Extension Tubes - Full Disclosure

[Loupey]

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.