Fuji macro extension tubes - MCEX-11 or MCEX-16?

nixda wrote:

georgehudetz wrote:

I'm starting to experiment with the 11. FWIW, it seems that the 18-55, @55mm, mounted on the MCEX-11 gives only slightly less magnification than the 60/2.4 (note that this is not true of the 56 - it's MFD is such that it cannot achieve that level of magnification). So, I'm going to give that combo a try at a botanical garden in Puerto Vallarta next week, with the logic that the OIS will make hand-held shots easier. Not sure how that will turn out, and I know the 18-55 isn't as sharp as the 60, particularly at 55mm, but I'm not looking to crop or print large so I'm hoping the results will be acceptable.

The 18-55mm lens has a maximum aperture of 4.0 at 55mm. It's MFD is 219mm (sensor to subject) with the MCEX-11. This gives a DoF of 2mm. If you intend to get that close, you will need a very, very steady hand to focus and shoot. I would recommend a tripod.

I just ordered the same tube and was very close to getting a dedicated macro rail along with it. But I need to do some research first. I have plenty of rails to play around with. We'll see.

Here are a few shots with the 18-55/MCEX-11 combo, hand-held. Shot at F8 (no need to shoot wide-open when you have OIS working for you). I'm pretty happy with the results. No doubt the 60 would do better if mounted on a tripod, but the 18-55+MCEX-11 makes for a pretty nice combination in scenarios where you don't want to use a tripod, or simply don't want to carry an extra lens, IMO.