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Macro Photography with Extension Tubes

Introduction

When moving to SLR photography from compact digital cameras it is hard to understand why there is no macro mode to choose from with a little flower icon found on cameras such as the Canon PowerShot G11. SLR lenses have a lot shorter focal range compared to most digital compacts since quality is priority there is a lens for each purpose. Macro lenses work best at macro distances (close distance) and works till infinity. Regular lenses performs at its best at regular distances and does not do macro. Most zoom lenses come with a range that they call macro but the minimum focus distance is between 0.5-0.7 meters that does not do any good at all. With these extension tubes you will loose focus ability beyond 0.5m but you will be able to focus as close as 1-2cm!

I am sure there are many other photographers out there who like to have the ability to shoot macro but does not want to invest in macro lens. Some may want to shoot macro but do not want to carry so many lenses along with them.

One simple option to solve this problem would be extension tubes. I bought the Kenko extension tubes since it comes in 12mm, 20mm, and 36mm. Kenko extension tubes are relatively cheaper to the original extension tubes of your camera manufacturer and supports AF at the same time. Since these are not telephoto extenders or close up lens there is nothing optical you have to worry about. With 3 sizes you will definitely have the focal distance you need with your camera too!

The following photos are taken with the Canon EOS 7D + EF-s 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS + 12mm Kenko Extension Tube without macro ring flash.

© 2009 Andrew Chan. All rights reserved

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