Extension Tubes - Full Disclosure

[slayer7124]

Can you leave the extensions tubes on for a non macro photo? Like say a picture of a landscape?

[Loupey]

Can you leave the extensions tubes on for a non macro photo? Like say a picture of a landscape?

Only if you take pictures of miniatures.

As soon as you space out any lens, the focus range immediately shifts towards the close end.


Example 1: 20mm extension tube + 50mm lens: infinity = 5.2" out in front of the lens
Example 2: 20mm extension tube + 85mm lens: infinity = 15" out in front of the lens

If you notice this trend, the distance increases as the focal length of the main lens increases or if the amount of extension decreases.

And that is the only difference between using tubes and a true macro lens which can focus out to true infinity. When using tubes, you have to consider what distance range you want to be shooting your subject. Admittedly this can be a little tough if you have a highly animated subject (like a butterfly) that keeps crossing the focus range. But it just takes practice.