This macro video is really lovely. I don't know how I missed it being so recent! I searched to see if you'd ever done something on extension tubes and was surprised it wasn't from 2012. Stuff like this that is on methods and process instead of the latest gear is infinitely useful to us intermediate photogs. You're a gem!
My friend is telling me to buy the most expensive gear without any explanation, other than “it’s just better”. So, THANK YOU for a clear and helpful explanation!
Just had my first session with a photography club and they was doing macro photography.Oh how I wish I had those tubes last night. Actually the guys recommended them which is how I come to look at this video.Thanks again Tony great video, and I’m really enjoying the book
Excellent as usual. If you really get into macros, another way to add the needed light is with a lens mounted ring light. You don't really need the $500+ brand name ones ones either. For Canon, Yongnuo makes a good one (YN14EX II) for ~$120.
Interesting video :) I primarily do macro photography and I started out with some solid extension tubes and a kit lens. Today I got several macro lenses and even a microscope lens for my macro shots. Saying that people shouldn't bother getting a macro lens is kinda naive if you ask me. If you get a macro lens in the 80-120mm focal length range, then you will have a great macro lens which also will serve as a wicked sharp portrait lens. Another benefit of an actual macro lens is that you don't run into problems with chromatic aberration as easily as you do when you slap a random lens on tubes. I think it's important to clarify that extension tubes and macro lenses can both achieve greater magnification but they arrive at different image qualities from one another. Just like hammering a nail for a picture frame will give different outcomes whether you use a rubber mallet or a metal hammer. Both can do the job but you gotta know what the outcome will be. Anyway, keep up the good work :)
Tony, your video is the first to explain how extension tubes interact with a zoom lens, most are done on prime lenses. Thank you for your informative video and your tip on adding additional lighting. 👍👍🌸
Just a quick FYI the internal focusing is a property of multi-element zoom lenses. Prime lens almost never deal with this. In fact, I have put 60mm of spacers on my prime lenses without issues. On top of that you can use macro spacers on a macro lens. I use it to take my macro lens from 1:1 to 2:1, or to take my mitakon super macro from 4.5:1 to about 7.9:1
Man, this was so helpful Tony. I've recently started back into black and white film photography and have been using my digital camera to photograph my negatives and get large high-quality images. I think extension tubes are just what I'm looking for to get those full sensor images without having to buy a macro lens. Thanks for your help... as usual!
Focus merging multiple images is way better for dealing with depth of field, without diffraction problems. I notice you are using a 24-240---Amazing! I have a super sharp dedicated macro Irix 150mm, but for photographing skittish bugs on location, I need autofocus, and I need a fast auto focus. The RF 24-240 is a very very fast auto focus, and a couple of extension tubes or even a NiSi macro filter really does the job. With Topaz 3.0, I can make the photos as sharp as a $2600 Canon lens. The Canon 100 mm macro are fine for slow moving oblivious insects, but it focuses just too close for a skittish bee.
Among your best videos for the target audience. You even hinted at the 'trick' of using tubes with zoom lenses. In effect the zoom ring takes over focus duties when tubes are involved. The most powerful focus device is your own body. After zooming to the rough size of the subject, simply lean in and out until the focus is where you want it. Manual focus systems that highlight the shark areas by coloring the sharp plane can really help, too. Macro may not pay as well as weddings but it is a lot more fun unless you are shooting hornets (zoom out, way out). Thanks for the good review of the subject.
I've been using extension tubes for ages, was looking into non expensive ways of taking macro shots, but until today I didn't think of having camera in aperture priority mode, thanks Tony 😁
***Tony, Is there a formula that calculates the new magnification factor of a lens, based on the original mag factor of a lens plus the mm of a an extension tube??
Thanks Tony! I never thought of using extension tubes for wildlife photos. Also, a 12mm tube on my Nikon 200-500 gets me the same magnification as my 40mm micro lens but at 3 feet instead of 2 inches.
Thank you Tony for such an excellent explanation of the use and procedure for extension tubes, not only is it straight forward but you aid us extra quality information, stay safe!
what a brilliantly informative video! i knew of extension tubes and watched videos on their basic functionality that you also showed, but without the addition of the cons to using them, such as losing focus on distanced objects. thanks very much :)
Another important thing to consider, extension tubes require more light. Instead of cranking ISO too high, consider investing into flash (~40-50$) and translucent diffusor (~10$). You need these two if you're going into macro photography even having dedicated macro lens anyway.
I have a Vivitar 3-piece auto extension tube set for Nikon F/AI mount. 'Auto' because they allow proper open aperture metering with AI/AIS and compatible lenses. For close-up/macro photography I usually use one or combination of the tubes along with my 50mm/f1.8 Nikkor 'normal' lens, or if I need more lens-to-subject distance: I use my Nikkor 35-70 mm zoom which has close-up focusing ability; and use it at 70mm focal length. If I need additional lighting outdoors I have a home-made reflector board that I can reflect more light onto the subject if need be. Also have a 'macro focusing rail' which mounts to a tripod and allows for fine-tuning of focusing. Using this equipment I have taken photographs of bees (carefully!) that you can see the grains of pollen on them, and the eyes on spiders. And oh yes I use that water misting trick on flowers, too.
@@ItGoesMoo no I just had them in my old camera bag, I have been doing landscapes and seascapes, so had no need for them, lock down has made me think more about macro
Tony, just what I need today! My Kenko Extension tubes (cost $250 years ago) don’t work with my new Canon R6 with a Sigma EF macro lens which needs an RF adapter. What ext. tubes do you recommend at only $20? Will they really do the job? Many thanks!
I got a set of non automatic tubes once as a gift. I used them but it was so difficult and scared me away from buying another set. I also tried stacking them all the time thinking I could get closer. Great explanation, thank you. I've heard that some cheaper sets can damage the threads on your body because they dont support the lens well. Have you had any experience with this at all? Can you recommend a set? Thanks!
I'm tempted to mount my Sigma 150-600mm C lens to my cheap plastic extension tubes, but I also fear that the cheap plastic lens mountings would be in danger of cracking under the strain. That is one thing that separates the expensive extension tubes from the cheap ones. Do not use overly heavy lenses and be aware that a lens may get kind of stuck once in a while and not release cleanly.
You're using the EOS R. Does the Drop in Filter adapter for EF-S lens act as an extension tube for EF-S if you were to remove the filter? Or would I need the adapter plus an extension?
Extension tubes are a great way to learn and experiment with macro photography, but they aren't that cheap. I bought some for my Fuji X-T2 from a Chinese brand and it still cost me around forty euro. One considerable disadvantage which hasn't been addressed is the minimal focus distance which is very narrow. Most of the times shots outside will become very difficult, if not nearly impossible because it's so close. This also means that you won't have a lot of light to play with. This can be overcome with a ringlight (and tripod) but will obviously be more expensive. Personally I would recommend a manual macro lens from Meike (or another Cinese brand). This will cost between 150 and 200 euro and will offer a lot of more capabilities than extension tubes while the price difference with extension tubes isn't that high.
Thank you Tony. I look forward to your videos. I’m new to photography. I’m using an A6000 and really enjoying landscape and wildlife photograph. Stay healthy and thank you again for all your videos. Peace.
Coming from film photography I understand the higher ISO gives more grain because of the chemicals on the film. What causes more noise in digital photography with higher ISO?
Tony, one thing that worries me about the cheap ones are the reviews I see on Amazon. I have a Nikon camera, and some of the reviews for the cheaper extension tubes are claiming that the tubes get stuck on the camera. It's a lot of people saying this too.
That is another good video. I always had this question. What happens if put and extension tube on a macro lens that has short focus distance from the front glass? I am specifically asking about cano 35mm f 2.8 (on an ASPC sensor it gives 1:1 ratio) My concern is that I might not be able to focus with an extension tube attached because the focus distance is already extremely low on my lens.
The extension tube will allow you to get EVEN closer to your subject (or it might be too long and you can't reach focus at all). The only way to get the same image scale with more distance between your subject and the front of the lens is to start with a longer focal length lens. The 35mm focal length is too short for 1:1 image scale work (APSC or full-frame). I have found that 90-110mm focal length is necessary for close-up photos approaching 1:1 (especially if you want to light the subject with a strobe). The longer the lens focal length, the greater the subject to lens distance. I bought a 200mm macro for even greater subject to lens distance, but found I use my 105mm macro much more often.
@@fpink3 thanks for the reply. Exactly what was in my mind, but wanted to confirm. It's all clear, but it is frustrating that I like my Canon 7D mk11 so much that I don't want to go for full frame within the same budget (I shoot wildlife, I think this makes sense to you). Here are the limitations (mainly budget, hahha as I am still a student) : 1. I got the 35mm in like new condition for $200 AUD, extremely cheap. 2. Wanted to kill two birds with the same stone. I thought it will be a good portrait lens since I am already using a crop sensor, hence will give approc 50mm equivalent (with the loss of focal length quality). 3. The lens has a front LED ring light built-in. 4. It's the smallest lens I ever had and easy ro carry around.
That was great. I would love to see your take on copying negatives or stamps. I can never fill the frame with my macro lens. I end up cropping so much that the copies are not very good. I will try adding an extension tube to my macro lens.
@@MultiDavidellis Do you happen to own a teleconverter? Cause you could use it to increase the magnification further, or even use a teleconverter and tubes together with the lens.
@@ulriktnnesen5987 My teleconverters are the wrong size for my lens. I ordered extension tubes for my camera. Maybe that will solve my problem. Next I will have to figure out how to get the best focus. Maybe it will be better at a higher magnification. Thanks
I never owned an extenstion tube but i bought the Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro Lense for my canon 6D and im loving it - it sounds a bit cheeky but its the lense i had most fun with running around (mostly in a forest). If i only had one lense to take with me it would still be the 35mm F2 from canon but in terms of "which lens you had the most fun with" - its definitely the macro lense from sigma. And at 400$ it is plenty good quality for its price and just SO MUCH fun... Yes the canon "might" be better but it also costs twice as much And since im a photographer that choose one lense when i go on a walk and "work with it" - im loving the fact that the lense (contrary to me) is not nearsightet :-D It can also double as a portrait lense (with f2.8 at 105mm you already get plenty background separation) and just shooting general stuff. On a APS-C its a bit tricky for GP but else... it is honestly the best money spent in my camgear.
Closeup filters have bend the light before entering the lens. They give optical distortion and tend to exaggerate chroma artifacts on top of what your lens will do. Tubes do not do that. But the filters can be used with different lens mount systems.
i use two 25 ext tubes and two x2 converters to get x5macro on my sigma 100-400 + canon m50. I will also advise strongly against cheap extension tubes, especially for longer heavier lenses, i had a named cheap brand fail due to the cheap plastic the metal bayonets were screwed into, fortunately the set up was on a table downloading at the time. just be aware people saving a few pounds/dollars could cost you some expensive lens if your extension tubes fail. probably wont be an issue with shorter lighter lenses, mine was 1160g
Using 2 pieces of 2x teleconverters sounds like an interesting idea :) I hope to get a teleconverter for my olympus micro four thirds camera and then pair it with some tubes for reacing 5x macro with internal focus bracketing :D
Nikon has a macro 60mm (full frame lens FX) that achieves focus as close as 6 inches that I use. Half the price of the 105mm macro. On a crop camera it acts like a 90mm macro.
Strange reasoning. The fact that farsighted people can also have astigmatism does not refute that nearsightedness could have a relationship with astigmatism. It's actually false as well: astigmatism often occurs simultaneously with either near- or farsightedness, even though one does not necessarily directly cause the other.
@@gyozakeynsianism Honored as I feel, I think that award belongs to refuting hours of video work with a false statement, rather than an informative pedant response to that.
I have a 70-300mm cheap zoom lens that I use to do bird photography. Is it a good idea to use an extension tube to increase my zoom and magnification, instead of buying a very expensive longer lens?
Only use the extension tube if you're getting so close to the subject that you can't focus that close. It does not increase magnification directly, it decreases your minimum focusing distance.
The extension tubes will do the exact opposite of what you are asking. You will be unable to focus on a bird off in the distance. But if you want to work in close to a hummingbird feeder with a tripod and remote shutter release, it can help.
The thing you need to make your lens emulate a longer lens is a teleconverter. This sits in the same place as the extension tube but has glass elements in it. They typically come in 1.5x and 2x, which would make your lens behave as a 105-450 or 140-600. You will also lose some f-stops, so an f4 lens is then f6 ( numbers will vary, this is just an example).
Hey awesome tip truly appreciate it. I have a question. Let’s say I’m using an adapter with a lens does this close focus happens as well since the lens and sensor are further away then normal or do adapters take that into consideration to maintain proper distance? Thanks in advance!
Please answer me - by placing the extension tubes on the Oshiro60 macro lens, I get the possibility to move the camera and lens away from the insect that is in motion...Thanks
Nice video. Astigmatism and nearsightedness (myopia) are not the same. Astigmatism is an imperfection of the corneal shape while nearsightedness is a dissonance between the focal length of the lens and the distance from the lens to the retina.
They affect DOF in that DOF shrinks the closer you move the subject to the lens. Closer you move in, your DOF can shrink to the point that the subject may not be focused front-rear. If your camera has a DOF preview button, check it before settling in on an aperture setting.
Extension tubes certainly work but I could never warm up to them. If you take close-up shots often, the appeal of a macro lens will become apparent. My most used lens is a Nikkor 105 Micro f2.8, purchased in 1991 (the film era, for my F4). I still use this lens on my digital Nikon bodies (first a D600, then a D750). I worked in product development and found I was constantly required to take closeup pictures of product details, plus portraits for promotional work. A 105mm macro lens is great at both tasks. f2.8 is more than fast enough to blur backgrounds on head shots, but isn't so fast that you miss "eye focus" all that much. If you end up taking pictures of flowers or other similar size things plus the photos at normal distances, you will want a dedicated macro lens. Swapping extension tubes on and off a lens becomes tedious. I found extension tubes to never feel quite "precise" enough ("Is this thing really engaged properly?). 100-105mm is a great length for either full-frame or APS-C users macro users. Shorter focal length macros need to be so close to the subject that it affects the lighting. Longer focal length macros are cumbersome for no significant benefit. Due to "Gear Acquisition Syndrome" I ended up with three Nikkor macros (60mm, 105mm, 200mm)--but I use the 105mm 90% of the time.
I was cheap and got the non-auto focus tubes, Luckily there's the old hold the Depth of field button while taking the lens off after setting the F stop trick on a Canon lens that works.
It does work in a pinch, though it makes the viewfinder really dark and makes it harder to focus accurately (since you're focusing with deep depth-of-field).
@@TonyAndChelsea You are right, it is dark. Luckily, I have a Fringer Canon lens to Fufi adapter I use the Canon tubes with a Nifty 50 with my X-T3 and the photos are So much better than those from my old 5dMkII. Thanks for reminding me I had these tubes.
Tony, A question about the camera. I see you use a Canon Eos R. I want to upgrade my kit from the Sony A7ii up. The lenses i have can be replaced in this stage. Would you switch to a Canon R or stay with Sony (so please don't mind the lenses i have). Regards, Jan Willem
It's a good question! Right now we use Canon for video and Sony for stills... though I'll still shoot stills with a Canon if I want to use one of their unique lenses, like the 85 f/1.2 or 50 f/1.2.
Tony & Chelsea Northrup hi, thank you. But the main and most important question for me is, would i be happier with the eos R or the A7iii.... what is your personel idea about That... Hope you can help me. Regards Jan Willem
There's something weird going on with extension tubes and zoom lenses. Some lenses won't zoom anymore. Or rather, the zoom ring starts working like a focus ring. Whyyy?
@@nostrum8 That part has nothing to do with my question! At no time did he even address the issue of the zoom ring acting as a focusing ring instead of changing the focal length. I'm assuming it has something to do with the mechanical design of the focusing, perhaps related to focus breathing.
Marcus Sundman sorry i didnt read your question the right way. Could it be that some lenses dont communicate properly with the camera anymore due to the wrong extention tube (wrong connectors)? Hence the lense could become some some sort of full manual. And the mecahnism that puts the glass in focus is not activated by the camera anymore and now stays on a fixed point. When you now move the mecahnical zoom/focus ring by hand it not only shifts perspective but also at the same time the "stuck" focus point when the glass moves to adjust for the zoom. But i have no clue if this in any way has anything to do with your question.
During the video, Tony mentioned that the effects of the extension tube vary based on the focal length of the attached lens. When you turn the zoom ring on your lens, you are adjusting the focal length of the attached lens, thus it's minimum focus distance, so the zoom ring affects the focus as well as the focal length.
I thought extension tubes were used to extend the telephoto of a lens. I love macro photography, so I'll definitely get a set of these. Is there anything that can help increase the zoom of a lens?
Question about Macro please. Im new to macro and not sure what lens to use on my Kenko AF Tubes. Nikon platform lenses I have are 17-50mm 2.8, 70-300mm 4.5-5.6, 50mm 1.8 & Kit lens 18-55 3.5-5.6. Anyone with experience can recommend what lens to start with I would greatly appreciate it. Nikon D7200 Body. Thanks
I have all but the 17-50mm lens in my kit. Your best bet for close-up work would be the 70-300mm. You likely won't need to open the f-stop below the f/5.6 base, most likely would be f/16. But that lens does not like high-contrast subjects, you get a lot of purple fringing in that situation.
The 105mm macro can make an image that is 1:1 size on the actual camera sensor. As in an insect can be imaged on the sensor to be the same as life size, no reduction. Adding the extension tube allows for magnifying that so the image is larger than 1:1 on the sensor. Put it simple, you can move in closer and get an even bigger enlargement of your subject with the extension tube.
This works well for static subjects, but from my experience there is no replacement for a proper macro lens if you want to take pictures of moving subjects like insects and other animals that tend to move around or run away as soon as you start approaching them with the camera. The point of a macro lens isn't to focus on a very short distance, but to reproduce the subject on the sensor as big as possible, which can be done way easier with a longer lens like let's say the Sigma Macro 150mm F2.8. Also, closing the aperture to increase the depth of field won't be of any help if you are shooting a flying insect or any other fast moving subject. In the end I always prefer a long and fast macro lens over any other combination, even if the depth of field is very shallow.
Kind of hate you right now because I just got a Canon 180mm f/3.5L macro lens used on eBay… But it's also a relief to not have to sift through these contraptions…
The Canon 180mm f/3.5L works a hundred times better than any extenstion tubes ever could. I specialize in macro and I would have been overjoyed if I had that lens :D So don't feel down about your purchase.
A word of caution - I bought some cheap extension tubes on amazon a few years ago to try on my 5D Mark II. Maybe related, maybe not- but soon after, some of the electronic contact pins on my camera got stuck. I sent it in to Canon for a rather expensive repair, and while I don't know for certain that the tubes damaged my camera, the hunch prevails.
Interesting video! However, there's another trade-off when using an extension tube, and that is that you automatically "lose" light and need to go to either a higher F-stop, or a higher ISO. For cameras such as most professional photographers have this is barely an issue, but for photographers with a lower-end camera this can mean the difference between a good picture, and a noisy picture.
Not an expert on the topic, but if there are no glass elements, how could you loose light? I get it for 1.4 or 2.0 zoom extentions, but if it just moves the lens further away how would you loose light? Perhaps there is an obvious explanation that I am just missing.
@@ipadista when you shift your lens further away from the sensor, you're basicslly going to a higher f-stop. This is because the aperture is influenced by the focal length and the focal length is influenced by the distance between the lens and the sensor (which you are increasing with the tube)
@@ichallengelife I was not aware of this. Whilst it does sound plausible, I did a quick test and when I tried with a zoom lens aiming at a white wall, zooming in and out with a 12-40 f2.8 using average metering it does not change exposure. When I try using spot metering measuring on a black area in a more varied framing I also don't notice any exposure change. I am using manual mode and well aware of the exposure triangle etc, so my methodology might be mistaken, but I do think I can compare exposures :) If possible it would be enlightening to get suggestions on how to observe this reduction in light when zooming.
@@TonyAndChelsea yes, so the adding the extension tube to focus closer makes you lose light as well, an important thing to take into account. With some cameras, you get a better picture taken from further but cropprd afterwards than if you use an extension tube. Jaclu, I think that is what you should take up in your testing to see the effect, use the shortest focal lengths in both cases (and thus stand closer with the extension tube)
kinda curious where these "around 50 bucks" kits are tho'. All i find to purchase here (europe) are cheap plastic stuff (for around 30euro) i dont want to trust to hold my lens, or 120euro+, which aint in my budget right now.
I'm curious...are the people, that focus stack, looking down at those of us that don't and thinking, "omg what a noob?". Or are there others out there that prefer that blur in the depth of field in order to further emphasize a Pistil?
"more light is more better"
-Tony 2020
Winston Qin: more good would be more better :)
Northrup Messup
It should have been "mo betta"....
Time stamp?
7:55
This macro video is really lovely. I don't know how I missed it being so recent! I searched to see if you'd ever done something on extension tubes and was surprised it wasn't from 2012. Stuff like this that is on methods and process instead of the latest gear is infinitely useful to us intermediate photogs. You're a gem!
Your analogy/comparison of nearsighted people and glasses made the whole concept of this sink in. Great video, great teacher.
My friend is telling me to buy the most expensive gear without any explanation, other than “it’s just better”. So, THANK YOU for a clear and helpful explanation!
Just had my first session with a photography club and they was doing macro photography.Oh how I wish I had those tubes last night. Actually the guys recommended them which is how I come to look at this video.Thanks again Tony great video, and I’m really enjoying the book
Excellent as usual. If you really get into macros, another way to add the needed light is with a lens mounted ring light. You don't really need the $500+ brand name ones ones either. For Canon, Yongnuo makes a good one
(YN14EX II) for ~$120.
Interesting video :)
I primarily do macro photography and I started out with some solid extension tubes and a kit lens. Today I got several macro lenses and even a microscope lens for my macro shots.
Saying that people shouldn't bother getting a macro lens is kinda naive if you ask me.
If you get a macro lens in the 80-120mm focal length range, then you will have a great macro lens which also will serve as a wicked sharp portrait lens. Another benefit of an actual macro lens is that you don't run into problems with chromatic aberration as easily as you do when you slap a random lens on tubes.
I think it's important to clarify that extension tubes and macro lenses can both achieve greater magnification but they arrive at different image qualities from one another. Just like hammering a nail for a picture frame will give different outcomes whether you use a rubber mallet or a metal hammer. Both can do the job but you gotta know what the outcome will be.
Anyway, keep up the good work :)
[I might have missed it] But the cool advice would be tripod setup with timer, to reduce shakiness and lower ISO. And over-the-lens ring light
Tony, your video is the first to explain how extension tubes interact with a zoom lens, most are done on prime lenses. Thank you for your informative video and your tip on adding additional lighting. 👍👍🌸
Just a quick FYI the internal focusing is a property of multi-element zoom lenses. Prime lens almost never deal with this. In fact, I have put 60mm of spacers on my prime lenses without issues. On top of that you can use macro spacers on a macro lens. I use it to take my macro lens from 1:1 to 2:1, or to take my mitakon super macro from 4.5:1 to about 7.9:1
What a fantastic video. I was wanting to learn more about macro and here it is. Thank you!
Man, this was so helpful Tony. I've recently started back into black and white film photography and have been using my digital camera to photograph my negatives and get large high-quality images. I think extension tubes are just what I'm looking for to get those full sensor images without having to buy a macro lens. Thanks for your help... as usual!
Focus merging multiple images is way better for dealing with depth of field, without diffraction problems. I notice you are using a 24-240---Amazing! I have a super sharp dedicated macro Irix 150mm, but for photographing skittish bugs on location, I need autofocus, and I need a fast auto focus. The RF 24-240 is a very very fast auto focus, and a couple of extension tubes or even a NiSi macro filter really does the job. With Topaz 3.0, I can make the photos as sharp as a $2600 Canon lens. The Canon 100 mm macro are fine for slow moving oblivious insects, but it focuses just too close for a skittish bee.
Among your best videos for the target audience. You even hinted at the 'trick' of using tubes with zoom lenses. In effect the zoom ring takes over focus duties when tubes are involved. The most powerful focus device is your own body. After zooming to the rough size of the subject, simply lean in and out until the focus is where you want it. Manual focus systems that highlight the shark areas by coloring the sharp plane can really help, too. Macro may not pay as well as weddings but it is a lot more fun unless you are shooting hornets (zoom out, way out). Thanks for the good review of the subject.
I've been using extension tubes for ages, was looking into non expensive ways of taking macro shots, but until today I didn't think of having camera in aperture priority mode, thanks Tony 😁
***Tony, Is there a formula that calculates the new magnification factor of a lens, based on the original mag factor of a lens plus the mm of a an extension tube??
Thanks Tony! I never thought of using extension tubes for wildlife photos. Also, a 12mm tube on my Nikon 200-500 gets me the same magnification as my 40mm micro lens but at 3 feet instead of 2 inches.
Time to print t-shirts: More light is more better
Thanks Tony. I love using extension tubes. I walk around the house and get great and unusual shots. Be well and stay safe.
Howdy, I was shopping for macro tubes and wasn't sure what I needed. This was perfect info, very clear and concise. Thank you very much!
Thank you Tony for such an excellent explanation of the use and procedure for extension tubes, not only is it straight forward but you aid us extra quality information, stay safe!
what a brilliantly informative video! i knew of extension tubes and watched videos on their basic functionality that you also showed, but without the addition of the cons to using them, such as losing focus on distanced objects. thanks very much :)
Another important thing to consider, extension tubes require more light. Instead of cranking ISO too high, consider investing into flash (~40-50$) and translucent diffusor (~10$). You need these two if you're going into macro photography even having dedicated macro lens anyway.
a great suggestion for keeping busy during isolation! Oh hey, maybe hunt down and photograph those dust bunnies under you bed up close!!!!
NIFTY! I am a beginner so I didn't know you could use the tubes on zoom lenses, this is so neat and opens up more options.
This was the best video I’ve seen on your channel! Well done and thorough.
Thank you, your explanation about macro photography and extension tubes are way more easier to understand than some other vidz.
I have a Vivitar 3-piece auto extension tube set for Nikon F/AI mount. 'Auto' because they allow proper open aperture metering with AI/AIS and compatible lenses. For close-up/macro photography I usually use one or combination of the tubes along with my 50mm/f1.8 Nikkor 'normal' lens, or if I need more lens-to-subject distance: I use my Nikkor 35-70 mm zoom which has close-up focusing ability; and use it at 70mm focal length. If I need additional lighting outdoors I have a home-made reflector board that I can reflect more light onto the subject if need be. Also have a 'macro focusing rail' which mounts to a tripod and allows for fine-tuning of focusing. Using this equipment I have taken photographs of bees (carefully!) that you can see the grains of pollen on them, and the eyes on spiders. And oh yes I use that water misting trick on flowers, too.
I have had a set for about 2 years(never used them) this is the first video I have watched on how to use them, many thanks
2 years and you never searched extension tubes ?
@@ItGoesMoo no I just had them in my old camera bag, I have been doing landscapes and seascapes, so had no need for them, lock down has made me think more about macro
@@malcolmdisley6624 ah ok .. got mine in January, hopefully you have as much fun as i do with macro :)
Thanks for this suggestion. I was looking at a really expensive macro lens. I think I'll give this $18 extension tube set a try first.
Tony, just what I need today! My Kenko Extension tubes (cost $250 years ago) don’t work with my new Canon R6 with a Sigma EF macro lens which needs an RF adapter. What ext. tubes do you recommend at only $20? Will they really do the job? Many thanks!
I got a set of non automatic tubes once as a gift. I used them but it was so difficult and scared me away from buying another set. I also tried stacking them all the time thinking I could get closer. Great explanation, thank you. I've heard that some cheaper sets can damage the threads on your body because they dont support the lens well. Have you had any experience with this at all? Can you recommend a set? Thanks!
I'm tempted to mount my Sigma 150-600mm C lens to my cheap plastic extension tubes, but I also fear that the cheap plastic lens mountings would be in danger of cracking under the strain. That is one thing that separates the expensive extension tubes from the cheap ones. Do not use overly heavy lenses and be aware that a lens may get kind of stuck once in a while and not release cleanly.
8:15 Ok, that's a really good tip. And i can think of the exact situation when i wish i would have thought about using an extension tube.
You're using the EOS R. Does the Drop in Filter adapter for EF-S lens act as an extension tube for EF-S if you were to remove the filter? Or would I need the adapter plus an extension?
At 4.20 in the film. Would an extender on a small Kit Lens also be useful for normal use, not just macro?
I bought the extension tube set you recommended for my Nikon. Works great. This video is very helpful. Thanks!
I tried the link but it didn't got anywhere. I'm interested in getting a set as well for my D5200. Can you resend please?
Extension tubes are a great way to learn and experiment with macro photography, but they aren't that cheap. I bought some for my Fuji X-T2 from a Chinese brand and it still cost me around forty euro. One considerable disadvantage which hasn't been addressed is the minimal focus distance which is very narrow.
Most of the times shots outside will become very difficult, if not nearly impossible because it's so close. This also means that you won't have a lot of light to play with. This can be overcome with a ringlight (and tripod) but will obviously be more expensive.
Personally I would recommend a manual macro lens from Meike (or another Cinese brand). This will cost between 150 and 200 euro and will offer a lot of more capabilities than extension tubes while the price difference with extension tubes isn't that high.
Thank you Tony. I look forward to your videos. I’m new to photography. I’m using an A6000 and really enjoying landscape and wildlife photograph. Stay healthy and thank you again for all your videos. Peace.
You are an amazing public speaker and teacher. Thank you for another great video
As is often true of your (and Chelsea's) videos...very helpful, instructional and, as always, well done. Thanks!
Which lens do you like to use with extension tubes, and why? I always used my 50mm prime because that is the fastest lens I have.
i also use my 50mm prime
Coming from film photography I understand the higher ISO gives more grain because of the chemicals on the film. What causes more noise in digital photography with higher ISO?
Tony, one thing that worries me about the cheap ones are the reviews I see on Amazon. I have a Nikon camera, and some of the reviews for the cheaper extension tubes are claiming that the tubes get stuck on the camera. It's a lot of people saying this too.
That is another good video.
I always had this question. What happens if put and extension tube on a macro lens that has short focus distance from the front glass?
I am specifically asking about cano 35mm f 2.8 (on an ASPC sensor it gives 1:1 ratio)
My concern is that I might not be able to focus with an extension tube attached because the focus distance is already extremely low on my lens.
The extension tube will allow you to get EVEN closer to your subject (or it might be too long and you can't reach focus at all). The only way to get the same image scale with more distance between your subject and the front of the lens is to start with a longer focal length lens. The 35mm focal length is too short for 1:1 image scale work (APSC or full-frame). I have found that 90-110mm focal length is necessary for close-up photos approaching 1:1 (especially if you want to light the subject with a strobe). The longer the lens focal length, the greater the subject to lens distance. I bought a 200mm macro for even greater subject to lens distance, but found I use my 105mm macro much more often.
@@fpink3 thanks for the reply. Exactly what was in my mind, but wanted to confirm.
It's all clear, but it is frustrating that I like my Canon 7D mk11 so much that I don't want to go for full frame within the same budget (I shoot wildlife, I think this makes sense to you). Here are the limitations (mainly budget, hahha as I am still a student) :
1. I got the 35mm in like new condition for $200 AUD, extremely cheap.
2. Wanted to kill two birds with the same stone. I thought it will be a good portrait lens since I am already using a crop sensor, hence will give approc 50mm equivalent (with the loss of focal length quality).
3. The lens has a front LED ring light built-in.
4. It's the smallest lens I ever had and easy ro carry around.
RF lens will not be able to adjust manual focus when using a tube with out the electronic connection
Is there any risk of spoiling our equipment? I have 5D mk 4 with 24-70 f2.8 lens. I meant to ask is it safe on all aspects?
That was great. I would love to see your take on copying negatives or stamps. I can never fill the frame with my macro lens. I end up cropping so much that the copies are not very good. I will try adding an extension tube to my macro lens.
Which lens did you use? :)
I'm playing with macro from 1:1 all the way to 10:1 using a microscope lens.
I might be able to give some advice :)
@@ulriktnnesen5987 I am using a 50mm 1:1 macro on a full frame camera
@@MultiDavidellis Do you happen to own a teleconverter? Cause you could use it to increase the magnification further, or even use a teleconverter and tubes together with the lens.
@@ulriktnnesen5987 My teleconverters are the wrong size for my lens. I ordered extension tubes for my camera. Maybe that will solve my problem. Next I will have to figure out how to get the best focus. Maybe it will be better at a higher magnification. Thanks
I never owned an extenstion tube but i bought the Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro Lense for my canon 6D and im loving it - it sounds a bit cheeky but its the lense i had most fun with running around (mostly in a forest). If i only had one lense to take with me it would still be the 35mm F2 from canon but in terms of "which lens you had the most fun with" - its definitely the macro lense from sigma. And at 400$ it is plenty good quality for its price and just SO MUCH fun... Yes the canon "might" be better but it also costs twice as much
And since im a photographer that choose one lense when i go on a walk and "work with it" - im loving the fact that the lense (contrary to me) is not nearsightet :-D It can also double as a portrait lense (with f2.8 at 105mm you already get plenty background separation) and just shooting general stuff. On a APS-C its a bit tricky for GP but else... it is honestly the best money spent in my camgear.
If you use an extension tube with the 100-400 GM will it produce similar results to the 200-600 for sports and wildlife?
Which is better : Extension tube or closeup filter ?
I prefer extension tubes, but if you have a fixed-lens camera, you can only use a closeup filter.
Closeup filters have bend the light before entering the lens. They give optical distortion and tend to exaggerate chroma artifacts on top of what your lens will do. Tubes do not do that. But the filters can be used with different lens mount systems.
Tony, that is an 18 mm one :)
He is testing if we are wake
i use two 25 ext tubes and two x2 converters to get x5macro on my sigma 100-400 + canon m50.
I will also advise strongly against cheap extension tubes, especially for longer heavier lenses, i had a named cheap brand fail due to the cheap plastic the metal bayonets were screwed into, fortunately the set up was on a table downloading at the time.
just be aware people saving a few pounds/dollars could cost you some expensive lens if your extension tubes fail.
probably wont be an issue with shorter lighter lenses, mine was 1160g
Using 2 pieces of 2x teleconverters sounds like an interesting idea :)
I hope to get a teleconverter for my olympus micro four thirds camera and then pair it with some tubes for reacing 5x macro with internal focus bracketing :D
so what are the difference between macro lens and extension tube? if sole purpose is close up shots.
Merry Christmas Tony.Thank you for an informative vdo. Could you suggest extension tubes for canon eos r10 camera?
Nikon has a macro 60mm (full frame lens FX) that achieves focus as close as 6 inches that I use. Half the price of the 105mm macro. On a crop camera it acts like a 90mm macro.
Nikon has an old 200mm f.4 macro lens.
I would love to play around with one :D
Nice video but astigmatism doesn't have anything to do with being nearsighted. Farsighted people can also have astigmatism.
Strange reasoning. The fact that farsighted people can also have astigmatism does not refute that nearsightedness could have a relationship with astigmatism. It's actually false as well: astigmatism often occurs simultaneously with either near- or farsightedness, even though one does not necessarily directly cause the other.
TFM you just won the pedant award.
@@gyozakeynsianism Honored as I feel, I think that award belongs to refuting hours of video work with a false statement, rather than an informative pedant response to that.
How about if you want to take pictures directly off of slides, would that bring the focus close enough?
This was awesome, I was planning to get an expensive macro lens. I will try this first
be careful with cheap tubes if you have a heavy lens, they can break apart if they used cheap plastic body
I have a 70-300mm cheap zoom lens that I use to do bird photography. Is it a good idea to use an extension tube to increase my zoom and magnification, instead of buying a very expensive longer lens?
Only use the extension tube if you're getting so close to the subject that you can't focus that close. It does not increase magnification directly, it decreases your minimum focusing distance.
The extension tubes will do the exact opposite of what you are asking. You will be unable to focus on a bird off in the distance. But if you want to work in close to a hummingbird feeder with a tripod and remote shutter release, it can help.
The thing you need to make your lens emulate a longer lens is a teleconverter. This sits in the same place as the extension tube but has glass elements in it. They typically come in 1.5x and 2x, which would make your lens behave as a 105-450 or 140-600. You will also lose some f-stops, so an f4 lens is then f6 ( numbers will vary, this is just an example).
@@Kim_Miller You are right. I had the teleconverter and extension tube mixed up. Thanks for the info!
Hey awesome tip truly appreciate it. I have a question. Let’s say I’m using an adapter with a lens does this close focus happens as well since the lens and sensor are further away then normal or do adapters take that into consideration to maintain proper distance? Thanks in advance!
Adapters don't change the focusing range, but you can use them with an extension tube.
literally saved me a few hundred bucks. thanks tony!
Please answer me - by placing the extension tubes on the Oshiro60 macro lens, I get the possibility to move the camera and lens away from the insect that is in motion...Thanks
I don't understand the question. Extension tubes don't increase working distance; they reduce it.
Sir, I use the manual Sony Mirrorless Extension Tube, I tried but the F (Aperture) error. I'm using a Sony a5100, can you help?
Nice video. Astigmatism and nearsightedness (myopia) are not the same. Astigmatism is an imperfection of the corneal shape while nearsightedness is a dissonance between the focal length of the lens and the distance from the lens to the retina.
Thanks Tony. Nice video. Love the graphics. Do extension tubes affect the DOF, and what are you using for your graphics?
They affect DOF in that DOF shrinks the closer you move the subject to the lens. Closer you move in, your DOF can shrink to the point that the subject may not be focused front-rear. If your camera has a DOF preview button, check it before settling in on an aperture setting.
Thanks for the clear explanation. By the way, the bigger ring is 18mm, not 16... ;-)
Extension tubes certainly work but I could never warm up to them. If you take close-up shots often, the appeal of a macro lens will become apparent. My most used lens is a Nikkor 105 Micro f2.8, purchased in 1991 (the film era, for my F4). I still use this lens on my digital Nikon bodies (first a D600, then a D750). I worked in product development and found I was constantly required to take closeup pictures of product details, plus portraits for promotional work. A 105mm macro lens is great at both tasks. f2.8 is more than fast enough to blur backgrounds on head shots, but isn't so fast that you miss "eye focus" all that much. If you end up taking pictures of flowers or other similar size things plus the photos at normal distances, you will want a dedicated macro lens. Swapping extension tubes on and off a lens becomes tedious. I found extension tubes to never feel quite "precise" enough ("Is this thing really engaged properly?). 100-105mm is a great length for either full-frame or APS-C users macro users. Shorter focal length macros need to be so close to the subject that it affects the lighting. Longer focal length macros are cumbersome for no significant benefit. Due to "Gear Acquisition Syndrome" I ended up with three Nikkor macros (60mm, 105mm, 200mm)--but I use the 105mm 90% of the time.
How do you up the iso too much without damaging the picture
I take anything over 800 and I see noise everywhere
I can't confirm it for sure, but I think having the pins actually allows manual focus to work on camera where the manual focus is motor driven.
I was cheap and got the non-auto focus tubes, Luckily there's the old hold the Depth of field button while taking the lens off after setting the F stop trick on a Canon lens that works.
It does work in a pinch, though it makes the viewfinder really dark and makes it harder to focus accurately (since you're focusing with deep depth-of-field).
@@TonyAndChelsea You are right, it is dark. Luckily, I have a Fringer Canon lens to Fufi adapter I use the Canon tubes with a Nifty 50 with my X-T3 and the photos are So much better than those from my old 5dMkII. Thanks for reminding me I had these tubes.
I have a sony a 7 and zeiss zm 35mm, what kind of reverse ring should I buy?
I have a 21mm extension tube that permanently lives on my 400 5.6. It makes such a difference!
Tony,
A question about the camera. I see you use a Canon Eos R. I want to upgrade my kit from the Sony A7ii up. The lenses i have can be replaced in this stage. Would you switch to a Canon R or stay with Sony (so please don't mind the lenses i have). Regards, Jan Willem
It's a good question! Right now we use Canon for video and Sony for stills... though I'll still shoot stills with a Canon if I want to use one of their unique lenses, like the 85 f/1.2 or 50 f/1.2.
Tony & Chelsea Northrup hi, thank you. But the main and most important question for me is, would i be happier with the eos R or the A7iii.... what is your personel idea about That... Hope you can help me. Regards Jan Willem
The link doesn't go to any tubes
during this period of lockdown, I played a lot with macro and my extension tubes ;) nice to see you are doing the same.
what tube u get
There's something weird going on with extension tubes and zoom lenses. Some lenses won't zoom anymore. Or rather, the zoom ring starts working like a focus ring. Whyyy?
Just watch the whole video again. Pay focus around 4.30-5.50. You are welcome. Have fun and take care.
@@nostrum8 That part has nothing to do with my question! At no time did he even address the issue of the zoom ring acting as a focusing ring instead of changing the focal length. I'm assuming it has something to do with the mechanical design of the focusing, perhaps related to focus breathing.
Marcus Sundman sorry i didnt read your question the right way. Could it be that some lenses dont communicate properly with the camera anymore due to the wrong extention tube (wrong connectors)? Hence the lense could become some some sort of full manual. And the mecahnism that puts the glass in focus is not activated by the camera anymore and now stays on a fixed point. When you now move the mecahnical zoom/focus ring by hand it not only shifts perspective but also at the same time the "stuck" focus point when the glass moves to adjust for the zoom.
But i have no clue if this in any way has anything to do with your question.
@@nostrum8 Nope, that's not it (for a variety of reasons), but I appreciate your eagerness to help.
During the video, Tony mentioned that the effects of the extension tube vary based on the focal length of the attached lens. When you turn the zoom ring on your lens, you are adjusting the focal length of the attached lens, thus it's minimum focus distance, so the zoom ring affects the focus as well as the focal length.
I thought extension tubes were used to extend the telephoto of a lens. I love macro photography, so I'll definitely get a set of these. Is there anything that can help increase the zoom of a lens?
Teleconverters extend the telephoto of a lens.
Tony, good to have you back - classic Northrup - great and thank you.
I was bummed out that I would have to sell a lens to start dabbling in macro photography, but you just introduced this cheap option to me! Thanks!
Have a look too at reverse lens macro photography
@@alcedo_kf I’ve tried it! Made me even happier when I figured it out 😅
@@andrevaca6700 Yes, it was a very exciting discovery for me too. Lots of potential with these ideas :) Its all phases lol. 😁👍
Should mention using speed lights.really drops the iso
A well diffused speedlite will take macro shooting above and beyond :D
Tony I do have a question for the EOS R. Does using the EF to RF adapter act as an extension tube when using EF lenses?
No, because EF lenses are designed to be that distance from the sensor. But you can add either RF or EF extension tubes.
@@TonyAndChelsea Got it. Thank you! Keep up the videos. I really enjoy your content and it's very informative.
I see, now i know i have an "extension tube" back of my eyes ball
Kinda. The imperfect shape of our eyes moves the lens too far away from the sensor, which is exactly what extension tubes do.
@@TonyAndChelsea Exactly sir, and the nerve endings at the RETINA serves as the "Sensor" in our eyes.
Question about Macro please. Im new to macro and not sure what lens to use on my Kenko AF Tubes. Nikon platform lenses I have are 17-50mm 2.8, 70-300mm 4.5-5.6, 50mm 1.8 &
Kit lens 18-55 3.5-5.6. Anyone with experience can recommend what lens to start with I would greatly appreciate it. Nikon D7200 Body. Thanks
I have all but the 17-50mm lens in my kit. Your best bet for close-up work would be the 70-300mm. You likely won't need to open the f-stop below the f/5.6 base, most likely would be f/16. But that lens does not like high-contrast subjects, you get a lot of purple fringing in that situation.
I have a Nikon 105mm 2.8 macro lens, would there be any advantage by using a extension tube, or would it be counter productive?
The 105mm macro can make an image that is 1:1 size on the actual camera sensor. As in an insect can be imaged on the sensor to be the same as life size, no reduction. Adding the extension tube allows for magnifying that so the image is larger than 1:1 on the sensor. Put it simple, you can move in closer and get an even bigger enlargement of your subject with the extension tube.
bfhammer that’s what I thought, thanks.
This works well for static subjects, but from my experience there is no replacement for a proper macro lens if you want to take pictures of moving subjects like insects and other animals that tend to move around or run away as soon as you start approaching them with the camera. The point of a macro lens isn't to focus on a very short distance, but to reproduce the subject on the sensor as big as possible, which can be done way easier with a longer lens like let's say the Sigma Macro 150mm F2.8. Also, closing the aperture to increase the depth of field won't be of any help if you are shooting a flying insect or any other fast moving subject. In the end I always prefer a long and fast macro lens over any other combination, even if the depth of field is very shallow.
What model camera and lens are you using ? Im looking at trading in my 5d3 and 7d2 for mirrorless but Sony or canon is the dilemma.
Kind of hate you right now because I just got a Canon 180mm f/3.5L macro lens used on eBay… But it's also a relief to not have to sift through these contraptions…
The Canon 180mm f/3.5L works a hundred times better than any extenstion tubes ever could. I specialize in macro and I would have been overjoyed if I had that lens :D
So don't feel down about your purchase.
Tony,
You should have a microfiber cloth on the table and lay the lense on its side when changing. Great video . Stay Safe buddy!
Hey Tony what lenz are you using, make and model, please and ty.
A word of caution - I bought some cheap extension tubes on amazon a few years ago to try on my 5D Mark II. Maybe related, maybe not- but soon after, some of the electronic contact pins on my camera got stuck. I sent it in to Canon for a rather expensive repair, and while I don't know for certain that the tubes damaged my camera, the hunch prevails.
What brand were the tubes, so I can avoid them?
The quickest tutorial to learn macro photography! Great video! Thank You! I'm getting your book!
Interesting video! However, there's another trade-off when using an extension tube, and that is that you automatically "lose" light and need to go to either a higher F-stop, or a higher ISO. For cameras such as most professional photographers have this is barely an issue, but for photographers with a lower-end camera this can mean the difference between a good picture, and a noisy picture.
Not an expert on the topic, but if there are no glass elements, how could you loose light? I get it for 1.4 or 2.0 zoom extentions, but if it just moves the lens further away how would you loose light? Perhaps there is an obvious explanation that I am just missing.
@@ipadista when you shift your lens further away from the sensor, you're basicslly going to a higher f-stop. This is because the aperture is influenced by the focal length and the focal length is influenced by the distance between the lens and the sensor (which you are increasing with the tube)
The extension tube itself doesn't make you lose light; anytime you focus closer, you lose light... even within the normal focusing range of your lens.
@@ichallengelife I was not aware of this. Whilst it does sound plausible, I did a quick test and when I tried with a zoom lens aiming at a white wall, zooming in and out with a 12-40 f2.8 using average metering it does not change exposure. When I try using spot metering measuring on a black area in a more varied framing I also don't notice any exposure change. I am using manual mode and well aware of the exposure triangle etc, so my methodology might be mistaken, but I do think I can compare exposures :) If possible it would be enlightening to get suggestions on how to observe this reduction in light when zooming.
@@TonyAndChelsea yes, so the adding the extension tube to focus closer makes you lose light as well, an important thing to take into account. With some cameras, you get a better picture taken from further but cropprd afterwards than if you use an extension tube.
Jaclu, I think that is what you should take up in your testing to see the effect, use the shortest focal lengths in both cases (and thus stand closer with the extension tube)
Never heard of extension tubes until today! Great tip!😁
kinda curious where these "around 50 bucks" kits are tho'. All i find to purchase here (europe) are cheap plastic stuff (for around 30euro) i dont want to trust to hold my lens, or 120euro+, which aint in my budget right now.
I bought some cheap extension tubes and wow. They cost a fraction of the cost of a macro lens and work very well.
I'm curious...are the people, that focus stack, looking down at those of us that don't and thinking, "omg what a noob?". Or are there others out there that prefer that blur in the depth of field in order to further emphasize a Pistil?
Thank you so much. I was planning to get sony 90mm but I will get extension tube instead
Every one is doing macro. I just ordered a set on Amazon this past weekend and they said I will receive it on May 4th. Guess it isn’t essential.
I ordered some on Amazon a week ago. Estimated delivery was May 30th but they showed up today on April 17th.
Why would you not recommend brands? I'm having a hard time finding anything well-reviewed for $20 for canon.