using AF extension tubes for macro

D

Debrus

Senior Member
I used extension tubes today for first time with my 50mm lens and they were not good. They were dark most of them and not clear. I know I probably need to use a tripod but I was just practicing for first time with them. They are the Polaroid 12mm, 20mm and 36mm AF macro extension tubes. Can anyone help me with this?
I know to put on M mode for manual but that is all I know. Thanks
 
A

aZuMi

Senior Member
Make sure you have good light and stop it down to to f8-f16 to reduce DOF. Also, which tube did you use? I use 50mm with my 12mm extension tube and it works well.
 
D

Debrus

Senior Member
I had the 50mm and the 36mm extension tube and it was not clear at all. I was thinking I need to add the macro filters maybe along with the tubes, is this correct?
 
W

WhiteLight

Senior Member
Not necessarily.
Since you will be very close to the subject while shooting macro, you will need a lot of light.
If you don't have a macro flash, try any other light source

Sent from my Incredible S using Tapatalk 2
 
SkvLTD

SkvLTD

Senior Member
What's the minimal focal distance of your 50mm? On the flip side, you could just get a reverse-mount ring and do it that way.
 
Marcel

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
A few things you have to remember with extension tubes. The longer the extension tube, the more light that will be lost in it. It could take as much as twice the light to reach the sensor with the longest extension tube. This means your exposure will have to be twice as long than without the tube.

Second, I (personal opinion here) think that auto-focus should be banned when doing macro work. This is why they sell macro focusing rails. It is much easier to set focus on the lens and then move the camera back and forth. And if you're not using a tripod, then take as many shots as you can since moving in an out, if only one millimeter, will make or ruin the shot.

So patience is the key here. The use of flash with a diffuser can help to get smaller apertures, but there is no magic setup. Trial and error will give you more keeps on the long run.

Happy learning!
 
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