Which lens for extension tubes?

[rasputin]

I've ordered a set of Kenko extension tubes. Thing is, my two "quality" lenses probably aren't suitable - Canon 70-200mm f4L and Canon 85mm f/1.8. Both have minimum focus distance of about a metre, so even with tubes might struggle.

Then there's the Sigma 18-50mm, seems to be decent quality but is 50mm too short? If I'm shooting insects I don't want my lens to be touching them!

So is there something cheap I could get on eBay that would work well? I have some decent manual lenses for macro already, but auto aperture is a must for me when doing macro...



ETA: I would like 1:1

Edited by rasputin on Saturday 17th July 21:01

[SamHH]

Try using this to see if any of your current lenses will do:

http://www.mystd.de/album/calculator/

[RobDickinson]

The kenko tubes I've used dont work with ef-s lenses, luckily only canon make ef-s lenses, so my 17-55f2.8 wont mount....

I've used the 50mmf1.8 wiht kenko tubes and and heres the results:

http://zarphag.com/index.php?option=com_content&am...

With all 3 tubes you het 1.2:1 magnification, a touch over 1:1

[dibbly dobbler]

Can I butt in here briefly chaps - if one buys tubes with no aperture adjustment what aperture does the lens use ? I rashly stuck a bid in on some cheapo ones on eBay. Only a few quid but I maybe should have looked a bit more thoroughly into it

[RobDickinson]

dibbly dobbler said:

Can I butt in here briefly chaps - if one buys tubes with no aperture adjustment what aperture does the lens use ? I rashly stuck a bid in on some cheapo ones on eBay. Only a few quid but I maybe should have looked a bit more thoroughly into it

On canon EF the lens will be shooting wide open, but you can 'hack' the aperture by mounting the lens normaly, selecting the right aperture, pressing DOF preview and then whilst holding DOF preview, unmount the lens.

This is a pig though as you get a very dim viewfinder.

Better to find a manual lens and addaptor.

[dibbly dobbler]

RobDickinson said:

dibbly dobbler said:

Can I butt in here briefly chaps - if one buys tubes with no aperture adjustment what aperture does the lens use ? I rashly stuck a bid in on some cheapo ones on eBay. Only a few quid but I maybe should have looked a bit more thoroughly into it

On canon EF the lens will be shooting wide open, but you can 'hack' the aperture by mounting the lens normaly, selecting the right aperture, pressing DOF preview and then whilst holding DOF preview, unmount the lens.

This is a pig though as you get a very dim viewfinder.

Better to find a manual lens and addaptor.

Thanks Rob I will probably end up getting 'proper' Kenko tubes at some point but at least these things I have bid on were cheap!

[rasputin]

SamHH said:

Try using this to see if any of your current lenses will do:

http://www.mystd.de/album/calculator/

Thanks for that. Looks like the 85mm with all three tubes should do 1:1