Extension Tubes or Macro Lens?

[Redneck]

I'd like to try some macro photography in the near future. I've never done it before and I have no idea how it's done properly.

Obviously the lenses I own now won't do it (Nikkors 24-70, 70-200 and 50 1.4).
So what do I need to get a one or two inch motif to fill my frame?

What would make more sense to buy, the Kenco extension tubes or a designated macro lens? Any recommendations considering a small budget?

My bodies are Nikon D700 and D7000.

[dmcantrell]

If you already have the 50/1.4, the most economical choice would be the extension tubes. The ext tubes + 50mm combo is a very solid macro setup for less than $200 (additional). At least I think the 50/1.4 would be good -- I have the 50/1.8 and I'm assuming that the native min foal distance of the lenses are similar (which is the benefit to using a 50mm + ext tubes as I understand it). If you like doing it, you could think about a dedicated lens in the future.

The dedicated lenses provide a longer working distance, which makes outdoor hand-held work much easier. The ext tubes + 50mm combo will almost always require a tripod + still subject due to the razor thin focal plane.

edit: the cool thing about the ext tubes is that you can use them on other lenses to turn almost any lens into a macro-ish lens. I've used them on my 70-300, and my 70-200 as well.

[tc95]

Andre -



This was done with Kenko tubes and Minolta 85 1.4 ... but I would get the tubes for now... and if you get a Macro/Micro - you can still use the tubes to get an even closer shot... what you need to look at investing in...is a ring Flash...very important....

Good Luck..

[Redneck]

Thanks for the tips.
Tony, what is that, a leaf of a flower?

[tc95]

Bird of paradise

[kenw]

personally, I think tubes would be a good economical intro altho I've never used them. If you do decide on a lens, select one that also fits within your existing lens range as a macro lens is usually a good all-around lens as well. my 100/2.8 macro (canon) is not only a great macro, but at 2.8 it also does great for portraits and general low-light work. Since you have great 50mm, a macro in the 100-150mm range would be a great addition.

[scottbuckel]

Do not discount using extension tubes with your zoom lenses, the 70-200 with tubes is a nice macro set up. The only working issue that I have seen working with zooms and tubes is the minimum focus distance changes with focal length and the focus point will be slightly different when you zoom.

Tubes are a great way to get into macro. There is a thread in the macro section where folks posted images using Kenko tubes: Kenko extension tubes?? POST YOUR PICS

Scott

[Nocturnus]

When I shot film, I always used a extension tube, never had a macro lens for my AE-1. 20mm extension tube and a 28mm lens.. Very close up.

[Photogdude]

if you have the budget get the lens if not get the tubes, or if you have a money tree just get both.

[DougC]

All good points but I don't think anybody pointed out the fact that tubes give you a very limited range to work within. You have to move the camera and lens back and forth tostay in range. With a macro lens you don't have to do this once you frame the subject in the viewfinder.

[bryanlindsey]

^^^ Yeah, the drawback to toobs is that there is a razor thin range of distance where the subject is in focus. Can be a pain if you rely heavily on AF.

[Redneck]

Ah decisions, decisions ...
I'm really missing specialized stores where you could try what works best for you. It's really hard to imagine when you've never tried it. Thanks for all the advice, guys.

[tc95]

If your ever in Houston let me know...I can let you play with my tubes and 70-180 Micro...

[Redneck]

Thanks Tony. That doesn't happen very often and I'm thankful for it. :)

[scottbuckel]

There is yet another possibility out there for you. Both Nikon and Canon make multi-element close up filters that allow you to convert your regular lenses into macro lenses. Nikon's group are called, 3T and 4T that are 52 mm in diameter while the 5T and 6T are 62 mm diameter. I have used the 5T and 6T on my old 70-200 with a 62-72 step up ring very effectively. The Canon series have more diameters and are called 250D and 500D. I still carry around these close up filters. The nice thing about these are they cost about $50, as I remember. I really like these in that they do not take up much room in your camera bag and they can allow you to do macro when you were planning on shooting other stuff.

These have the same draw backs, as mentioned by previous posts.

I have been using the 70-180 micro zoom from Nikon and I really like it. I have used it with the close up filters and with tubes. So if you purchase these you will still be able use them so they are definitely not a waster of money.

Scott