35 mm Kenko Extension Tube

Simo70Simo70 Registered Users Posts: 67 Big grins
edited January 25, 2010 in Cameras
Does anyone have experience with macro extension tubes?? I would like to start shooting macro but I don't have the cash for a decent macro lens at the moment. I do have a couple of Nikon lenses I would like to use for this purpose like the 50mm f1.4 and 300mm f4. I found the kenko extension tubes and just wondering if they are reliable. Any suggestions on the size I should get?? Not sure if I need all of them.

Thanks for any help,

Simone.

Comments

  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,940 moderator
    edited January 16, 2010
    Hi Simone,

    I've moved this over to Cameras so that it might get better attention.
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • wiredcurwiredcur Registered Users Posts: 58 Big grins
    edited January 16, 2010
    Hi - I've just got a set of tubes from Opteka (little cheaper and cheaply made but they work). They're definitely less expensive than a full-on macro lens. I haven't had a chance to ever use a true macro lens but I figure the tubes are a good approximation for the money.
  • catspawcatspaw Registered Users Posts: 1,292 Major grins
    edited January 16, 2010
    the Kenko tubes are VERY reliable and many in the macro forms have the full set. So very affordable and useful! probably the best bang:buck you can get these days in equipment :)
    //Leah
  • PhotoskipperPhotoskipper Registered Users Posts: 453 Major grins
    edited January 16, 2010
    I got on 25 mm extension tube. Just very simple design, single hollow ring with 2 metal connecters (mount) on both end. Light and convinent. Use a lot with the 100mm Macro lens for work.

    Much cheaper and lighter than the 500D close up lens.
    Photoskipper
    flickr.com/photos/photoskipper/
  • DanspageDanspage Registered Users Posts: 196 Major grins
    edited January 16, 2010
    I had some for my Nikon till i got my 105mm macro. Then sold nikon to go to canon, and can't afford the 100mm macro so I'm back to my kenko.

    Strong construction, auto focus and great resale when you move up to 100mm macro. The Kenko give you the full function of your lens even IS or VR works.
    Daniel
    http://danspage.smugmug.com/
    Scratch Nikon I switched to
    Canon 5d mark II
  • Simo70Simo70 Registered Users Posts: 67 Big grins
    edited January 16, 2010
    Thank you everybody... I guess I will get the whole set of Kenko for my D300s and shoots right away!!
    Thanks again.
  • paddler4paddler4 Registered Users Posts: 976 Major grins
    edited January 17, 2010
    I have the standard set of 3 Kenko tubes. They are fine. I don't use them as a substitute for macro lenses--I use them to get better magnification than 1:1 with macro lenses. They work flawlessly--but be prepared, extensions make for less light.
  • Simo70Simo70 Registered Users Posts: 67 Big grins
    edited January 17, 2010
    Do you mean loosing some f/stop?? I am thinking on using them with my 50mm f1.4 and 300mm f4, does it mean that they will become the equivalent of f2 or f5.6 (think of loosing 1 stop)??
  • Simo70Simo70 Registered Users Posts: 67 Big grins
    edited January 25, 2010
    Thanks everybody for the comments above. I finally got my tube and play with it last week-end.
    This is a photo I took with my D300s + Kenko extension tube + Nikon 50mm f1.4.
    I believe that for a non macro lens application the result is pretty acceptable.

    Comments are welcome. More photos can be find on my website: www.simonebrogini.com.

    Thank you,
    Simo.[IMG]<a href="http://www.simonebrogini.com/Close-Up/Close-Up/11052919_AwJMm/1/#773527878_7j9nB-A-LB"><img src="http://www.simonebrogini.com/Close-Up/Close-Up/BRO0766/773527878_7j9nB-L.jpg"></a>[/IMG]
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited January 25, 2010
    Congratulations Simo. clap.gif
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
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