Macro

milou · 10-09-2005, 15:53

Would extension tubes be considered as acceptable for occasional macro work using a Canon 50mm Mk 2 lens? And could the tubes be used on a 70-200L i.e. would they be of any practical use? Or would the best bet be a dedicated macro lens?

My wife has told me that there are a considerable number of dragonflies at the university’s botanical gardens so I fancy doing a “dod” and try and capture some.

Thanks

David

dod · 10-09-2005, 16:02

definitely, only thing is as you stack them you lose a number of stops of light, which shouldn't be too much of an issue with the F1.8 on the 50mm. Make sure you get a set of "Auto" tubes though, that way you wil retain the metering.

I suspect that for the dragonflies the 70-200 with a tube or two might be a better option, they tend to be fairly nervous, at least the ones here are anyway, that way you should get decent magnification and still have a decent working distance.

This was taken with the 70-200 and cropped

milou · 10-09-2005, 16:30

Thanks dod.

By the way, is this month's issue of Outdoor Photography mag, there were three stunning shots of a dragonfly and two butterflies taken with a 300d and a Sigma 105 macro. Your stuff was just as good and probably better - have you thought of sending them some photos? Small prize of 50 quid but mucho kudos in publication.

Garnock · 10-09-2005, 16:54

I agree with everything Dod said and would add that extension tubes are the best ( i.e. most affordable ) way to achieve good macro shots.
You will lose some light and lose focus at infinity but no loss of quality.
I like to use extension tubes on my 300mm lens for garden bird photography. If I use all three extension tubes on this lens the max focus distance is around 10 -12 feet. With one or two tubes the distance increases.

BTW that's a superb shot, Dod.

Cameron

milou · 11-09-2005, 00:24

Cheers guys.

So something like Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) should do?

dod · 11-09-2005, 12:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by milou

Cheers guys.

So something like Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) should do?

Yep, they seem to be the tubes of choice. Jessops also do a set and they're more or less the same price if I remember correctly

milou · 11-09-2005, 16:26

Thanks

10-09-2005, 15:53	#1 (permalink)
milou Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southampton Posts: 583	Macro Would extension tubes be considered as acceptable for occasional macro work using a Canon 50mm Mk 2 lens? And could the tubes be used on a 70-200L i.e. would they be of any practical use? Or would the best bet be a dedicated macro lens? My wife has told me that there are a considerable number of dragonflies at the university’s botanical gardens so I fancy doing a “dod” and try and capture some. Thanks David

10-09-2005, 16:02	#2 (permalink)
dod Feet under the table Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Nairn Posts: 1,911	definitely, only thing is as you stack them you lose a number of stops of light, which shouldn't be too much of an issue with the F1.8 on the 50mm. Make sure you get a set of "Auto" tubes though, that way you wil retain the metering. I suspect that for the dragonflies the 70-200 with a tube or two might be a better option, they tend to be fairly nervous, at least the ones here are anyway, that way you should get decent magnification and still have a decent working distance. This was taken with the 70-200 and cropped Last edited by dod : 10-09-2005 at 16:11.

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10-09-2005, 16:30	#3 (permalink)
milou Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southampton Posts: 583	Thanks dod. By the way, is this month's issue of Outdoor Photography mag, there were three stunning shots of a dragonfly and two butterflies taken with a 300d and a Sigma 105 macro. Your stuff was just as good and probably better - have you thought of sending them some photos? Small prize of 50 quid but mucho kudos in publication.

10-09-2005, 16:54	#4 (permalink)
Garnock Getting Comfy Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Scotland Posts: 242	I agree with everything Dod said and would add that extension tubes are the best ( i.e. most affordable ) way to achieve good macro shots. You will lose some light and lose focus at infinity but no loss of quality. I like to use extension tubes on my 300mm lens for garden bird photography. If I use all three extension tubes on this lens the max focus distance is around 10 -12 feet. With one or two tubes the distance increases. BTW that's a superb shot, Dod. Cameron

11-09-2005, 00:24	#5 (permalink)
milou Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southampton Posts: 583	Cheers guys. So something like Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) should do?

11-09-2005, 16:26	#7 (permalink)
milou Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southampton Posts: 583	Thanks