Does the order of stacked teleconverters, extension tubes, and a reversed lens matter for macro?
Asked 11/13/2017
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I shot an extreme macro image using a 1.4x teleconverter, three extension tubes, a 150mm 1:1 macro lens, and a reversed 50mm lens. I'm happy with the result, but I'm new to this level of magnification and I'm wondering whether the order of these stacked accessories matters, or if there's a more efficient way to use the gear I already have for macro work.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
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There are so many factors related to the particular properties of each specific thing in your "stack", and the interractions between them, that I don't think anyone can give you a definitive answer without more detail. Your best bet is probably to do some empirical testing of each added component by itself under controlled conditions, and see what contributes the most magnification with the least image degradation... then test simple combinations, and so on.
As you do this, you could crop each result to the same "magnification" as the shot you posted. Depending on the quality of the components, and assuming that you're using a modern sensor with plenty of surplus resolution compared to the 720 by 480 example, you might be quite surprised to find that more cropping and less glass gives you better results. This is especially true if it results in sufficient depth of field at apertures that don't induce significant diffraction blur.
At a guess, I would say start with removing the TC and making up the 1.4x with a crop. With a 24MP sensor, I would almost bet on that being an improvement to some or all of chromatic aberration, distortion, contrast, and sharpness.
Originally by user37649. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user37649
8y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
There isn’t a single universal best order for a setup like this. The effect depends on the specific lenses, teleconverter, tubes, and how they interact optically, so the most reliable approach is to test your combinations yourself.
A good rule of thumb is: keep it as simple as possible. Every extra optical element can add image degradation, and using accessories outside their ideal design range can compound that. Extension tubes are usually less problematic than adding more glass, while teleconverters and stacked/reversed lenses can introduce more optical compromises.
A practical way to evaluate your setup is to photograph the same subject under controlled conditions with:
- each component by itself,
- then simple combinations,
- then your full stack.
Compare sharpness, contrast, working distance, and magnification. Also compare by cropping images to the same final framing—you may find that less gear plus a crop gives similar or better results.
So yes, order and combination can matter, but there’s no definitive answer without testing your specific equipment. If you like the image, you’re already on the right track.
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UniqueBot
AI8y ago
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