Kenko tubes - general pointers

growse

growse

growse

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I managed to pick up some Kenko extension tubes quite cheap. Been having a play with my Sigma 24-70 on them. Not bad magnification :):

macro1.jpg


I think I need some general advice to make sure I'm not doing anything wrong:

1) It seems the zoom on the lens actually doesn't zoom at all any more, it just adjusts the focus distance. This right?

2) I neeeeeeeed a macro rail thingie. Any recommendations for that + tripod? Can you buy one and attach it to any tripod?

3) I'll be investing in the 100mm f2.8 soon and a flash thereafter. I'm thinking either ringflash, or general purpose flash on a long arm firing downwards just above the front element of the lens.

I'm off to take pictures of small things :)
 
growse said:
2) I neeeeeeeed a macro rail thingie. Any recommendations for that + tripod? Can you buy one and attach it to any tripod?

3) I'll be investing in the 100mm f2.8 soon and a flash thereafter. I'm thinking either ringflash, or general purpose flash on a long arm firing downwards just above the front element of the lens.
Click to expand...

2) Why do you need a Macro rail ? Adjust focus by moving the camera backwards and forwards. A rail/tripod just gets in the way.

3) A ring flash is obviously the best way to go for Macro photography but not so good for general purpose use.
 
SDK^ said:
2) Why do you need a Macro rail ? Adjust focus by moving the camera backwards and forwards. A rail/tripod just gets in the way.

3) A ring flash is obviously the best way to go for Macro photography but not so good for general purpose use.
Click to expand...

At the moment, it's quite hard to make back/forth adjustments of the camera as it usually involves moving the entire tripod. I understand a macro rail allows the camera to be moved towards/away from the subject without moving the entire tripod. A tripod seems to be necessary as the depth of field gets down to millimeters - the normal shake of the hand is enough to put the subject in and out of focus at extreme maginification levels, so a tripod seems to be the only way.

As for the flash, I'm not sure I could stretch to having a general purpose and a ringflash as well, so I'll probably just get a flash arm and be creative :)
 
You really need to get some decent lighting. Using a tripod for Macro photography just restricts your movement, focus and composition.

Use a higher aperture number, F12 - F16 to increase depth of field. This of course decreases light to the sensor which is why you need a flash or lamps :)
 
Here was my attempt with el cheapo tubes!

extension%20tube.jpg


With 18-55 on board flash and held very still.
Was quite happy with this one.

Andy
 
SDK^ said:
You really need to get some decent lighting. Using a tripod for Macro photography just restricts your movement, focus and composition.

Use a higher aperture number, F12 - F16 to increase depth of field. This of course decreases light to the sensor which is why you need a flash or lamps :)
Click to expand...

This seems sensible. When I get back, I might build a cardboard studio thingie. For lighting, I think I've got some stage lanterns (birdies) that should suffice until I can afford a flash :)
 
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