Macro Lens vs Ext Tube Depth of Field
- Thread starter wornish
- Start date
No, not larger - Yes, should be the same depth of field at the same view.
There are big differences though. The extension tube on a regular lens moves it forward so it can focus closer. But the lens design did not include that, it was designed for regular use. It is not as fully corrected for this extreme close distance, and specifically, it has a narrow (regular) focusing range, perfect for regular use, but which becomes "nothing" at macro distances. At 1:1, you rotate it, and nothing happens. So extension tubes involve focusing by moving the camera back and forth. If on a tripod, this really also needs a focusing rail, to move camera back and forth.
Whereas, a macro lens is a whole different world, convenience wise. Same lack of depth of field, but it focuses anywhere, easily, from infinity to 1:1 macro. You simply just focus it, anywhere, like a regular lens, in any setting. You may want to move the camera for a different size view, but this is optional, not required just to focus. And the macro lens is self-compensating for the light falloff at extension, etc, etc. Designed for the purpose. There is of course a big difference in the price.
There are big differences though. The extension tube on a regular lens moves it forward so it can focus closer. But the lens design did not include that, it was designed for regular use. It is not as fully corrected for this extreme close distance, and specifically, it has a narrow (regular) focusing range, perfect for regular use, but which becomes "nothing" at macro distances. At 1:1, you rotate it, and nothing happens. So extension tubes involve focusing by moving the camera back and forth. If on a tripod, this really also needs a focusing rail, to move camera back and forth.
Whereas, a macro lens is a whole different world, convenience wise. Same lack of depth of field, but it focuses anywhere, easily, from infinity to 1:1 macro. You simply just focus it, anywhere, like a regular lens, in any setting. You may want to move the camera for a different size view, but this is optional, not required just to focus. And the macro lens is self-compensating for the light falloff at extension, etc, etc. Designed for the purpose. There is of course a big difference in the price.