macro lens vs extension ring?

BlairWright · Nov 5, 2011

I use the Kenko tubes on my Nikon 105mm macro, the tubes are cheaply made but it's great combination and I get good results.

dxqcanada · Nov 5, 2011

Extension tubes are used for camera's that do not have rails to move the lens further from the film plane.
... and yes, there are no optics.

The further the lens is from the film plane, the closer it can focus to an object. The closer it can focus to an object, the greater the magnification of the object.

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&s....,cf.osb&fp=a70127bd0205a2f5&biw=1178&bih=703

A lens like a 180mm macro allows you to get 1:1 macro like a 90mm macro ... the difference is that the larger focal length allows you to be further away from the subject.

giulionic · Nov 5, 2011

lens or tubes? it depends on the macros you plan to do...
if you plan to use tubes with a 35 or a 50mm lens, think abut getting a focusing rail because is quite difficult to focus with a 2-3mm DOF

Dom6663 · Nov 5, 2011

If your getting extension tubes without contacts, I'd get a bellows instead. Why?
1. You dont have to interchange between tubes every time you want a different focal length, you can just adjust it with a dial.
2. *In my experience* you lose less light with bellows as opposed to extension tubes (i might be wrong but thats an observation of mine)
3. It looks sexy and vintage

Now what bellows should you get, well thats easy! Get a nikon->m42 adapter, then they make m42 bellows for cheapy cheap. Then rock some takumar glass!
$50 for a 55mm f1.8 that takes incredibly sharp photos with great bokeh.

Takumar lenses are hot and cheap.

EDIT: Reason #4: If you get a bellows that can tilt and shift. Well then you can make your lenses have a reasonable tilt shift effect!