Difference: extension tube -Vs- macro add-on lens

[krzkrzkrz]

Greetings,

I'm wondering what the difference is between an extension tube and a macro add-on lens.

Price, advantages / disadvantages are welcome.

Krz

[RebelRat]

Macro lens you can focus to infinity. A macro lens can be used as a normal lens.

Extension tubes can't focus to infinity.

You can add extension tubes to a macro lens to get more magnification.

[NWcityguy2]

I bought some macro screw-on filters and they work just fine, but they completely mess up the normal focusing of the camera. It would not be something you just just screw on and leave there, then expect to use the lens for general shooting. But for macro they do work decently and are not that expensive.

Adam

[RebelRat]

I bought some macro screw-on filters and they work just fine, but they completely mess up the normal focusing of the camera. It would not be something you just just screw on and leave there, then expect to use the lens for general shooting. But for macro they do work decently and are not that expensive.

Adam


When shooting macro, it's best to focus manually.

[NWcityguy2]

Yes of course, I was merely saying that you couldn't screw of the filter and then expect it to preform like a normal lens with normal focal lengths.

Adam

[krzkrzkrz]

Macro lens you can focus to infinity. A macro lens can be used as a normal lens.

Extension tubes can't focus to infinity.

You can add extension tubes to a macro lens to get more magnification.

You were talking about macro add-on lens, when you referred to macro lens, right?

[RebelRat]

You were talking about macro add-on lens, when you referred to macro lens, right?


oops...sorry...I was speaking of actual macro lens.

[krzkrzkrz]

So, can anyone explain the difference between an extension tube and a macro add-on lens. Still waiting for an answer ... :)

[RebelRat]

Extension tubes are just extensions. There is no lens withn the tube. They just extend your lens further from the camera. With tubes, you will be working very close up to your subjects.

[krzkrzkrz]

Extension tubes are just extensions. There is no lens withn the tube. They just extend your lens further from the camera. With tubes, you will be working very close up to your subjects.

So it serves the same purpose as the add-on lens?

Basically, whats stopping me from buying an extension tube for, lets say, macrophotography over an add-on lens if both have the same purpose? Cheaper in price, versatility?

[RebelRat]

There is no optics in extension tubes. They go between the camera and the lens.

Macro add on lens is a piece of optical glass added in front of your lens.

[krzkrzkrz]

There is no optics in extension tubes. They go between the camera and the lens.

Macro add on lens is a piece of optical glass added in front of your lens.

Which of the two would you recommend, for taking macro shots? And perhaps, why?

[RebelRat]

I've only used extension tubes. I've never tried add on macro lens.
Probably the best is an actual macro lens,but, they are not cheap.

You might head over to P.O.T.N and ask`some of the macro crowd over there. It's a Canon only forum, usually a busty place.