35 mm Kenko Extension Tube

Simo70 · January 15, 2010

Does anyone have experience with macro extension tubes?? I would like to start shooting macro but I don't have the cash for a decent macro lens at the moment. I do have a couple of Nikon lenses I would like to use for this purpose like the 50mm f1.4 and 300mm f4. I found the kenko extension tubes and just wondering if they are reliable. Any suggestions on the size I should get?? Not sure if I need all of them.

Thanks for any help,

Simone.

ian408 · January 16, 2010

Hi Simone,

I've moved this over to Cameras so that it might get better attention.

wiredcur · January 16, 2010

Hi - I've just got a set of tubes from Opteka (little cheaper and cheaply made but they work). They're definitely less expensive than a full-on macro lens. I haven't had a chance to ever use a true macro lens but I figure the tubes are a good approximation for the money.

catspaw · January 16, 2010

the Kenko tubes are VERY reliable and many in the macro forms have the full set. So very affordable and useful! probably the best bang:buck you can get these days in equipment

Photoskipper · January 16, 2010

I got on 25 mm extension tube. Just very simple design, single hollow ring with 2 metal connecters (mount) on both end. Light and convinent. Use a lot with the 100mm Macro lens for work.

Much cheaper and lighter than the 500D close up lens.

Danspage · January 16, 2010

I had some for my Nikon till i got my 105mm macro. Then sold nikon to go to canon, and can't afford the 100mm macro so I'm back to my kenko.

Strong construction, auto focus and great resale when you move up to 100mm macro. The Kenko give you the full function of your lens even IS or VR works.

Simo70 · January 16, 2010

Thank you everybody... I guess I will get the whole set of Kenko for my D300s and shoots right away!!
Thanks again.

paddler4 · January 17, 2010

I have the standard set of 3 Kenko tubes. They are fine. I don't use them as a substitute for macro lenses--I use them to get better magnification than 1:1 with macro lenses. They work flawlessly--but be prepared, extensions make for less light.

Simo70 · January 17, 2010

Do you mean loosing some f/stop?? I am thinking on using them with my 50mm f1.4 and 300mm f4, does it mean that they will become the equivalent of f2 or f5.6 (think of loosing 1 stop)??

Simo70 · January 25, 2010

Thanks everybody for the comments above. I finally got my tube and play with it last week-end.
This is a photo I took with my D300s + Kenko extension tube + Nikon 50mm f1.4.
I believe that for a non macro lens application the result is pretty acceptable.

Comments are welcome. More photos can be find on my website: www.simonebrogini.com.

Thank you,
Simo.[IMG]<a href="http://www.simonebrogini.com/Close-Up/Close-Up/11052919_AwJMm/1/#773527878_7j9nB-A-LB"><img src="http://www.simonebrogini.com/Close-Up/Close-Up/BRO0766/773527878_7j9nB-L.jpg"></a>[/IMG]

ziggy53 · January 25, 2010

Congratulations Simo.