Kenko Extension Tubes (MACRO)
I was really wanting to buy a macro lens to play around with, but did not want to spend a bunch of money. I decided on the Kenko Extension Tube set. They support full auto focus. Here is a blurb from the B&H website about them.
Extension tubes are designed to enable a lens to focus closer than its normal set minimum focusing distance. Getting closer has the effect of magnifying your subject (making it appear larger in the viewfinder and in your pictures). They are exceptionally useful for macro photography, enabling you to convert almost any lens into a macro lens at a fraction of the cost while maintaining its original optical quality.
The extension tubes have no optics. They are mounted in between the camera body and lens to create more distance between the lens and film plane. By moving the lens father away from the film or CCD sensor in the camera, the lens is forced to focus much closer than normal. The greater the length of the extension tube, the closer the lens can focus.
I have used them a few times, so far they work like a champ. I already own great glass, this just slips in between my lens and camera. I paid $169 for the set of three tubes. If you are wanting to play around with macro, snatch up a set of these!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Erin on -
ahh! That big creepy bug again! That's an awesome picture but it totally gives me the willies, lol. I've been wanting to do some macro myself but I don't think I'll utilize it enough to invest in a full on macro lens. I'll have to check into extension tubes for sure. Thanks for the post Ryan.
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Armbrust on -
Yeah, that is what I was thinking. I will not use them enough to plunk down the cash for a macro lens.If I had it to do over again, I would JUST buy the 36mm extension tube. This gives you the biggest bang for your buck. They are all sold individually as well as part of the set.
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Permalink Reply by Jacob Zimmer on -
Can't I just hold my lens a little bit away from the camera?
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Armbrust on
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If you are a half ass you can!
Have you ever tried to do this? The focus range on something like this is mm's in depth. Try holding a heavy lens and a camera still and on the same plane to get a shot.
Let me know how that works out for you!
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Permalink Reply by Jacob Zimmer on
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:-) I was joking.
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Armbrust on
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Trust me, get the set of 3.
They are very touchy to use with different lenses. Having the set of 3 makes it easier.
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Permalink Reply by Jason Holzworth on -
i have had these for canon for quite some time...they make them w/ af and w/o. def get the AF.
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Permalink Reply by Christy Mesker on -
I've just brought my extension tubes out of hiding and plan to mess with them this weekend. Just gotta figure out how they work. ;) Great buggie shot!
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Permalink Reply by Shane E. on -
Now, I want to try to do what Jacob said, in the name of science. In the winter, when I have time.
Jacob Zimmer said:Can't I just hold my lens a little bit away from the camera?
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Permalink Reply by Christy Mesker on
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Was playing around in the yard with my first attempt at extension tubes and thought I'd share a few. Nikon D80 using 18 - 200mm VR w/ all 3 Kenko tubes and SB600.
The rest are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmesker/sets/72157622255340654/
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Armbrust on
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Very nice!
I love macro with bugs!
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Permalink Reply by Jason Holzworth on
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here is one i did, apeture is @ 1.2:
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