Questions tagged [extension-tubes]

An extension tube - is used with interchangeable lenses to focus closer, useful in macro photography. The tube contains no optical elements; its sole purpose is to move the lens farther from the image plane. The farther away the lens is, the closer the focus, the greater the magnification, and also the greater the loss of light (requiring a longer exposure time).

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1 answer
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How can I calculate the change an extension tube makes to the maximum magnification of a lens? [duplicate]

Possible Duplicate: How can I calculate what the effect of an extension tube will be? My understanding is that extension tubes increase the magnification of lenses by reducing their minimum ...
34 votes
5 answers
33k views

How can I calculate what the effect of an extension tube will be?

There must be a mathematical description of the difference that an extension tube makes to a lens -- is it something that can be easily described? (For example, with teleconverters you can say things ...
5 votes
4 answers
3k views

Why am I having problems focusing with extension tubes?

I am adding Kenko tubes to my Nikon 50mm 1.8 D lens. I need some advice. This is my first time using extension tubes. I can't focus. I'm just getting a blurred image. Any advice would be welcome.
0 votes
2 answers
311 views

How to calculate extension tube length when the focal length is unknown

A 16mm objective has a minimum focus distance of 1m. When an extension tube is used to decrease the minimum distance to 0.1m, how long is this extension tube? If b_1...
3 votes
4 answers
272 views

Is it worth it to purchase extension tubes instead of a dedicated macro lens?

I have a Nikon D3400 and a limited budget for lenses. I'm using second-hand lenses, but also the second-hand can be quite expensive. I saw that there are quite a lot of extension tubes, especially for ...
1 vote
0 answers
2k views

Can I combine extension tubes and macro filters at once to give better macros? [duplicate]

I don't have a dSLR at the moment but am planning to buy one. Wanted to know the cheaper methods to shoot in macro. Will using macro filters and extension tubes concurrently increase the efficiency of ...
3 votes
5 answers
2k views

Can we combine extension tubes and diopters for greater macro magnification?

I want to increase the magnification of my Canon 100mm L Macro. I already have a set of kenko extension tubes. Could I buy a dipter to even increase further the magnification? For example Raynox ...
5 votes
4 answers
4k views

What would happen if you put an extension tube on a macro lens?

Will it increase performance of the lens or would it introduce too much distortion?
7 votes
7 answers
4k views

Do extension tubes degrade image quality?

I am concerned that the extension may degrade the image quality. I guess my question is two-fold: How do extension tubes work? Can a good quality extension tube degrade the image quality?
3 votes
2 answers
3k views

Differences between the PB-4 and PB-6 bellows for my Nikon camera?

I'm looking into used PB-4 or PB-6 bellows for my Nikon system that I use to do amateur botanical shots. Currently I use a couple of macro lenses and some extenders. The price of each bellows is ...
1 vote
1 answer
222 views

What if the lens adapter (tube) is too short?

Adapting SLR lens to mirrorless camera normally needs a lens adapter or simply a tube or a spacer to get the correct flange distance. If the tube is too long it normally loses the infinity focus but ...
3 votes
5 answers
648 views

Options to increase magnification when the minimum working distance is fixed

I work in a lab which deals with a significant amount of scientific photography. My current situation calls for an increase in magnification, however, there is a physical limit to how close the lens ...
3 votes
5 answers
721 views

Focussing with Extension Tubes

I bought a set of extension Tubes to use with my Nikon D5300 and 35mm f/1.8 lens. However, it seems that the only option to focus is to change the distance to the subject. This is very inaccurate and ...
2 votes
2 answers
218 views

How to take macro shots with extreme magnification?

My current setup for macro shots is a 85mm prime on a fullframe body with 3 extension tubes (about 70mm in total). I do get pretty close but I saw some images of insects that have an EXTREME ...
0 votes
3 answers
579 views

How can I control the aperture of a Nikon G lens when using extension tubes? [duplicate]

Due to corona lockdown, I'd like to try macro photography. I have two lenses (18–55 and 35 f/1.8) and a Nikon D5300. As I currently do not have the money to buy a real macro lens, I found 3 cheaper ...
0 votes
1 answer
283 views

Optically reduce chromatic aberration - is it worth trying?

I have been using this Tamron SP 180mm 1:1 Macro - F/32 lens to digitize 35mm slides. Unfortunately, the lens' chromatic aberration is quite noticeable, when used at 1:1. I have plenty of strobe light ...
0 votes
2 answers
149 views

Blur image with a 1/2" lens on a 1/3" sensor

When I put my 1/2" lens on my 1/2" sensor, the image is perfect, but when I put the same lens on my 1/3" sensor, everything is very blur, even when I focus at maximum, so I need to put an extension ...
0 votes
1 answer
778 views

Why is there a maximum focus distance when using an extension tube? [duplicate]

I am using the Nikon D850 together with the Sigma 50mm/1.4 Art and the MEIKE MK-N-AF1-A extension tube(s). During first shots I found out that the combination not only has a minimum focus distance (...
3 votes
2 answers
464 views

Which side of a lens-mount adapter to attach an extension tube?

I have an EF to Canon EOS-M adapter. Now I would also like to buy an extension tube to be able to focus closer. I know that this way I'm loosing a lot of light already, but let's not talk about it. ...
2 votes
5 answers
4k views

Canon extension tubes - how much extension can be used?

I just purchased two Canon extension tubes, 25mm each, for a Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro lens. In the instruction manual, it is recommended to only use one extension, not two or more; otherwise, image ...
2 votes
1 answer
120 views

Macro Extension Tube Sizes [duplicate]

I've been researching extension tubes for macro photography and I can't quite get a handle on how the length of the extension tube, combined with the actual lens (say the standard 18mm-55mm) will work....
0 votes
2 answers
237 views

Can we use both extension tube and closeup filter at the same time.. Is that possible...? [duplicate]

Extension tube with close up filter...?
2 votes
2 answers
453 views

Does the attachment order of Canon teleconverters and adapters matter?

Canon EOS RP manual says that the EF - EOS R adapter should be attached to the lens first, and only then should the entire assembly be attached to the camera. I have understood that the same is true ...
25 votes
2 answers
12k views

What are the biggest differences between Reversal Rings, Extension Tubes and Macro Lenses?

As far as I understand all three options help you do macro photography but are their other reasons for having the three different items? I figured reversal rings and extension tubes were just for the ...
8 votes
2 answers
941 views

Are the contacts on different extension tubes in Soligor Pentax AF set supposed to be different?

My extension tube set (Soligor for Pentax AF + P/KA) was not working correctly on my DSLR, so I checked the tubes, and found an interesting difference. It has three tubes (12mm, 20mm, 36mm). This is ...
8 votes
3 answers
5k views

What extension tube options are there for the Pentax system?

From the reading I have done on extension tubes, I understand that some are just 'dumb' tubes while others have electronics that may allow for metering and autofocus to still work. Further, from this ...
15 votes
7 answers
10k views

Macro photography with an ultra-wide lens and extension tubes?

While reading some reviews of Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, I was a bit surprised to notice that the lens is supposed to be compatible with 12mm and 25mm extension tubes, and with those one should ...
9 votes
4 answers
3k views

Why don't lens mount adapters have the same effect as extension tubes?

I use a Metabones adapter for Canon lenses on a Sony body. Why doesn't the lens adapter, which sets the lens further from the sensor, have the same effect as using extension tubes, allowing closer ...
0 votes
1 answer
424 views

How do extension tubes affect the image circle? [duplicate]

If you abuse your lens by just stacking a bunch of extension rings one on top of the other, will this start to affect your image circle? For instance, you have a lens that can just about cover your ...
2 votes
1 answer
257 views

Are Nikon lenses with electronic aperture compatible with extension tubes with electronic contacts?

Can extension tubes with electrical contacts be used with Nikon's electronically-controlled aperture lenses, such as the Nikkor 16–80mm f/2.8–4E ED VR, when combined with a compatible camera body, ...
22 votes
3 answers
6k views

Which suits better for hobby usage: extension tubes vs. close-up filter?

I am looking to do a little macro work, but am not ready to invest in a macro lens. For hobby work like photographing flowers and such would it be better to invest in a set of extension tubes or in a ...
4 votes
4 answers
22k views

Is there a way to adjust the aperture of a Nikon lens without a camera or physical aperture ring?

If I have a camera that does not have any electronic connection to the lens, is there any way to adjust the aperture on the lens if it does not have a physical aperture ring? We're using a scientific ...
2 votes
4 answers
1k views

How do I choose an extension tube for macro photography?

I'm looking for an extension tube for my DSLR. Any suggestions? I see a lot on the internet, but I cannot figure out which is the best.
0 votes
1 answer
320 views

What will cause a washed out spot in the centre of an image?

What will cause a washed out spot in the centre of an image? I thought it was light leaking in through the viewfinder, but these were taken with it completely covered. It only happens sometimes, and ...
0 votes
1 answer
893 views

What does the "DG" in "Kenko DG Extension tubes" mean? What are the differences between DG and non-DG versions?

I'm looking to purchase a set of extension tubes, and a seller I'm talking to is selling a set of Kenko extension tubes, pre-DG model. I could not find any information about what DG stands for when it ...
4 votes
3 answers
748 views

Can I combine a pinhole bodycap with macro extension tube to adjust focal length?

I'm interested in trying out a bodycap style pinhole on my DSLR (a Nikon D3300 in my case). Can I combine this with a macro extension tube to adjust the focal length? Calculators such as Mr Pinhole ...
1 vote
3 answers
504 views

What are these two devices both called "macro adapters"?

I came upon a video and in it there was this what he calls a macro adapter: Raynox DCR-250. And then I searched google 'macro adapter' and saw this video and images of the same device in the first ...
1 vote
1 answer
4k views

Do extension tubes enhance magnification on a 105mm macro lens?

I have a Nikon 105mm macro VR lens and I am quite happy with it. This is a true macro and gives me 1:1 magnification. If I put an extension tube with this macro lens, will the image magnification ...
1 vote
2 answers
3k views

What magnification would I get with extension tubes?

I have a Nikon 60mm f/2.8 Micro lens (DX sensor) and I haven't been able to exactly determine what magnification I can get with Kenko 12mm, 20mm, 36mm extension tubes. Suppose I would use all of them ...
0 votes
1 answer
2k views

Should I get extension tubes or a close-up macro converter for macro photography?

I am using an Olympus EM-10 Mk2 with a Panasonic 20mm f/1.7, Olympus 45mm f/1.7 and 40-150mm. I cannot afford a good macro at the moment but really wish to get into macro photography. My choices for ...
1 vote
2 answers
816 views

Will using a full frame lens with extension tubes on a crop sensor camera reduce the "crop"?

The question Will a macro extension tube eliminate the cropping of an APS-C lens on a full-frame sensor? is certainly related, though I'm not sure if it's a duplicate. As a follow up to my recent ...
5 votes
2 answers
857 views

Why doesn't an extension tube "crop" the picture?

Ever since I've heard of extension tubes I've been curious if they somehow crop the image that appears on the camera sensor. Based on this YouTube video, the answer is "no" (at least not that I can ...
1 vote
1 answer
847 views

Looking for extension tubes for Canon EOS 700D to be used on Sigma lenses?

I checked these extension tubes Kenko & Vello to be used on the Canon EOS 700D with Sigma lenses (I have a Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC lens). I heard that extension tubes do not work well with ...
2 votes
2 answers
334 views

How can I achieve extreme macro?

Following up from my previous question I would like some advice on getting closer results. Below I have posted an unedited photo of a dead fly I found. What equipment do I need to get his face ...
7 votes
2 answers
638 views

Can extension tubes be used to zoom in in pinhole / zone plate photography?

In a recent question it was stated that You cannot change the focal length of the zone, it is fixed and a characteristic of the physical dimensions of the camera As far as I know, focal length of ...
0 votes
3 answers
2k views

How can I do macro photography with canon 700d kit lens? [duplicate]

I bought my canon 700D a month ago. Now, I want to do some macro photography, but I do not want to purchase any expensive lens for this at least at this stage. I came to know about some accessories ...
10 votes
4 answers
7k views

How do extension tubes affect focusing distance?

How do extension tubes affect focusing distance? More specifically, what I mean to ask is : why does the maximum focusing distance become shortened when an extension tube is attached? - Why does the ...
3 votes
1 answer
320 views

Can Nikon PK-11a extension tubes be used with G lenses, keeping aperture control?

I own a D3200 and 3 G lenses (kit lenses + 35mm f1.8G) and I was wondering if I could use an extension tube PK-11a with them keeping aperture control functional. At Nikon website seems to say no, but ...
33 votes
7 answers
54k views

What am I losing when using extension tubes instead of a macro lens?

After playing around with macro photography on-the-cheap (read: reversed lens, rev. lens mounted on a straight lens, passive extension tubes), I would like to get further with this. The problems with ...
0 votes
1 answer
107 views

How do I work around a problem where my lens won't focus on distant objects?

I have a Pentax K10D with a 28mm lens that will not focus on distant objects. Will an extension tube solve this problem? I do not care about autofocus. Is one tube better than another for manual ...