Posted by Patrick Fager on December 6, 2008 at 9:08 PM
I am looking to buy an extension tube for my 30D. I know that Canon produces the EF 12 and EF 25, but I am not sure which one I would have more use for. I will probably be using it with a 28-80mm Canon lens, and possibly occasionally at longer focal lengths. Any help or additional info about extension tubes would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by Steve Foss on December 6, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Patrick, for less than the cost of a single Canon tube you can buy a set of three Kenko extension tubes. While there is some plastic in the Kenko construction (unlike the Canon), the mounts are metal, which helps minimize flex between camera and lens, and I've used the Kenko set for quite awhile, partly for macro, partly to decrease the minimum focus distance on my Canon 400 f5.6L, with great results.
Posted by David Taylor on December 6, 2008 at 9:34 PM
As far as I understand extension tubes, brand is less (if not completely) unimportant. Just something you may wish to consider when you make your purchase. Since there is no glass incorporated with the tubes, optics won't play a factor. I looked around real quickly, but couldn't find the Kenko tubes I bought online a while back. I chose them because they were cheaper, just as functional, and actually more versatile than the Canon tubes. Mine came in a set of 3 (12, 20, and 36) for around $170. Just thought I'd put that out there - possibly making things more or less complicated for you
Posted by David Rogers on December 7, 2008 at 1:12 AM
Tubes are great for getting macro shots from non-macro lenses. Since there are no optics involved you needn't worry about aberrations from optics. If you are at all interested then I have a set of Kenko tubes that I no longer use. They are in excellent condition. See my website for details (under Gear Sales).
Posted by Ed Cordes on December 7, 2008 at 9:35 AM
I have used these for a few years on my Canon equipment and like them a lot.
Have fun!
Posted by Dan Borzynski on December 7, 2008 at 4:46 PM
The 25 mm tube is a lot of extension for that lens.
Testing on my 28-135 lens for working distance (by eye)
28 mm with the 25 tube: minimum working distance is 0", and focus near infinity. Forget lighting the subject with flash. No kidding - the zipper almost came into focus when it was touching the glass.
70 mm with the 25 tube: minimum working distance a short 2", to about 24".
28 mm with the 12 tube: minimum working distance 1"+. You probably won't be able to light a subject this close, short of using a macro flash.
70 mm with the 12 tube: minimum working distance about 2", out for a good distance.
For the lens you cite, the 12 tube will probably be a better choice.
I use the 25 tube fairly frequently for longer lenses, especially my 180 macro.
I probably look at a third party tube. Since there is no glass in them, you won't lose and image quality.
Posted by Richard Hahn on December 7, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Patrick,
Good evening. While I do not own any tubes from what I hear you can't go wrong with the Kenko tubes. That photo club I belong to had a meeting last week and as part of the meeting there was a class on Macro. One of the guys who shoots Canon had the Kenko tubes and swears by them.
For the price if I do buy them that is what I will go for.
Discussion
6 repliesAny online camera vendor will have them for sale. I do almost all my business at Canoga Camera online. The tubes are here: http://www.canogacamera.com/detail.aspx?ID=7699.
I have used these for a few years on my Canon equipment and like them a lot.
Have fun!
Testing on my 28-135 lens for working distance (by eye)
28 mm with the 25 tube: minimum working distance is 0", and focus near infinity. Forget lighting the subject with flash. No kidding - the zipper almost came into focus when it was touching the glass.
70 mm with the 25 tube: minimum working distance a short 2", to about 24".
28 mm with the 12 tube: minimum working distance 1"+. You probably won't be able to light a subject this close, short of using a macro flash.
70 mm with the 12 tube: minimum working distance about 2", out for a good distance.
For the lens you cite, the 12 tube will probably be a better choice.
I use the 25 tube fairly frequently for longer lenses, especially my 180 macro.
I probably look at a third party tube. Since there is no glass in them, you won't lose and image quality.
Good evening. While I do not own any tubes from what I hear you can't go wrong with the Kenko tubes. That photo club I belong to had a meeting last week and as part of the meeting there was a class on Macro. One of the guys who shoots Canon had the Kenko tubes and swears by them.
For the price if I do buy them that is what I will go for.