Posted by David Redding on August 29, 2006 at 8:19 PM
Ok I've run into a few shots that I wanted to get but couldnt because I don't have any Macro lens and I can afford to be buying any new lenses at the moment, so I thought maybe I should try an extension ring.
A few questions though: A)Nikon makes an 8mm, 14mm, and a 27.4mm extension tube...which one would be best used with an 85mm 1.8 lens? B) Will everything work together all right (D50, 85mm and extension)? C) what would the image quality differences be between a lens/extension tub and an actual Macro Lens or the same Focal length?
That in advance for you input
David
Posted by Alan Olander on August 29, 2006 at 10:00 PM
The 27.5mm tube (PK-13) is made for the 55mm Micro (manual focus) to enable it to go to 1:1, but it, of course, can be used with any lens. It might be the best bet for your 85mm lens. The other two will get you some closer, but maybe not as much as you would like. It all depends on what you're shooting. Since the PK-13 is made for a manual focus lens, it has no electrical contacts so you will be left without metering and AF. The 105mm Micro probably would be better optically close up, but you'd be spending a lot more money. The PN-11 tube (52.5mm) is for the 105mm Micro (manual focus) and enables it to go to 1:1. It's nice because it has a tripod collar. Kenko makes extension tubes for Nikon mount lenses that retain all the features of an AF lens.
Posted by David Redding on August 29, 2006 at 10:21 PM
Thanks Alan, I'll have to look into those Kenko tubes..........Im not worried about the AF, but metering is a plus, Im too new at this to venture outside without a meter
Hi David,
I use the Kenko tubes. It's a set of three tubes of varying lengths. You can combine them, too, to get more extension. Like Alan says, it depends on how close you want to get, how much you want to enlarge the subject, your compostion, depth of field, light available and all that. I am not very technical; I just rig up a lens array until it looks the way I want it through the viewfinder. I use these tubes on a 105 micro and on a 70-200 and am happy with the results. I have some macros posted in my portfolio with the EXIF data and gear used.
While I shoot Canon, the principles are the same. I also use kenko tubes. They are reasonably priced and have good build quality. Everything that was said above is true. Only thing I would add is that with a lot of extension you will lose some light, so exposure compensation will be needed; AF may also be slower depending on how much extension you use. This is another reason to be sure you have metered tubes. Maybe I am not critical enough, but I have noticed no image quality fall off using tubes.
Discussion
4 repliesA few questions though: A)Nikon makes an 8mm, 14mm, and a 27.4mm extension tube...which one would be best used with an 85mm 1.8 lens? B) Will everything work together all right (D50, 85mm and extension)? C) what would the image quality differences be between a lens/extension tub and an actual Macro Lens or the same Focal length?
That in advance for you input
David
I use the Kenko tubes. It's a set of three tubes of varying lengths. You can combine them, too, to get more extension. Like Alan says, it depends on how close you want to get, how much you want to enlarge the subject, your compostion, depth of field, light available and all that. I am not very technical; I just rig up a lens array until it looks the way I want it through the viewfinder. I use these tubes on a 105 micro and on a 70-200 and am happy with the results. I have some macros posted in my portfolio with the EXIF data and gear used.
Have fun.