Extension tubes or a second hand macro lens?

Hi,

I am quite keen to have a go at doing some macro photography with my K-X and would be grateful to know any thoughts on the pro’s and cons of getting a set of extension tubes and using that with something like my f/2 50mm prime lens or investing in a second hand macro lens.

Cheers,


Morpheus71

Well the low cost way is with extension tubes, reversing ring to mount your 50mm prime back to front but it is a bit of a fiddly business. The easier way get a set of dioptre lenses to add to your prime though this results in some loss of quality.

The best way is to get a macro lens. It just so happens that I am selling a nice Sigma 100mm f2.8 Macro EX in the classified section so maybe you should take advice from a less interested party!

a set of cheap ext tubes + your 50mm would be a fine start !

I would go with the extension tubes and 50mm lens to start with.
Autofocus is not neccesary for macro work so a good old manual lens would be fine.
Gain some experience this way then if you want to 'upgrade' you will be in a better position to choose the appropriate macro lens.

Reversing one lens onto another (using a reversing ring) also gives decent results.

Regards, Michael

I can vouch for the extension tubes and a 50mm too.
Take a look here 1st taken with the 50mm not reversed and the 2nd reversed.


And here 50mm not reversed

Another vote (with examples) for a 50mm prime (M F1.7 in this case) with extension tube(s) and/or a reversing ring.

Unaided (minimum focus)
[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5620190988_0cf7c49d35_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

At minimum focus by prsjnb, on Flickr[/img]

With 21mm and 31mm tubes
[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5620189322_ced9ff871e_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

With 21mm and 31mm extension tubes by prsjnb, on Flickr[/img]

With 13mm, 21mm and 31mm tubes
[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5620190040_a1cb445697_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

With 13mm, 21mm and 31mm extension tubes by prsjnb, on Flickr[/img]

Reversed
[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5619602419_119a010454_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

Reversed by prsjnb, on Flickr[/img]

Reversed with 21mm and 31mm tubes
[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5620192456_f2d1f2e297_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

Reversed with 21mm and 31mm extension tubes by prsjnb, on Flickr[/img]

Not bad for a total outlay of £80.00 (£30 for the lens and £50 for the tubes) and the tubes will still be of use when (if) you buy a macro lens; as will the 50mm prime

Jon

IMHO, go for a macro lens, tubes and reversing rings are all very well in theory, if you want close ups of circuit boards,
Using above you will need lots of light + patience getting the focus spot on.

but am guessing you will want insects, butterflies etc?
Get a macro lens.
For these sort of subjects you need at least aperture control, and preferably auto focus to get close, then use quickshift to fine tune.
Once you have your macro lens you can then add the other bits if you need magnification.

Davex.

The circuit boards are actually one subject where the macro lens will perform better. With a standard lens the corners will focus on a slight diferent plane than the center, whilst this is usually tightly controlled with a macro lens.

Aperture control is still available with extension tubes, lens reversal & lens stacking though the first 2 will want an apperture ring on the lens.

None of my macro work has been done with AF & don't see it as any dissadvantage. The final focusing being done by subtle movement of the camera relative to the subject.

I've never found focusing with stacked lenses more difficult than using my macro lens alone, the amount of light you get it a function of the magnification (My 50mm f1.7 should actually give more light on extension tubes than my 100mm f3.5 macro lens at equivalent magnification).

Thanks for all the comments - I have bought some extension tubes for the time being. Had a go at some heather flowers at the weekend - quite amazed at the detail - a whole new way of looking at the world

Macro photography is addictive and frustrating. The slightest puff of wind and your image is soft but the buzz when you get something sharp composed how you want it is wonderful. I find it quite a time sponge...

K.