Macro

[Dolby]

I see there are a few options - with the two main being a dedicated macro lens (1:1) and a cheaper alternative, an extension tube - which gives your normal lens the ability to focus closer by moving the lens further from the sensor.

What if you use both options together?
Magnification increase beyond 1:1?

 

[B.K]

I found this link:

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/f...hy/5362-using-extension-tubes-macro-lens.html

I also use a Tamron 90mm and like Eeyore i have a Teleconverter first on the body (1.4) then normally either one or 2 tubes (either 36mm or 56mm total).

I'm really enjoying using them (I have a Nikon D50 and Kenko Pro DG tubes) and mainly use manual focus but these did retain Auto also. The main issue is that you need a dedicated flash unit often because the lens is so close to the subject that the built in flash often cant hit it. Also bear in mind that the weight starts to add up, not really an issue for me but for some it may be.

Also - using tubes means you lose the ability to focus on infinity. Not that great an issue but it severely reduces your working distances. That said It's not really been a big issue for me, just something to think about. Just means whipping your ext tube off if something bigger comes your way.

I ended up getting a ring flash to combat those lighting issues. Not necessary if you have an off camera flash that you can pop on a bracket.

In short - I like mine, very happy I bought them as they add more options to my pictures. For the price I think they are well worth it.

 

[Edduck]

I see there are a few options - with the two main being a dedicated macro lens (1:1) and a cheaper alternative, an extension tube - which gives your normal lens the ability to focus closer by moving the lens further from the sensor.

What if you use both options together?
Magnification increase beyond 1:1?

A really cheap option is to get a 50mm f1.8 (~R1000) with extension tubes that keep AF and aperture control (~R1500). http://www.camerastuff.co.za/shop/review/product/list/id/2803/category/113/ I have seen some amazingly sharp shots from these setups. The other important part of macro to get right is the lighting. When I finally get a chance, I am going to experiment with a bit of off camera flash using my wireless triggers. Should give me the same effect that a dedicated macro flash gives!

 

[B.K]

taken with a Nikon 105 macro

Then holding this lens I took out an old broken lens my partner had lying around

I get this: (this is the flower at the top of the bunch) also hand held and MF so not perfect focus

So I guess tubes might help quite a bit, but my next purchase is a TC-20E teleconverter (2x)

 

[Dolby]

Nice BK.

Yea - I'd also love a 2x TC for the extra reach and I'd be able to get fairly close (not macro, though) to subjects. Best of both worlds for now

 

[BigAl-sa]

What if you use both options together?
Magnification increase beyond 1:1?

My calculations show that a macro lens plus a full set of Kenko tubes (68mm extension) gives you 2.8:1

[edit]
This fly was approx 6mm in length from a Canon 350d with a Sigma 105mm macro plus 68mm tubes (image not cropped) :





Sent from my U20i using Tapatalk

 

[hilton]

Cool pic BigAl.

Have you tried focus stacking to get the depth of field?

 

[BigAl-sa]

Cool pic BigAl.

Have you tried focus stacking to get the depth of field?

Tks!

I have looked at focus stacking (not too seriously though), but with the movement from handholding the camera I've built some truly wonderful looking monsters in the bug world

 

[Dolby]

Nice photo BigAl!

How do you work your calculations to get 2.8 .... ?

 

[B.K]

Well I guess the best way to calculate it is to measure it.

With macro lens at 1:1

With macro lens + the extra lens I posted earlier I get 2.something:1 I guess. Was never good at maths

So I thought I'd look and see what a reversed Nikon 50mm f1.8 looks like.

 

[Dolby]

Snapped this a while ago with my 70-200 non-macro .... can't wait to get either tubes, dedicates lens or even a 2x TC to get a little closer!

 

[hilton]

I would start praying....