.

Kelvin cabs · #1 (**permalink**) 18-06-2011, 10:29 AM

I'm interested in macro photography and would like some advise please. I have a Nikon d5000 and a 55-200mm AF-S DX VR F/4-5.6G IFED Zoom lens and a raynox dcr 150 and dcr 250. I photograph insects mostly, with the raynox you are quite close so most insects get away before the shot is taken,I want to progress with the macro photography so am thinking about buying a set of Kenko extension tubes, The problem is that the lens instructions state that "all models of teleconverters and auto ring BR-4 and all models of Auto extension ring PK, K Ring and Bellows focusing attachments are incompatible". sounds like a crazy question but does anybody have experience of, or know if extension tubes work with the above lens. if not I will have to buy a Macro lens. I've looked at the Sigma 150mm but thats expensive at £600+. Any advise welcome.

freiston · #2 (**permalink**) 18-06-2011, 11:51 PM

Without touching on the compatibility question, are you sure extension tubes are the way you want to go if your goal is not to have to get so close to the insects? As I understand it, the benefit that extension tubes afford to macro photography is that they let you focus on subjects a lot closer to the lens than otherwise.

Geoff F · #3 (**permalink**) 19-06-2011, 06:39 PM

If you want to get into serious photography of small insects then the Sigma 150 is the cheapest option that will give consistent quality. But even with that lens you may find that you want to add a 1.4x converter.

I'm afraid there isn't any cheap option to quality.

Having said that, I have used a 25 mm extension tube successfully on my Canon 70-300 lens.

There are a number of for and against arguments but it is something to consider if you only take occasional macro photos. However I would only suggest using it with the basic lens and not as yet another attachment.

But whether there is a good reason why a simple tube wouldn't work with that lens is beyond my experience.

A 25 mm tube will probably get you around 8 or 9 ins closer which is an improvement but not that dramatic. How close will the 'basic' lens focus?

Currently, I use a 180 macro lens which enables me to work up to around 1 ft which is frequently nearer than the 'fly away' distance anyway.

Kelvin cabs · #4 (**permalink**) 19-06-2011, 09:19 PM

My 55-200mm min focus distance is approx 750mm (2ft 6in) If I could cut the distance by half I should be close enough to get at least 1.1 I think extension tubes come in three sizes, so I think it would depend on what size tube you fit as to what distance you can focus, wouldn't it?

Lancashire Lad · #5 (**permalink**) 19-06-2011, 10:50 PM

Some useful info on extension tube length/magnification factor here: -

Macro Extension Tubes & Close-up Lenses

The page includes interactive magnification factor calculators for both extension tubes and supplementary close-up lenses.

Regards,
Mike.

Oy · #6 (**permalink**) 21-06-2011, 06:41 PM

Good advice above ^^^^.

As for the tubes themselves - I use Kenko tubes and they work just fine. Tubes have no glass in them so Kenko fresh air is just as good as Nikon or Canon fresh air

Kelvin cabs · #7 (**permalink**) 22-06-2011, 11:09 AM

Thanks to everyone for the advice, (especially Jeoff and lancashire lad who have helped me out in the past) I think I will go try some extension tubes out in Jessops then I will see if they work with my lens and see if they have the effect I want. If they tick both those boxes Ill buy online. Thanks again for your help.

g8ina · #8 (**permalink**) 22-06-2011, 05:14 PM

All my macros are with a 2nd hand Tamron 90mm SP which I paid £140 for. One in ebay right now, Item number: 260803999075 at £155 in UK. Actually cheaper than a set of AF ext tubes.

You'll have to use manual focus as it's not motorised but no great shakes as I use manual 50-80% of the time.

See my Flickr pages for my shots if it's of any help-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/g8ina/

Kelvin cabs · #9 (**permalink**) 23-06-2011, 08:41 AM

g8ina, saw your macro shots on flickr. you have some fantastic shots, were they all taken with a 90mm macro?. I'm on flickr All my macro shots were taken with a 55-200mm zoom lens and a Raynox DCR150 or 250. Have a look at my flickr pages under "kelecabs". Any comments welcome.

nightshade · #10 (**permalink**) 23-06-2011, 12:21 PM

I use Kenko tubes with my Nikon and sigma lenses and am in the process of building a simple Macro Bench. It will use the Sigma 105 Macro with a reversed 35mm at the front (or an EL Nikkor 50mm-2.8 ) and my Kenko tubes in various combinations, even adding my Kenko 1.4 converter.
For the price Tubes can open windows on new worlds!
My ideal Macro lense would be the 150 Sigma.