Extension tubes

Slicker · 12-09-2008, 11:01

Can I use extension tubes with EF and EF-S lenses?

I assume that the auto focus will be lost when using the tube

***Steve*** · 12-09-2008, 11:09

Yes you can use the tubes with both EF and EF-S lenses.

If you get extension tubes with contacts that run through then the AF will be retained, although due to the small depth of field you will get when using tubes it is usually better to use manual focus.

I use a set of three tubes which came from Jessops but Kenko also make a set which are just as good, retain AF and are quite a lot cheaper. You can usually pick them up from the main camera shops, or for a lot less, from Ebay.

**Markulous** · 12-09-2008, 11:09

Not so much the loss of AF you want to be careful about as the loss of setting the exposure - lenses don't have exposure ring so are reliant on electrical connection. Ones that keep Exp and AF are Canon (expensive) and Kenko (less expensive). Not aware of any others as I've only used M42 tubes on M42 lenses - the old 42mm screw-in lenses with a suitable adapter (a superb way of picking up inexpensive lenses - even if they lose AF)

Slicker · 12-09-2008, 11:21

cheers for the info.

So I guess, I should be looking at something like this

Amazon.co.uk: Kenko Ext Tubes Canon EOS Mount: Electronics & Photo

?

Thanks

**Markulous** · 12-09-2008, 11:24

Flippin' heck! I guess, but I've seen them for half that price on fleaBay!

Slicker · 12-09-2008, 11:25

I had a quick look on ebay and they are all from Hong Kong which puts me off a little.....

chrisa · 12-09-2008, 11:57

I've got the Jessops ones and they work fine with the exposure on my Canons. Not sure about auto focus as I don't use that for macro work.

Slicker · 12-09-2008, 12:21

ok, so what would a 12mm extension ring give me as far as an improved macro range?

Boofers · 12-09-2008, 13:22

It will let you attach a converter to an s-lense,,,,

morlandroger · 12-09-2008, 14:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slicker

I had a quick look on ebay and they are all from Hong Kong which puts me off a little.....

My OH nelliestew bought a Kenko set fron Hong Kong. No problems at all and amazingly fast delivery once Paypal had cleared. Just check the feedback of some of them. Thousands of transactions and 99% is pretty standard

Roger

mr cat · 12-09-2008, 14:47

nowt wrong with these ones...

CANON EOS MACRO/EXTENSION TUBE for 400D 350D 40D 30D 5D on eBay, also, For Digital SLR, Camera Lenses, Photography (end time 12-Sep-08 14:15:00 BST)

but if you're happy to spend an extra 140 quid so they aren't from hong kong - then thats fine by me...

edit - or even the exact ones you saw at amazon are here cheaper too...
http://www.onestop-digital.com/catal...roducts_id=226

Slicker · 12-09-2008, 15:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr cat

nowt wrong with these ones...

CANON EOS MACRO/EXTENSION TUBE for 400D 350D 40D 30D 5D on eBay, also, For Digital SLR, Camera Lenses, Photography (end time 12-Sep-08 14:15:00 BST)

but if you're happy to spend an extra 140 quid so they aren't from hong kong - then thats fine by me...

edit - or even the exact ones you saw at amazon are here cheaper too...
Kenko DG Teleplus Extension Tube Set - Canon

It looks like the ebay one there do not have the AF or exposure contacts which I think I will want to start with. Thats why I was looking to spend a little bit more.

Correct me if I ma wrong though?

Cheers
Paul

**Markulous** · 12-09-2008, 15:50

Yeah, that one has no electrical contacts so no way of setting the exposure with any modern lens (which, seeing as current lenses have no exposure ring, is useless)

They MUST have the electrical contacts which, in turn, will probably mean they'll AF but VITALLY it'll mean they can send the signal to the lens to set the correct exposure

The Kenko ones are fine!