Using extension tubes with zoom lenses This is ideal for wildlife and bird photographers who need extra magnification for their photography but without having to spend hundreds of dollars. • More photography tips: how to take pictures of anything Oct 28, 2022 · Extension tubes are an excellent choice if you want to use a prime or zoom lens, a portrait lens, or a macro lens. Extension tubes have been around for awhile, and often get a bad reputation. Attach the extension tube to your camera: Mount it like a lens. However, at the 24mm focal length, even a short tube may put the subject almost touching the lens. Extension tubes and magnification Extension tubes are most effective when used with lenses of focal lengths between 24-100mm. Below is a table showing the increase in magnification you can expect from adding extension tubes to various lenses (Of note: Using the Nikon 18-70 zoom lens with 25 or 50 mm of extension turns Feb 20, 2019 · Yes, extension tubes can be used with any lens – prime or zoom, long or wide-angle. Now, the practical upshot of this, is that your minimum focusing distance gets smaller. Extension tubes are simple hollow tubes that increase the distance between the Different zoom lenses will react differently to the effects of adding an extension tube, my best advice is to experiment with your lenses and a set of extension tubes of varying length. It’s not an optical element, so there is no glass involved. Consider your priorities in macro photography gear and experiment with different options to find the one that maximizes your potential in macro photography. This extends the physical distance between the two, allowing the camera to focus closer than your lens' minimum focus The choice between extension tubes, macro lenses, close-up filters, or zoom lenses depends on your photography needs, budget, and desired image quality. I honestly believe they DO have a place in photography, but we also have to be realistic ⚙️ How to Use Them: Step-by-Step Choose your lens: Prime lenses between 35mm and 85mm work best. You can’t use an extension tube with some wide-angle lenses as it becomes impossible to focus with it fitted. Macro extension tubes and close-up lenses are devices that add high magnification capabilities to virtually any camera lens. For best results it is advisable to purchase good quality extension tubes that have solid lens and camera body mounts and are able to auto-focus with your specific camera gear. So, with an extension tube, you can get closer to your subject and thus Dec 24, 2022 · An extension tube is a ring that is mounted between your camera and your lens. Extension tubes are an excellent entry point if you’re just getting started or want to try macro photography without a hefty investment. Zoom lenses can work too, but primes tend to deliver sharper images and easier focusing. Nov 29, 2021 · Instead of buying a macro lens, you can shoot macro photos by using a conventional lens and extension tubes. These tubes work with various lens types, including telephoto lenses and zoom lenses. Oct 21, 2025 · As strange as it may seem, macro extension tubes coupled to a telephoto lens, like the Sigma 150-600mm, can increase the magnification of the lens. A macro lens that provides the same type of low focusing distance as an extension tube is a much more expensive and dedicated piece of equipment. Feb 28, 2023 · How Extension Tubes Work An extension tube is an attachment that goes between your camera body and your lens. The key is to understand the unique capabilities of each tool and utilize them accordingly. All it does, is get the lens further away from the focal plane. Mount your lens onto the tube: Align and twist as you normally would. We will discuss how they improve macro shots, allowing photographers to capture intricate details at close range. This can give a whole new range of subject matter to your existing camera equipment. Aug 23, 2017 · Depending on the lenses you have in your kit you may find that you are able to get good results with a number of different lenses when using extension tubes. Using Extension Tubes with a Zoom Lens Although we teach this Tip during our Digital Complete Nature Photo Course, and the Advanced Course, too, not everyone takes our courses and, it seems, almost everyone else do not understand how extension tubes work with zoom lenses. To see how much magnification an extension tube will give you with . Long story short, they help create macro images without a macro lens. Here are the ins and outs. A good photography tip, and a less pricey solution, is to use an extension tubes – these fit between your camera and lens, enabling you to focus much closer with your current optic. As discussed above, however, some lenses are better suited to use with extension tubes than others. Apr 11, 2019 · Macro lenses are ideal for close-ups, but even the cheapest can cost you a couple of hundred notes. Feb 28, 2024 · Try using extension tubes to capture intricate details with a wide-angle lens or attach close-up filters to a telephoto lens for beautiful close-up shots. com Jan 31, 2025 · What are extension tubes you ask? They sit between your lens and your camera body, reducing the minimum focus distance of your lens and magnify your images. Set your camera to manual focus: While autofocus may work with May 26, 2025 · Using extension tubes with a zoom lens makes a nice variable-magnification system; the magnification will increase as the lens is zoomed from far to near. That being said, adding an extension tube to almost any lens can add magnification with good quality as long as the amount of extension is not overdone. Nov 27, 2023 · One way to achieve stunning macro photography without purchasing a dedicated macro lens is by using extension tubes. Both extension tubes and macro lenses offer unique benefits depending on your shooting style and objectives. See full list on shuttermuse. They are not so effective when used with telephoto lenses (for these, use a close-up lens). fwrq rndux vurf yzzvh ltqyl ctutpj lbflfs vtlus har vwua dhhv cuj sqla rhu ptut