Using extension tubes: an affordable alternative for macro photography

One thing compact cameras have over a DSLR kit is the ability to focus at incredibly short distances. My first digital camera, a no name Chinese import could do that at less than 2 inches (5cm). Even the super zooms have slightly better performance in that respect, than the entry level lenses from the major manufacturers.

Some of the mid level kit lenses such as Canon EF-S 17-85mm or Nikon 18-105mm claim some sort of macro ability, although technically it’s just a combination of reduced focusing distance and zoom.

For most photography enthusiasts that switch over from compact cameras, buying a professional macro lens along with the kit lens is not an option. This is usually because of the rather high prices these specialized lenses sport, coupled with the fixed focal length and limited usage. Even the cheapest such lens sells for at least 250$ if you’re in the States and almost double if you’re buying in Europe. At the same time, a decent macro lens will usually exceed 500$. There’s a clear psychological impact on the amateur photographer going from a 10x zoom to a single focal length. At this stage, flexibility seems to overtake image quality.

Low priced macro photography tools

There are indeed several choices, some more affordable than others which will allow you to shoot in macro with your newly purchased DSLR camera. You could go for adding close-up lenses, but just like any open lens they are prone to breaking, scratching or any other type of accident. At the same time, you’ll probably need to use more than one to achieve a good enough magnification, case in which the image quality will most definitely be seriously degraded. Take into account that most kit lenses are not really stellar on their own, and you’re probably not use this option very often.

On the other hand you could use a bellows, which pretty much allows you to vary the distance between the lens and the camera, gradually lowering the minimum focus distance. Besides being rather clunky and a bit large, they don’t have any circuitry. That’s why your camera won’t auto focus (not that you’ll use that a lot in macro photography), you’ll have to set the aperture manually (which Canon lenses won’t really allow) and you’ll have incomplete EXIF information written to the file.

The overall compromise between the two options mentioned above is using extension tubes, for the specific mount of your camera. You should however know that in order to use them you’ll need a lens with a focal length equal or over 50mm. If you’re using either Canon or Nikon than you’ll probably be tempted to shed an extra buck and buy that really cheap (under 100$) prime 50mm lens, each of these two have in their line-up. Both have incredibly good optics for the price so it’s an investment you should definitely look into.

As far as the tubes are concerned again it’s all about choices. Both Canon and Nikon have their own sets of tubes thing which clearly reflects on the price tag. But since, these are simply hollow tubes with some electric contacts on each end, you’re better off with a Kenko set, which goes for almost half of what you’ll pay for the other two brands.

Getting back to the prime lens issue, why would you want to buy an extra lens besides the great price/performance ratio? First of all, using these tubes means you lose at least a couple of stops meaning that if you start around f/5 you’ll end up around f/8 which will work fine given you have plenty of light, but otherwise require the use of a tripod or raising the ISO number. Also, most of the cameras are set to auto focus only for lenses faster than f/5.6.  So for under 250$ you could get yourself both a good portrait lens for everyday use and an impromptu macro system, giving you a whole new perspective and endless possibilities.