Extension Tubes - Full Disclosure

**Loupey** · 03-19-2010, 07:26 PM

Even when I'm out birding with just my 500mm lens, you will always find that I have a set of tubes (and a 2x converter) somewhere on me.

When I come across a scene like this, the 500mm can be used to get low perspective angle shots at distances around 10 to 12 feet which is well inside the specified close focus distance of the lens itself. So having a set of tubes can allow you to nearly disregard the close focus specifications of supertelephotos when choosing a model to purchase.

Uncropped from the Canon 50D. The lens hood is nearly touching the surface of the water.

**Loupey** · 03-19-2010, 07:38 PM

I started this thread by demonstrating how tubes work using the 70-200mm zoom. But I seldom use zooms with tubes for several reasons:

1) there are too many factors that affect magnification and subject distance (focus, focal length, and amount of extension all have a profound effect on each other) that it is difficult to master and recreate

2) zooms do not generally have the resolving capabilities that primes do, especially when pushed by tubes

3) primes are lighter and therefore easier to tripod mount

4) primes are faster and brighter so focusing (and manual focus is always recommended) is easier to see

Still, some zooms have internal stabilization which can overcome some of these shortcomings.

Here is an uncropped shot using the Canon 10D and the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS:

**Loupey** · 03-19-2010, 07:47 PM

The moral of this long story is 1) don't let anyone try to convince you that only "macro" lenses are the "proper" choices for quality close-up / macro images, and 2) don't get trapped into seeing the world in only macro focal lengths (50mm/60mm, 90mm/100mm/105mm, and 180mm/200mm).

Difficult situations call for different tools and some creative problem solving techniques. Besides, we don't all want to take pictures like how everyone else takes pictures do we?

These final two images are slight crops from those taken with the Canon 40D and 50D, respectively, with the 500mm and a 36mm tube.

Thanks for reading. Now go out and shoot!