topic Re: Macro Extension Tube Recommendation in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Macro Extension Tube Recommendation

shele — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 14:34:30 GMT

I have a EOS RP camera with an RP 24-105 lens and an EF 75-300 lens plus an adapter. I'm in the market for a macro extension tube set and would like recommendations. [commercial link removed per forum guidelines]

Any thoughts?

Re: Macro Extension Tube Recommendation

Waddizzle — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 10:52:29 GMT

If I owned an RF mount camera, then I would not buy any more EF mount gear. The 75-300 isn't Canon's best effort.

Re: Macro Extension Tube Recommendation

jrhoffman75 — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 11:39:01 GMT

Extension tubes have no optics. Just get a set that have electrical connections. No reason to spend the dollars on the Canon version.

Re: Macro Extension Tube Recommendation

ebiggs1 — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:01:20 GMT

"No reason to spend the dollars on the Canon version."

An even better option is a true macro lens. Extension tubes come with their own set of peculiarities to work with. But if I were so inclined to buy a set it would be Canon's own brand.

Re: Macro Extension Tube Recommendation

ebiggs1 — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:09:09 GMT

"I would not buy any more EF mount gear"

Only make sense! Buy or save for a real macro lens designed for your camera. Check out the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM.

Re: Macro Extension Tube Recommendation

Waddizzle — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:40:56 GMT

@jrhoffman75 wrote:
Extension tubes have no optics. Just get a set that have electrical connections. No reason to spend the dollars on the Canon version.

AFAIK, Canon has not released a set of extensions tubes for the RF mount. If they have, B&H only has third party tubes, which just might be okay...and then again they might not.

Re: Macro Extension Tube Recommendation

shele — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 02:20:19 GMT

So today I looked at extension tubes and decided definitely NOT to purchase. But I'm debating between the canon 85 and 35. Your thoughts?

Re: Macro Extension Tube Recommendation

Lotus7 — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 07:01:53 GMT

Both are capable of producing excellent macro shots (if you define "macro" as no more than 0.5X magnification). Your expected use(s) should probably determine which one to pick. Both have comparable IS and both are exceptionally sharp.

I own the RF 85 f/2 and it's becoming one of my favorite lenses. like all longer lenses, it has less perspective distortion than a wide(r) angle lens because of the "flattening effect" of the greater working distance. The focal plane is, of course thinner at any given aperture, but for most macro shots these days focus stacking is used instead of small apertures, so that can actually be an advantage for the sharpest images.

The longer working distance also makes subject lighting much easier in most situations. I also own an EF 35mm f/2 macro which I've used on both EOS R and EOS R5 with adapter. For my applications, which are typically 3-dimensional objects like jewlery, insects and flowers, I use the 85 f/2 90% of the time. The available working distance makes it much easier to light subjects and the RF 85 f/2 is also a superb portrait lens. The 85 mm's IS on a R5 is amazing and hand held shots at 1/5 sec with a still subject are usually sharp. Alternately, the 35 is also useful as a nice landscape lens.

Since both are great at other uses beyond shooting macros, I'd suggest that you consider your other possible applications in your decision process.

Re: Macro Extension Tube Recommendation

ebiggs1 — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 13:11:18 GMT

"The focal plane is, of course thinner at any given aperture,..."

You mean, at the same distance to subject. DOF is a two part equation.

Re: Macro Extension Tube Recommendation

ebiggs1 — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 13:13:13 GMT

"But I'm debating between the canon 85 and 35. Your thoughts?"

Neither lens is a true macro but either one beats extension tubes, IMHO. Simply because a lens can focus somewhat close to a subject does not make it a macro. A true macro lens is a different lens design.

Re: Macro Extension Tube Recommendation

Waddizzle — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 16:25:49 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
"But I'm debating between the canon 85 and 35. Your thoughts?"

Neither lens is a true macro but either one beats extension tubes, IMHO. Simply because a lens can focus somewhat close to a subject does not make it a macro. A true macro lens is a different lens design.

Yes, they are. Those RF mount macro lenses with 1:2 maximum magnification. They have your different design.

Re: Macro Extension Tube Recommendation

ebiggs1 — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 17:14:33 GMT

"Yes, they are. "

No they are not. They may focus closer but a "true" macro can do 1:1 reproduction. Plus they are optimized for better optic correction than non-macro lenses that simply focus closer.

Not saying they wouldn't work for the OP and the fact nobody makes a lens like the rf 85mil does make them a tempting choice for sure.