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Macro extension tubes advice/info?

Started 11 months ago | Questions
intothedawn Junior Member • Posts: 27
Macro extension tubes advice/info?

Hello, I am using a D5600 and looking to try some macro photography - mostly close ups of mushrooms, insects, leaves etc..

It seems that extension tubes might be the best bet to get started. I currently have a 16-85, 70-300 and a 50 1.8/g - I assume the 50 would probably be the best for this purpose due to being a prime lens so probably less field curvature?

The most common extension tubes for my camera seem to be 12, 20 and 36mm. Roughly what would be the maximum magnification ratio this could get me to when used with the 50mm lens on the D5600?

Also are there any extension tubes you would recommend? There's quite a few to choose from!

ANSWER:
Nikon D5600
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AeroPhotographer Regular Member • Posts: 462
Re: Macro extension tubes advice/info?
1

I have no experience with your camera, but I use extension tubes with telephoto lenses to photograph bees. I posted this:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4610948

Telephoto Lenses for Bee Photography

I have found that an extension tube of about 10% of the focal length of the lens allows autofocus.  Longer tubes tend to reduce ability to autofocus.

I have also found that a tube of this length will approximately double the maximum magnification of the lens.  For example from 0.18 without a tube to 0.36 when using the tube.

I crop heavily, saving about 15% out of the center of the image.  That leaves a decent number of pixels for posting online or emailing.  And it's also quite ok for printing.

Best,

Alan

BBbuilder467 Veteran Member • Posts: 7,057
Re: Macro extension tubes advice/info?
2

intothedawn wrote:

Hello, I am using a D5600 and looking to try some macro photography - mostly close ups of mushrooms, insects, leaves etc..

It seems that extension tubes might be the best bet to get started. I currently have a 16-85, 70-300 and a 50 1.8/g - I assume the 50 would probably be the best for this purpose due to being a prime lens so probably less field curvature?

The most common extension tubes for my camera seem to be 12, 20 and 36mm. Roughly what would be the maximum magnification ratio this could get me to when used with the 50mm lens on the D5600?

Also are there any extension tubes you would recommend? There's quite a few to choose from!

It's easier to understand the logic using a 50mm prime with extension tubes. Divide the tube length by the focal length and that's the magnification at "infinity".

If you use the 12mm + 36mm tubes that's 48mm divided by 50mm, so you get .96x at infinity. 20mm/50mm= 0.4x.  Then you can add the magnification at minimum focus to get the maximum magnification possible.

When you divide the dimensions of the sensor by the magnification, you know exactly what to expect.

The focal length varies with the zoom lens, so it's harder to calculate, but works basically the same way.

Use the shortest tube to start and work your way up gradually and you'll get the relationship.

selected answer This post was selected as the answer by the original poster.
tripleC
tripleC Veteran Member • Posts: 4,330
Re: Macro extension tubes advice/info?
2

I have a D5500 Nikon. I use extension tubes occasionally (Meinke). and it is a good combo if you don't want to buy a more expensive dedicated Macro. Here's  a couple I just did recently, using  a Nikkor AF-S 35mm 1.8 and a 21mm extension tube. A 35mm is considered a normal lens with DX cameras, 50mm for FF cameras

 tripleC's gear list:tripleC's gear list
Nikon D5500 Nikon AF-P 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR Nikon AF-P 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G
Jalapeno Sanchez
Jalapeno Sanchez Regular Member • Posts: 156
Re: Macro extension tubes advice/info?
1

I grabbed some JJC auto-focus extension tubes that work for what they're intended for.

AeroPhotographer Regular Member • Posts: 462
Re: Macro extension tubes advice/info?
2

BBbuilder467 wrote:

intothedawn wrote:

Hello, I am using a D5600 and looking to try some macro photography - mostly close ups of mushrooms, insects, leaves etc..

It seems that extension tubes might be the best bet to get started. I currently have a 16-85, 70-300 and a 50 1.8/g - I assume the 50 would probably be the best for this purpose due to being a prime lens so probably less field curvature?

The most common extension tubes for my camera seem to be 12, 20 and 36mm. Roughly what would be the maximum magnification ratio this could get me to when used with the 50mm lens on the D5600?

Also are there any extension tubes you would recommend? There's quite a few to choose from!

It's easier to understand the logic using a 50mm prime with extension tubes. Divide the tube length by the focal length and that's the magnification at "infinity".

If you use the 12mm + 36mm tubes that's 48mm divided by 50mm, so you get .96x at infinity. 20mm/50mm= 0.4x. Then you can add the magnification at minimum focus to get the maximum magnification possible.

When you divide the dimensions of the sensor by the magnification, you know exactly what to expect.

The focal length varies with the zoom lens, so it's harder to calculate, but works basically the same way.

Use the shortest tube to start and work your way up gradually and you'll get the relationship.

Just a word to remind us that we can focus the main lens closer than infinity and achieve greater magnification.  I often focus as close as I can, and (as I mentioned in my prior answer) adding the tube approximately doubles the maximum magnification achievable with the lens alone.

Alan

c h u n k
c h u n k Senior Member • Posts: 2,042
Re: Macro extension tubes advice/info?
1

BBbuilder467 wrote:

intothedawn wrote:

Hello, I am using a D5600 and looking to try some macro photography - mostly close ups of mushrooms, insects, leaves etc..

It seems that extension tubes might be the best bet to get started. I currently have a 16-85, 70-300 and a 50 1.8/g - I assume the 50 would probably be the best for this purpose due to being a prime lens so probably less field curvature?

The most common extension tubes for my camera seem to be 12, 20 and 36mm. Roughly what would be the maximum magnification ratio this could get me to when used with the 50mm lens on the D5600?

Also are there any extension tubes you would recommend? There's quite a few to choose from!

It's easier to understand the logic using a 50mm prime with extension tubes. Divide the tube length by the focal length and that's the magnification at "infinity".

If you use the 12mm + 36mm tubes that's 48mm divided by 50mm, so you get .96x at infinity. 20mm/50mm= 0.4x. Then you can add the magnification at minimum focus to get the maximum magnification possible.

When you divide the dimensions of the sensor by the magnification, you know exactly what to expect.

The focal length varies with the zoom lens, so it's harder to calculate, but works basically the same way.

Use the shortest tube to start and work your way up gradually and you'll get the relationship.

I once did a measurement with my 50mm and a full set of tubes - think was 65mm tubes total and it gave me very close to 2:1. Think it was like 1.8:1 but cant remember for sure. The calc may be correct for infinity but the actual maximum magnification does vary by specific lens.

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Some of my photos here: https://flic.kr/ps/2i6XL3
“You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!” --Dr. Seuss

 c h u n k's gear list:c h u n k's gear list
Canon EOS 70D Canon 6D Mark II Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Tamron AF 28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) +7 more
c h u n k
c h u n k Senior Member • Posts: 2,042
Re: Macro extension tubes advice/info?
2

intothedawn wrote:

Hello, I am using a D5600 and looking to try some macro photography - mostly close ups of mushrooms, insects, leaves etc..

It seems that extension tubes might be the best bet to get started. I currently have a 16-85, 70-300 and a 50 1.8/g - I assume the 50 would probably be the best for this purpose due to being a prime lens so probably less field curvature?

The most common extension tubes for my camera seem to be 12, 20 and 36mm. Roughly what would be the maximum magnification ratio this could get me to when used with the 50mm lens on the D5600?

Also are there any extension tubes you would recommend? There's quite a few to choose from!

I cant offer advice on specifict tubes anymore. Its been a while since I bought a set. I still use them with my macro lens on occasion but prefer my achromat over tubes usually just for convenience.

I will say using tubes and a 50mm is a great way to start with macro. It kind of forces you to learn some skills just because of distance to subject and they need to manually focus.

I have attached a link to an album of mine that is almost all 50mm with tubes. I dont love these photos so much anymore, but its just because Ive gotten better at macro photography and coincidentally was also able to finally get dedicated macro lense, though the actual improvements in my shots dont have much to do with having a macro vs using a 50 and tubes. I actually planned to spend some time with my old tubes to add to this album to show I can get very close to the same quality of images as I can with my 100mmL macro. So much more has to do with lighting. Composition and, for insects, knowing your subjects and how to get photos of them. Anyway....here is the album if youre curious -

https://www.flickr.com/gp/dustinseyes/87cZ5G

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**********-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-**********
Some of my photos here: https://flic.kr/ps/2i6XL3
“You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!” --Dr. Seuss

 c h u n k's gear list:c h u n k's gear list
Canon EOS 70D Canon 6D Mark II Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Tamron AF 28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) +7 more
gardenersassistant Veteran Member • Posts: 9,656
Re: Macro extension tubes advice/info?
1

c h u n k wrote:

I have attached a link to an album of mine that is almost all 50mm with tubes. I dont love these photos so much anymore, but its just because Ive gotten better at macro photography and coincidentally was also able to finally get dedicated macro lense, though the actual improvements in my shots dont have much to do with having a macro vs using a 50 and tubes. I actually planned to spend some time with my old tubes to add to this album to show I can get very close to the same quality of images as I can with my 100mmL macro. So much more has to do with lighting. Composition and, for insects, knowing your subjects and how to get photos of them. Anyway....here is the album if youre curious -

https://www.flickr.com/gp/dustinseyes/87cZ5G

Super album. There are some real beauties in there. And very relevant to the OPs situation. Good post.

OP intothedawn Junior Member • Posts: 27
Re: Macro extension tubes advice/info?

Thanks guys, great info and samples images! Got a set of tubes on order so will give them a try later today.

I plan to shoot mostly still subjects from a tripod to begin with (plants/mushrooms etc) so I'm guessing I won't need to worry about using a flash unless there's movement or I'm shooting it handheld?

c h u n k
c h u n k Senior Member • Posts: 2,042
Re: Macro extension tubes advice/info?
1

intothedawn wrote:

Thanks guys, great info and samples images! Got a set of tubes on order so will give them a try later today.

I plan to shoot mostly still subjects from a tripod to begin with (plants/mushrooms etc) so I'm guessing I won't need to worry about using a flash unless there's movement or I'm shooting it handheld?

If you plan to shoot mostly static subjects, I guess its fine to just use a tripod. The working distance is VERY small so you may find using a tripod is more difficult than hand holding. One of the great things about using a flash is certainly how it effectively becomes shutter speed and allows hand holding, but flash is also good for lighting. I do actually prefer natural light with flowers, then give some time in post, though I see a lot of flower and especially mushroom shots using flash that are great. I suggest you first try to take some pics of stuff in the house and get a feel for how close the lens needs to be and what shutter speeds you can get away with. Focus also doesnt help much with tubes. Focus by making tiny movements towards and away from subject. Good luck! It can very quickly become addictive.

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**********-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-**********
Some of my photos here: https://flic.kr/ps/2i6XL3
“You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!” --Dr. Seuss

 c h u n k's gear list:c h u n k's gear list
Canon EOS 70D Canon 6D Mark II Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Tamron AF 28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) +7 more
BBbuilder467 Veteran Member • Posts: 7,057
Re: Macro extension tubes advice/info?
1

Use the equation for infinity, then add the magnification at minimum focus and you should have the range.

65/50= 1.3x. Add a magnification of 0.25x and you'd have a range of 1.3x to 1.55x.

If you know the native magnification, it should come out pretty close.

tripleC
tripleC Veteran Member • Posts: 4,330
Re: Macro extension tubes advice/info?

Great flicker site. Alot of  good images there.

 tripleC's gear list:tripleC's gear list
Nikon D5500 Nikon AF-P 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR Nikon AF-P 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G
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