The Right Extension Tubes for You
Introduction
Extension tubes are a handy tool for any photographer looking to add a bit of versatility to their lens collection. They allow you to decrease the minimum focusing distance of your lens, which can be particularly useful for capturing close-up shots of small objects or for creating a shallow depth of field. In this article, we will go over some of the key factors to consider when choosing extension tubes for your photography needs.
Compatibility
One of the first things to consider when choosing extension tubes is whether they will be compatible with your existing lenses. Extension tubes are typically designed to fit between the lens and the camera body, so they need to have the same mounting system as your lenses. This means that if you have a lens with a Canon EF mount, for example, you will need to choose an extension tube with a Canon EF mount as well.
Construction
Another important factor to consider when choosing extension tubes is the construction of the tubes themselves. Extension tubes are typically made from metal or high-quality plastics, and the materials used can affect the overall weight and durability of the tubes. In general, metal tubes are more durable and can withstand heavier use, but they can also be heavier and more expensive. Plastic tubes are typically lighter and more affordable, but they may not be as durable.
Focusing and Aperture Control
One of the key benefits of using extension tubes is that they allow you to control the focusing and aperture of your lens. This is because extension tubes do not contain any optics, so they do not affect the quality of the image in any way. However, not all extension tubes offer the same level of control. Some tubes have electronic contacts that allow you to adjust the aperture and focus of your lens directly from the camera body, while others do not.
Length and Magnification
The length of the extension tubes you choose can also affect the level of magnification you are able to achieve. In general, longer extension tubes will provide greater magnification, but they can also make it more difficult to focus on your subject. Shorter extension tubes, on the other hand, will provide less magnification but will be easier to use. It is important to consider the type of photography you plan to do and choose extension tubes that will provide the right level of magnification for your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right extension tubes for your photography needs can be a bit of a challenge. However, by considering factors such as compatibility, construction, focusing and aperture control, length, and magnification, you can find the perfect extension tubes for your lens collection. With the right extension tubes, you can open up a world of new photography opportunities and take your photography to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does an extension tube do?
An extension tube increases the distance between the lens and the camera sensor, allowing the lens to focus closer and achieve higher magnification for close-up photography. This means you can use almost any lens for close-up shots, with the working distance increasing as the focal length of the lens gets longer.
2. What is the difference between extension tube and extender?
Extension tubes and extenders are different. Extension tubes are hollow tubes that increase the distance between the lens and the sensor, while extenders increase the focal length of the lens. Extension tubes have no glass elements, while extenders do.
3. Are extension tubes worth it?
Extension tubes are worth considering as they provide a cost-effective way to achieve higher magnification ratios. They are usually sold in sets of three with different lengths and are much more affordable than buying a new lens. Since they are hollow plastic tubes, they are not expensive but can deliver impressive results.
4. Do extension tubes reduce image quality?
Extension tubes do not have optical elements and, therefore, do not affect image quality. They only make the minimum focus distance shorter, allowing you to get closer to the subject and achieve higher magnification. So, using extension tubes can actually improve the magnification factor without compromising image quality.
5. Are extension tubes better than close-up filters?
Extension tubes have advantages over close-up filters. Extension tubes provide high-quality images across the entire frame without the need to stop down the aperture. However, they do reduce the actual aperture ratio, making the system slightly darker. Close-up filters, on the other hand, can provide higher magnification when used with longer focal length lenses.
6. Do extension tubes affect exposure?
Extension tubes do not affect the optical quality of a lens since they do not have optics. However, they can have other effects such as a decrease in light, shallower depth of field, and loss of ability to focus at infinity.
7. Which is better close-up filters vs extension tubes?
Close-up filters can provide higher magnification, especially when used with longer focal length lenses. For example, a 200mm lens with a close-up filter can achieve a higher magnification than with an extension tube. However, extension tubes offer better image quality across the entire frame without the need to stop down the aperture.
Editor's Notes
During our extension tube research, we found 16 extension tube products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 37,268 customer reviews through our big data system to write the extension tubes list. We found that most customers choose extension tubes with an average price of $30.54.
The extension tubes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of extension tubes, including JJC, mcoplus, Fotodiox, Tbest, Meike. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 788 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.
