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Category: Photographic Field Techniques

Photography Question 

Carol Sawyer
 

Macro Photography: Extension Tubes


I have the Nikon D50 and have the Sigma 105mm 2.8 DG macro lens. I would like to buy a extension tube for it. I want to get even closer than I am now on details and insects. Can anyone help me on what one woul be best and where I can get it? Thank you so much!


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May 13, 2008

 

Bob Cammarata
  Extension tubes typically come in sets of three so you can choose the degree of magnification of your macro subjects. You can even stack two (or all three) extension tubes for those cooperative bugs that will let you get REALLY close.
Keep in mind, though, that it's difficult (or impossible) to hand-hold a 105mm with 'tubes and expect decent results. Every millimeter of extension of the lens robs light and depth of field, so unless you have a flash ring or other means of illumination, you will be shooting your macros stopped-down in natural light.
For this, you will need a tripod or other support and a subject that's completely immobile during exposure.


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May 14, 2008

 

Carol Sawyer
  Thank you so very much for all your information. Bob!!


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May 14, 2008

 

Michael McCullough
  For a quick fix I used an old teleconverter took the glass out and it works just great with my Tamron 90mm.& D40 Nikon!


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May 22, 2008

 

Carol Sawyer
  Thank you Michael, I am not sure what a teleconverter is or where to get one. Can anyone help me with this?


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May 22, 2008

 

Bob Cammarata
  A teleconverter contains glass elements and magnifies the image on the film plane (or sensor) by 2x (or 1.4X) throughout its entire focal range from the lens' minimal focasing distance all the way to infinity.

Extension tubes are hollow and contain no glass. They are designed to increase the distance from the subject to the film plane (or sensor) and are only practical when shooting close.

I guess one could remove the glass from a teleconverter to achieve the same result....but why?
Extension tubes sets are not expensive.


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May 22, 2008

 
- Ken Smith

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  Alot of people have the Kenko Extension Tubes. Here's a good reference link:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Kenko-Extension-Tube-Set-Review.phpx


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May 22, 2008

 

Carol Sawyer
  Thank you so very much everyone for your help. I will be looking into getting a set.


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May 23, 2008

 
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