Extension tubes are a quick and affordable way to achieve ultra-close focusing, or macro work with your DSLR...
Kenko extension tubes set DG
Extension tubes are a quick and affordable way to achieve ultra-close focusing, or macro work with your DSLR.
As the name suggests, these are simple tubes that sit in between your lens and camera; they contain no glass optics, they simply increase the distance between the lens and the sensor, which in turn forces your lens to focus closer.
This set comes in three parts: 36mm, 20mm, and 12mm, and these can be used on their own or in any combination of the three. The longer the combined focal length of the tubes, the shorter the focal length will be.
This set is available in Nikon and Canon mounts and contains all the relevant connections to still allow autofocus and aperture control with the lens.
We tested the Canon version, which is now suitable for both EF and EF-S lenses. Using a 24-70mm on an EOS 5D the minimum focus was reduced from the standard 38cm to just a few millimetres, allowing a huge magnification at the 70mm end.
Available from www.intro2020.co.uk
Verdict
Given the extended barrel length when using the tubes you do have to accept an increased amount of light fall-off, so a tripod is a must and results aren't quite as pin sharp. But, considering the range of possibilities, and the fact that it costs less than half the price of a dedicated macro lens, this is a really useful piece of kit.