Macro Bellows?

mud390

I am interested in progressing my macro abilities and considering picking up a set of macro bellows. I've using a Nikon D80 for a body with only one macro lens currently. After a little research, Nikon's PB-6 bellows are the only one recommended to be used due to the possibility of damage to the body/shutter. Even used, the PB-6 is, to me, ridiculously expensive. Does anyone have any suggestions on a set of bellows I should be looking at, or should I just save my pennies for the Nikon unit? Thanks!

Kris

ziggy53

Unless you are doing some sort of forensic/scientific research that requires a particular magnification, extension tubes are a much more versatile and economical choice.

mud390

Are there any extension tubes that offer auto focus capabilities? Any recommendations on brands/models/lengths for auto and non-auto focus (if it exists)? Thanks!

Kris

ziggy53

mud390 wrote: »

Are there any extension tubes that offer auto focus capabilities? Any recommendations on brands/models/lengths for auto and non-auto focus (if it exists)? Thanks!

Kris

Theoretically, any extension tube that allows full lens electrical contact supports any macro lens that has AF-S focusing. I am not aware of any Nikon compatible tubes that have screw drive support.

In practice, lack of AF is not a problem in macro shooting. You generally just set your desired focus distance on the lens (which affects the magnification but generally just gives you more extension control than the tubes alone) and extension tubes and then move in towards your subject until you achieve focus lock and then take the exposure. It sounds clumsy but it's actually very fast once you practice a bit.

See this tutorial from our published Macro expert, Lord Vetinari (Brian V.):

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=59406

Art Scott

To get exact placement a rock steady stability I recommend a tripod and a focusing
rail like this........ http://www.adorama.com/MCFRS.html ......there is a much cheaper
one but I have never touched it....I did own the linked one and sold it only to be wishing I had not......
For me, shooting "close ups" (never owned a true macro lens) it gave me much quicker exact placement
of my subject in viewfinder than trying to readjust a tripod........

Art Scott

mud390 wrote: »

Are there any extension tubes that offer auto focus capabilities? Any recommendations on brands/models/lengths for auto and non-auto focus (if it exists)? Thanks!

Kris

KenKo....makes very reliable tubes............yes the AF tubes do Af..........You may find cheaper some where else
I just happen to have an Adorama page open already............

mud390

Ziggy - Thanks for the link.

Art - I figured Kenko made a set of extension tubes. They seem to make all sorts of things that I find interested. I've never seen the rail setup before, but it makes perfect sense.

Kris

paddler4

To add to what Ziggy said: AF works with Kenko tubes, which is what I use. However, AF does not work very well with any extension tubes anyway unless you have very bright light because they darken the view. Also, the DOF is so thin in macro work that even minor AF errors can ruin a shot.

Carpy

mud390 wrote: »

I am interested in progressing my macro abilities and considering picking up a set of macro bellows. I've using a Nikon D80 for a body with only one macro lens currently. After a little research, Nikon's PB-6 bellows are the only one recommended to be used due to the possibility of damage to the body/shutter. Even used, the PB-6 is, to me, ridiculously expensive. Does anyone have any suggestions on a set of bellows I should be looking at, or should I just save my pennies for the Nikon unit? Thanks!

Kris

Hi Kris,
Here's a link to a set of bellows on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Macro-Lens-Bellows-f-Nikon-D40x-D80-D90-D200-D300-D700-/180502515757?pt=Lens_Accessories&hash=item2a06c9d02d
I have the same ones and there has been no damage caused to my D80. It is virtually impossible to damage the body/shutter using these. There is no automatic coupling for either A/F or exposure so you have to do it for yourself, but when you consider the price of the bellows it is well worth it.
I also have a set of automatic extension tubes.
For my money I think the bellows is much better as it allows you to infinitely vary the length between minimum and maximum. With extension tubes you have to stack them to alter the length, even then you are limited.
The only problem with the bellows will be that if you use a "G" lens for example you cannot alter the aperture without coupling the lens directly to the body and doing it via the wheel on the body. then refitting tge lens to the bellows.
I use my 50mm 1.8 "D" lens on my bellows a lot as it allows me to set the aperture mechanically. I can open the aperture up to allow me to focus, then stop it down for the shot without removing it from the bellows.
If I can help any more, please ask

Good Luck
Carpy