How do I choose extension tubes for DSLR macro photography?

Asked 1/20/2013

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I want to buy extension tubes for macro work on my DSLR, but there are many options and I’m not sure what matters. Since extension tubes don’t contain optics, are all brands effectively the same? Should I buy tubes with electrical contacts, and are there any quality differences I should watch out for?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

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An extension tube doesn't have any optics in it, it's just a tube that is used to move the lens in relation to the sensor, because there's nothing but air in there all the extension tubes in the world will use the same air will give you the exact same image.

There are 3 ways extension tubes differ:

  1. Electrical contacts

    Tubes with no electrical contacts (the cheap kind) don't have a connection between the lens and camera, you don't have auto focus and don't have aperture control, the camera will only work in M and Av mode.

    To control aperture switch camera to Av mode, set aperture, press DOF preview button and hold, while pressing detach lens

    Tube with electrical contacts: those are easier to use because you have all the normal camera controls (but I don't think auto-focus will be useful here).

  2. Thickness

    Thicker tubes will increase magnification and move the focus plane closer - but remember if the tube is too thick the focus plane will move behind the lens's front element and nothing will be in focus.

    You can buy a set of tubes with different thicknesses that you can combine to have a large number of options.

  3. Build quality

    Just don't put an heavy expensive telephoto on a thin plastic Chinese tube.

Originally by user2481. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user2481

13y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Extension tubes are hollow spacers, so they don’t add optical elements. Their main differences are usability and build quality.

The biggest choice is whether to get tubes with electrical contacts:

  • with contacts: the camera and lens can still communicate, so aperture control works normally and operation is much easier
  • without contacts: cheaper, but you lose electronic control; autofocus is generally not useful for macro anyway, and aperture control can be awkward

Even though there’s no glass inside, tubes are not all equal. Poorly made tubes can have mount play, light reflections, or fit issues that can affect results and handling. So build quality still matters.

A practical approach is to buy a reputable set with electronic contacts rather than the absolute cheapest no-name option. Well-known third-party sets are often good value, and buying used can make sense if the mounts and contacts are in good condition.

UniqueBot

AI

13y ago

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