[mr cat]

Hi - I've just received the following -
Macro extension tube for Canon EOS 30D 300D 350D 400D on eBay, also, Lens Mounts Adaptors, Camera Lenses, Photography (end time 17-Dec-07 11:07:53 GMT)

for my canon 400d - and i've tried them with my canon 50mm f1.8 (manual focus setting) but I'm unable to get anything in focus - whther this be close up or not...

has anyone got any ideas..?

cheers

[_MB_]

Ignore me - didn't read your post about using manual focus.

[stepheno]

What are you trying to photograph? Why I ask is tubes are usually used for macro work. Also, from the illustration it appears that those tubes do not have electronic contacts therefore you will only be able to focus manually. HTH.

Edit - re-read your thread and I notice you have said "Manual".

[Markulous]

Only thing I can think of is that you need to try something even closer - try looking down a table from one end.

The more rings the closer the "infinity" focus seting will be (as it won't focus to anything like a distance) - also the narrower the DOF

[Geir Andersen]

I have what looks like the same set for my 400D, allthough I'm not using it anymore.

You have to get rediculously close if using all rings. I had to be a couple cm's from the subject. I found it very hard to get enough light on the subject using these, but in good sunlight they were allright.

[Rob Barron]

The use of macro rings for close-up work does take some getting to know so I doubt there is a problem with the rings themselves (nothing really to go wrong with most of them!).

You know about them being manual and frankly that is the way most people always do macro anyway. I never use AF for macro work. Remember that when using rings, especially when using all of them, you are working with VERY small depth of field ranges, even when using small apertures.

Use your rings with a tripod, it is extremely hard to use them hand-held as you might be working with literally a millimetre or two of DoF so the slightest movement and you are out of focus. You can buy rack and pinion heads for tripods which allow you to move the entire camera in minute amounts so that you can focus accurately. These should not be confused with bellows but they work much the same way.

For now though, get used to using manual focusing but remember you will probably need to get in very close physically. A lot depends on the size of your lens as well. You are probably using this with your standard lens, around the 50mm mark which means when using the full set you'll be taking the lens to greater than 1:1 lifesize ratio. Basically if you put 50mm worth of rings on a 50mm lens, you get 1:1, 35mm rings on a 35mm lens etc.

There is a lot of trial and error but do stick with it as macro can be one of the most fascinating and rewarding fields of photography if you are patient.

There are good books available on macro work and one which I have found extremely helpful is called: 'Small Things Big' by Paul Harcourt Davies.

I'll go and do a review of that book now so by the time you read this, you should find a review exists or will be there very soon.

Cheers,
Rob

[mr cat]

cheers for that - I'll have another play tonight..