Extension Tubes

[r2d2]

I just purchased a set of Kenko extension tubes to use with my XSi. I don't do much macro work so a dedicated lens is really a big expense for limited use. My other passion besides photography is gardening and I like macros of flowers etc for wall art. Anyone have experience with these? I can return them up to 2 weeks. Any input would be much appreciated. Read about them in an article in Pop Photo.
Thanks Ruth:)

[Jeff Perry]

Ruth, they extension tubes will reduce the minimum focus distance of any lens that you mount them to. The closer you can get to your subject (and being able to keep it in focus), the greater the mutliplication factor.

They can be used on standard, telephoto, wide angle lenses, or even a zoom lens, and using one or more incombination will allow it to close focus and thus give you some higher magnifcation fo your subject. Each lens will react differently.

Jeff

[r2d2]

Thanks Jeff
So far I have 2 zoom lenses, Canon 18-55mm IS and 55-250mmCanonIS. Am saving for the Ultra Wide 10-22mm right now. I have deceided to hang on to the Extension Tubes and try them with these lenses. PSE Techniques mentioned them as well in the last edition which I just received. I wasn't sure they could be used on Zooms but apparently they can. Leave for a trip shortly so will play with them then. Again many thanks for your imput

[GaryK]

Ruth

I think the only thing with them is that you may lose some of the automatic features of the lens you are using. It depends on your lens.:)

[jo]

I have a set of those, too, but I seldom use them. Once in a while I decide to get reallllly close to a flower, mount the camera on a tripod, manually focus, and shoot.

But I'm a lazy photographer and the Xsi with 12 megapixels allows a decent up-close crop -- hand-held with IS and autofocus. My favorite lens is the 28-to-135 mm and I shoot flowers at 135 as close as the lens will still focus.

[lowbone]

If you mount a set of tubes on a lens set at a focal length of 50mm you will get a one to one ratio or the same ratio as a dedicated macro. The quality in the corners might not be as good but it comes close. This is a good solution if you don't want too spend the $$$ on a dedicated macro lens. The only downside is light loss when using tubes.

[r2d2]

Thanks for all the suggestions & comments folks. Will be trying all this out. Hopefully when I get to SC. it will be warmer than it is in Ontario today and I'll feel more like getting down close & personal with the flowers.