extention tubes.

bazza · Jun 21, 2007

Just in need of some advise,

I only have a 18-55 kit lens off a 400d. Can I still get a decent dof if i use extention tubes or would a dedicated macro lens be a million times better?

just trying to save money if i can...

Cheers.

ShaCow · Jul 4, 2007

Ive just bought some cheap extension tubes so ill post back in a few days when they turn up

Digital Matt · Jul 4, 2007

I'm not sure what your question is. What is "decent dof"? Dof is affected by the focal length, distance to subject, and aperture. The closer you are to your subject, the less depth of field you will have, but a lens stopped down to f/22 should provide adequate depth of field for most situations. Of course, a dedicated macro lens will give a sharper image, and probably stop down to f/32.

jstuedle · Jul 4, 2007

Digital Matt said:
I'm not sure what your question is. What is "decent dof"? Dof is affected by the focal length, distance to subject, and aperture. The closer you are to your subject, the less depth of field you will have, but a lens stopped down to f/22 should provide adequate depth of field for most situations. Of course, a dedicated macro lens will give a sharper image, and probably stop down to f/32.

Matt is obviously correct. If the image is let's say at 1 to 1 magnification, and you shoot at f/22, then it makes no difference if you use a macro lens, ext. tubes or close-up "filters". The trade offs are cost/ease of use/sharpness.

ShaCow · Jul 17, 2007

just thought id get back to you, my tubes turned up today, and they are awesome. I really recommend using a tripod though, unless you have steady hands, (I know I havent

) .. for what the tubes cost compared to a macro lens, I would go for the tubes all day long if your not doing much macro shooting.

hudsonp · Jul 17, 2007

ServerKill said:
just thought id get back to you, my tubes turned up today, and they are awesome. I really recommend using a tripod though, unless you have steady hands, (I know I havent ) .. for what the tubes cost compared to a macro lens, I would go for the tubes all day long if your not doing much macro shooting.

what tubes did you get?