Extension Tubes with Macro Lense

[Bretto]

Hi all,
I have a Macro lense, and have recently purchased some extension tubes to further enhance my macro shooting. Problem is, they dont have the contacts to enable me to use Auto focus and Aperture changes. And I dont seem able to even Manual focus the Macro Lense. Even when I change to Manual Focus on the Camera itself. Any Ideas how to, or do I need to purchase the Extension tubes with the contacts to be able to use my Macro? Any help would really be appreciated!
Regards
Brett

[chauncey]

Manual focusing kinda goes hand in hand with macro distances...the longer "throw" rotation of macro lenses generally preclude rapid AF speed. That coupled with finding contrast in macro photography is questionable.
Aah...why buy macro tubes without contacts?

[xpatUSA]

Hi all,
I have a Macro lense, and have recently purchased some extension tubes to further enhance my macro shooting. Problem is, they dont have the contacts to enable me to use Auto focus and Aperture changes. And I dont seem able to even Manual focus the Macro Lense. Even when I change to Manual Focus on the Camera itself. Any Ideas how to, or do I need to purchase the Extension tubes with the contacts to be able to use my Macro? Any help would really be appreciated!
Regards
Brett

Hello Brett and welcome to the Forum,

What model of camera? What lens?

Anyway, for really close shots of watch parts, I use an attachment for the lens which allows it to stay connected to the camera for focusing, etc. I would heartily recommend the Raynox DCR-250 if you really want to get close . . .

Many macro photographers use Manual in preference to Auto focus, by the way.

cheers,

[Bretto]

Manual focusing kinda goes hand in hand with macro distances...the longer "throw" rotation of macro lenses generally preclude rapid AF speed. That coupled with finding contrast in macro photography is questionable.
Aah...why buy macro tubes without contacts?

[Bretto]

Actually I didnt realise until after I'd recieved it(good lesson on buying online)

[Bretto]

Hi Ted,
Its only a Olympus E620 using a 50mm 1:2 macro ED Lens. But get great shots with it. Was just trying to get those really close up shots like the eyes of bugs etc. I have read that manual is better as to not scare of the subject. I wondered why the tubes were so cheap! Anyway good lesson on buying online sight unseen! Only cost $7 so I thought hey if its no good havent lost much. Thanks for the input
Regards
Brett

[DanK]

Brett--

Welcome to CIC. Please add your location and real name to your signature.

There is a second reason to buy better tubes: more solid construction. Many folks who do a lot of macro, including me, use the Kenko set, which is metal, has contacts, and can be stacked in any combination, giving you 12 to 68mm of extension. There are some cheaper ones that are also metal and have contacts, but I have no experience with them.

A 1:2 lens even with tubes may not be enough for big bug eyes. You will be getting close to 1:1, depending on the length of the tubes, or a bit higher. That means that a big bug's eye, say, 4mm, will be only 4mm on the sensor. Still, it may be a good investment, because if you get hooked on macro, you can use the tubes with a 1:1 macro lens if you ultimately buy one.

I'll post a few as examples. Keep in mind that the effect of extension decreases with the focal length of the lens. Both lenses are 1:1.

Dan

60mm macro, 68mm extension. This is well over 2:1. My fingernail will give you scale.



100mm lens, 36mm of extension:

[RustBeltRaw]

Its only a Olympus E620 using a 50mm 1:2 macro ED Lens.

That lens has an electronic diaphragm (AKA iris), meaning that the aperture is controlled by electronics in the camera. With an uncoupled extension tube, the lens will default to its widest aperture. You are likely to have trouble with achieving sufficient depth of field, unless you learn to focus stack multiple images. An electronically-coupled extension tube will restore aperture control, but then you may need to pick up a flash setup or stick to outdoor shooting to make sure you have enough light.

As you will probably learn, macro work can be a pain. There's a reason I don't do it that often, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

[Geoff F]

Are you talking about live or dead subjects, Brett?

If you want really close shots of small and timid live insects I would get a larger lens instead.

Tubes, even proper tubes, will only give you the ability to move closer to the subject, which isn't any use if you scare it away through being too close.

150 mm is a popular size with entomologists, although I use 180 mm often with a 1.4x converter attached. But this is a rather expensive and specialised experience.

A shorter lens, like 50 mm can be successful with tubes for dead/sleeping or larger subjects though.

[Bretto]

Brett--

Welcome to CIC. Please add your location and real name to your signature.

There is a second reason to buy better tubes: more solid construction. Many folks who do a lot of macro, including me, use the Kenko set, which is metal, has contacts, and can be stacked in any combination, giving you 12 to 68mm of extension. There are some cheaper ones that are also metal and have contacts, but I have no experience with them.

A 1:2 lens even with tubes may not be enough for big bug eyes. You will be getting close to 1:1, depending on the length of the tubes, or a bit higher. That means that a big bug's eye, say, 4mm, will be only 4mm on the sensor. Still, it may be a good investment, because if you get hooked on macro, you can use the tubes with a 1:1 macro lens if you ultimately buy one.

I'll post a few as examples. Keep in mind that the effect of extension decreases with the focal length of the lens. Both lenses are 1:1.

Dan

60mm macro, 68mm extension. This is well over 2:1. My fingernail will give you scale.



100mm lens, 36mm of extension:

[Bretto]

Hi DanK,
Thanks for the advice. I have a lot to learn in the macro world! Glad I joined CIC. The help here has been awesome. People are so open to share tips.
Regards
Brett

[Bretto]

Will take it on board. I have got myself a flash ring set up just with the macro in mind. Thanks

[Bretto]

Live insects etc are really hard to get near. Can be a bit frustrating chasing them haha. Larger lense would make sense! Will definitely look into that thanks.

[chauncey]

There are but a few of us macro folks here-in, I learned here...http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...splay.php?f=38

[Bretto]

WOW Thanks

[DanK]

Brett,

An even more useful site, I think, is http://www.dgrin.com/forumdisplay.php?f=23. Just don't be discouraged by what you see there--some of the best around, like "Lord V" and Carol Galliani post there. There are great tutorials, and people there are usually happy to offer suggestions.

I disagree with Geoff: a lot of people do like longer lenses for bugs, but it isn't necessary: you can chase a lot of bugs with a 100mm lens, particularly with a small-sensor camera. Some folks post information about the lens they used, and it is often 100mm. (the really close-up work is often done with a specialty lens, the Canon MP-E 65.) I've never used more than 100mm myself. The disadvantage is less reach than a longer lens, but it costs less, and it is less awkward to hand-hold. But I think this is getting ahead of the game. Macro is very demanding work, so I recommend starting it gradually and making sure you really like it (and can manage the frustrations) before investing too much.

Dan