TC or ExtensionTube

[Timppa]

I use a Tamron 90mm macro lens atm (for Nikon).
I would like to get closer to the subject and I was wondering what way to go.. TC or ExtensionTubes (ET)?

A TC14 would make it a 126mm and give more working distance for a 1:1 magnification. But what magnification would I get at closest focus?
I feel a tc20 would reduce quality to much, and the tc14 I could also use on my 200-500mm. (I'm looking at kenko TC).
How about ET? I feel these would be a lot harder to work with 'in the field', but will give even more magnification?

 

[tirediron]

If you want to get closer to your subject / increase magnification, then you have two choices, either extension tubes or a reverse mount. Since you've already got a proper macro lens, a set of Kenko is going to be the most practical solution. Using a TC, especially on a long lens like a 200-500 is going to make your minimum working distance so far away as to render it useless. Besides which, with a 750 - 10000mm equivalent focal length, you're going to need one heck of a good tripod & head to hold that beast steady enough to take a shot at anything less than the highest shutter speeds.

Simple rule: Extension tubes for close up / macro work, and TC to increase long-distance reach.

 

[480sparky]

Teleconverters generally don't change focus, so whatever minimum focus is sans the TC will be the minimum focus with it.

 

[Timppa]

Alright, thanks for the quick answer.
We shall go for ET then

 

[tirediron]

Teleconverters generally don't change focus, so whatever minimum focus is sans the TC will be the minimum focus with it.

You sure 'bout that Willis? I just tried a 1.7 on my 70-200 and MFD went from about 4' 9" to 6' 6" (give or take slightly).

 

[480sparky]

Teleconverters generally don't change focus, so whatever minimum focus is sans the TC will be the minimum focus with it.

You sure 'bout that Willis? I just tried a 1.7 on my 70-200 and MFD went from about 4' 9" to 6' 6" (give or take slightly).

Generally.

 

[vStiles]

Teleconverters generally don't change focus, so whatever minimum focus is sans the TC will be the minimum focus with it.

This isn't right. Changing the focal length, changes where your minimum focus sits.

As well, TC's are another piece of glass between subject and sensor. If you don't get a top quality one, you'll never use it more than once.

Extension tubes have no glass, and therefore, zero change to image quality. You can also stack ET's for more magnification. AND, you can use ET's on a non macro lens for the same effect.

 

[Timppa]

Teleconverters generally don't change focus, so whatever minimum focus is sans the TC will be the minimum focus with it.

This isn't right. Changing the focal length, changes where your minimum focus sits.

As well, TC's are another piece of glass between subject and sensor. If you don't get a top quality one, you'll never use it more than once.

Extension tubes have no glass, and therefore, zero change to image quality. You can also stack ET's for more magnification. AND, you can use ET's on a non macro lens for the same effect.

I'm thinking kenko TC or ET.
What would be the maths behind all of it?
Would using a tc14 make it a 1.4:1 magnification ratio?
And how many mm of ET would I need for the same? Would 45mm ET on my tamron 90mm macro make it 1.5:1 ratio?

 

[Original katomi]

If you are going to buy a space being be sure to get a good one, the kendo sets are wort the extra.
As for the maths..... Err as long as I get the effect from extension tubes I don’t worry about the maths

 

[480sparky]

I'm thinking kenko TC or ET.
What would be the maths behind all of it?
Would using a tc14 make it a 1.4:1 magnification ratio?
And how many mm of ET would I need for the same? Would 45mm ET on my tamron 90mm macro make it 1.5:1 ratio?

A 1.4 TC simply multiplies your focal length by 1.4. So if you put it on a 100mm, it will become a 140mm. It has nothing to do with magnification ratios.

 

[Timppa]

If you are going to buy a space being be sure to get a good one, the kendo sets are wort the extra.
As for the maths..... Err as long as I get the effect from extension tubes I don’t worry about the maths

I like the maths xD

I'm thinking kenko TC or ET.
What would be the maths behind all of it?
Would using a tc14 make it a 1.4:1 magnification ratio?
And how many mm of ET would I need for the same? Would 45mm ET on my tamron 90mm macro make it 1.5:1 ratio?

A 1.4 TC simply multiplies your focal length by 1.4. So if you put it on a 100mm, it will become a 140mm. It has nothing to do with magnification ratios.

Other people here say different :0

If i can focus at 30cm of the subject and then add a TC to change my 90mm to a 126mm, but stil am able to focus at 30cm... Then I have a higher magnification. Right?

 

[480sparky]

......Other people here say different :0.......?

Huh?

You sure 'bout that Willis? I just tried a 1.7 on my 70-200 and MFD went from about 4' 9" to 6' 6" (give or take slightly).

This isn't right. Changing the focal length, changes where your minimum focus sits.
.........

 

[Timppa]

......Other people here say different :0.......?

Huh?

You sure 'bout that Willis? I just tried a 1.7 on my 70-200 and MFD went from about 4' 9" to 6' 6" (give or take slightly).

This isn't right. Changing the focal length, changes where your minimum focus sits.
.........

Ow, I missread that one somehow

 

[petrochemist]

I use a Tamron 90mm macro lens atm (for Nikon).
I would like to get closer to the subject and I was wondering what way to go.. TC or ExtensionTubes (ET)?

A TC14 would make it a 126mm and give more working distance for a 1:1 magnification. But what magnification would I get at closest focus?
I feel a tc20 would reduce quality to much, and the tc14 I could also use on my 200-500mm. (I'm looking at kenko TC).
How about ET? I feel these would be a lot harder to work with 'in the field', but will give even more magnification?

Why do you want to be closer? Surely more magnified is what you really want. Both will acheive this, extension tubes at the expense of working distance.
Using a TC at minimum focus will give you the TCs factor times the lenses best magnification so a x2 Tc on a 1:1 lens gives 2:1. To get the same increase in magnification you need one focal lengths extension - 90mm in the case of your Tamron (if it's still 90mm at MFD many macro lenses reduce focal length as they are focused closer)

 

[petrochemist]

Teleconverters generally don't change focus, so whatever minimum focus is sans the TC will be the minimum focus with it.

This isn't right. Changing the focal length, changes where your minimum focus sits.

As well, TC's are another piece of glass between subject and sensor. If you don't get a top quality one, you'll never use it more than once.

Extension tubes have no glass, and therefore, zero change to image quality. You can also stack ET's for more magnification. AND, you can use ET's on a non macro lens for the same effect.

Rear mounted TCs change focal length but they are designed to move the image from it's old distance from the lens to further away. The focusing scale stays the same throughout.
The only exceptions are front mounted teleadapters (not actually TCs) and the fairly rare macro focusing teleconverters which have a helicoid built in allowing extension to be added from their infinty position. I have two of these a 2x & a 3x both designed to give !:! when fitted with the standard 50mm prime. I don't think these macro TCs are made any more the ones i have are both for manual focus cameras.