Are third-party extension tubes a good alternative to Canon's for macro work?
Asked 7/17/2010
8 views
2 answers
0
I want a bit more magnification from my Canon 100mm macro lens, so I’m considering extension tubes. Canon’s EF 25 tube seems expensive for what is basically a hollow spacer, while the Kenko set offers 12mm, 20mm, and 36mm tubes for only a little more. Are there any real downsides to using third-party extension tubes instead of Canon ones?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
14
As far as I know there should be no real difference. The extension tube have no lens elements but is merely (as the name suggests) a tube. The Kenko extension tubes feature the same electrical connections as the Canon one (judging from reviews and images on the net). According to this review, there are two versions of the Kenko tubes; an older one that is not compatible with EF-S lenses, and a newer one that is. Worth keeping in mind if you have such lenses.
Originally by user10. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user10
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Usually, a reputable third-party set like Kenko is a good alternative. Extension tubes don’t contain optics, so image quality isn’t affected by glass elements. The main thing to check is that the tubes include the electronic contacts needed for autofocus and aperture control, which Kenko tubes generally do.
Possible downsides are mostly about build quality and compatibility. Cheaper tubes may use thinner or less rigid materials, which could allow slight flex with heavier lenses and introduce alignment issues. Also, some older Kenko versions were not compatible with EF-S lenses, while newer ones are, so version matters if you use EF-S.
In short: for a known brand such as Kenko, there’s generally no major disadvantage versus Canon beyond possible differences in construction quality and lens compatibility.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI16y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Is it normal for one Soligor Pentax AF extension tube to have a different A-contact pin?
How do I choose macro rail step size for focus stacking?
How do I photograph a diamond ring clearly with Kenko extension tubes?
Will Canon EF/EF-S extension tubes work on a Canon EOS 700D with a Sigma 18-250mm lens?
How much magnification and light loss do extension tubes add on a Nikon 60mm Micro lens?