Questions about Extension tubes

[500mL]

How does it work? I've seen shots where it was used to produce nice, sharp macro images. Does it work like close up lenses? Will it work better with specific lenses (fixed lenses vs. telephoto/zoom lenses)? Please explain it to me before I decide to get one :confused:
Thanks.

-500mL

[AdamW]

Extension tubes are used in macro photography as an inexpensive way to increase a lens' minimum focussing distance, allowing you to fill more of the frame with your subject. Unlike teleconverters, close-up lens (diopter) attachments, or reversed lenses--which act as magnifiers--tubes have no glass in them so the image is as good as the the lens you use. However, there is a loss of light, so you would need to use longer exposure times or higher ISO for a given aperture.

[500mL]

Adam,
Thanks for the quick reply.
Will it work with any kind of lens? I have Sigma 18-200mm and 30mm.

[AdamW]

I'm not sure if every brand of tubes works with every lens/camera combination. If I were in your shoes, in NYC, I'd go into B&H with your D40 and your Sigma lenses and try 'em out.

[Rooz]

they will work with any lens but not all lens' will retain AF. it will work much better on the sigma 30mm. i found using them on zoom lens' is particularly difficult.

[500mL]

Thanks Adam and Rooz.
I guess I can use it with my 30mm for now, but since I'm waiting on the Sigma 50mm, I can use all that time to practice on my 30mm and be better at it. What do you think?

[AdamW]

I think the 50 mm + tubes will work better for macro, but I agree that it'd be good practice and fun to se them on the 30 mm. And since they're not too expensive...go for it!

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

How does it work? I've seen shots where it was used to produce nice, sharp macro images. Does it work like close up lenses? Will it work better with specific lenses (fixed lenses vs. telephoto/zoom lenses)? Please explain it to me before I decide to get one :confused:
Thanks.

-500mL

Thanks for asking this 500ml, I was going to ask the same question:)

There's a specific brand you recommend isn't there, is it Kenko and whats the rough cost?
Are extension tubes the best way to improve ones macro shots or are we better off buying a macro dedicated lens or a 300mm F/4 and the tubes? If we were going to throw $1000 at macro would results be vastly better than throwing $200 at it for example.

[Rooz]

kenko tubes are the cheapest cos you get a set of 3 for $150. the nikons are much better built but cost $100+ each.

dedicated macro lens is the best way to go. you can always add the tubes later. on a budget you just cant beat the tamron 90/2.8. got a bit more, the sigma is a pearler.

the problem with xtn tubes is they make a lens work on an extremely limited focal plane and distance. ie: if i put a tube on my 300mm and i aim at a flower, then no problem. aim at a branch where there is a bug. no problem. here's the rub though, if that bug moves to a branch half a metre closer/ further away then i have to reposition the lens, (walk backwards), becasue it is now out of my focal plane.

with a macro lens, that becomes irrelevant, you can focus from your MFD to infinity. with extension tubes you have a limited distance to work with depenign on the lens and the size of the tube.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

I couldn't find those lenses Rooz (at least at B&H).

I think I'd like something a little longer to keep further away from the bugs and I think it would still be ok for plants. Perhaps 150 mm or more.
I'm even considering your 300 F/4 sort of.

Mostly I'm leaning towards an old manual focus prime macro lens if I can find something going cheap because I feel I have better luck getting the focus exactly where I want it manually (and I'm a cheapskate). Am I insane?

Propsero's Kirkon seams a ripper but it seams he knew exactly what he was doing before buying it.

Do you look online or in physical shops for old lenses?

I hope I haven't hijacked your thread 500ml it wasn't my intention.

[500mL]

DPR,
No worries dude. We're on the same boat, so any info you may get from Rooz or Adam or anyone else who knows about extension tubes, I'd very much appreciate it :D

[Rooz]

I couldn't find those lenses Rooz (at least at B&H).

I think I'd like something a little longer to keep further away from the bugs and I think it would still be ok for plants. Perhaps 150 mm or more.
I'm even considering your 300 F/4 sort of.

Mostly I'm leaning towards an old manual focus prime macro lens if I can find something going cheap because I feel I have better luck getting the focus exactly where I want it manually (and I'm a cheapskate). Am I insane?

Propsero's Kirkon seams a ripper but it seams he knew exactly what he was doing before buying it.

Do you look online or in physical shops for old lenses?

I hope I haven't hijacked your thread 500ml it wasn't my intention.

tamron 90mm f2.8
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/330643-USA/Tamron_AF272N700_SP_90mm_f_2_8_Di.html

sigma 150mm f2.8
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/352426-USA/Sigma_104306_150mm_f_2_8_EX_APO.html


photobuff in melb have them aswell.
http://photobuff.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_12_102&products_id=83

http://photobuff.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_69&products_id=467