Kenko Extension Tubes_Blurry images
- Thread starter leeinla
- Start date
Bikerbrent
Senior Member
What f-stop are you shooting at? In macro depth of field can be very small, particularly at large apertures.
Are you shooting handheld or on a tripod? Any camera movement can be critical for both camera shake and focus.
Are you using manual or autofocus? Many macro shooters use manual focus and a focus rail.
You might to work with a single short tube first and gradually move up in length and number of tubes as you gain knowledge and skill.
Samples with EXIF would be helpfull.
Are you shooting handheld or on a tripod? Any camera movement can be critical for both camera shake and focus.
Are you using manual or autofocus? Many macro shooters use manual focus and a focus rail.
You might to work with a single short tube first and gradually move up in length and number of tubes as you gain knowledge and skill.
Samples with EXIF would be helpfull.
Fortkentdad
Senior Member
Echoing what Brent has said above.
The section of the photo that is in focus can be very thin in macro, adjusting the F Stop will help - to a degree.
I have the Kenko tubes and they do work well, but it does take a lot of practice.
Using live view is one way to see exactly what you are doing.
The other trick I use is to take a series of shots moving in and out (by maybe an inch or two, taking a shot every 1/8th of an inch. So I am focusing by moving the camera rather than turning the focus ring. I don't have a focus rail but probably will get one, moving in an out manually can be tricky.
Forget autofocus. I now only manual focus in close up macro shots.
Have you tried different ring combinations, one ring, two different ones in various combinations and all three? Makes a huge difference.
Have you tried other lenses?
As was suggesed, post samples and explain your settings. Macro can be a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.
Oh - and don't worry about a low 'keeper rate" I probably keep one in 20 (or 30 or 40) shots. Shoot lots and lots of shots.
The section of the photo that is in focus can be very thin in macro, adjusting the F Stop will help - to a degree.
I have the Kenko tubes and they do work well, but it does take a lot of practice.
Using live view is one way to see exactly what you are doing.
The other trick I use is to take a series of shots moving in and out (by maybe an inch or two, taking a shot every 1/8th of an inch. So I am focusing by moving the camera rather than turning the focus ring. I don't have a focus rail but probably will get one, moving in an out manually can be tricky.
Forget autofocus. I now only manual focus in close up macro shots.
Have you tried different ring combinations, one ring, two different ones in various combinations and all three? Makes a huge difference.
Have you tried other lenses?
As was suggesed, post samples and explain your settings. Macro can be a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.
Oh - and don't worry about a low 'keeper rate" I probably keep one in 20 (or 30 or 40) shots. Shoot lots and lots of shots.
Using all extension tubes stacked with a zoom lens is a great recipe for out of focus shots. Start by using the smallest one and gradually work your way up. Getting a sharp image at such close range is not something you will get on first trial.
Practice, practice and then more practice.
Good luck.
Practice, practice and then more practice.
Good luck.
Fortkentdad
Senior Member
Also, a camera mounted flash may not be optimum for macro - unless you modify it.
There are some DIY modifiers. I have had some success with the "Pringles Can Macro Mod" https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=5I4y2u58zOk
Google "Pringles Macro Flash" and you'll see multiple options. And you get an excuse to eat a can of Pringles.
You could also use off camera flash and your built in flash as a commander then you can position the flash where you want it.
There are some DIY modifiers. I have had some success with the "Pringles Can Macro Mod" https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=5I4y2u58zOk
Google "Pringles Macro Flash" and you'll see multiple options. And you get an excuse to eat a can of Pringles.
You could also use off camera flash and your built in flash as a commander then you can position the flash where you want it.