Macro working distance

famas · 30 Dec 2009 at 16:38

I keep seeing people ask how close you have to be when working with extension tubes with macro work.

i did this quickly just to show the kinds of working distances with tubes and without, obviuolsy the distance will change depending on what magnification ration your lens is at and how many extension tubes you use. to make things simple i used all 3 tubes and set each lens at its most/least magnification.

lenses are the nikon 50mm 1.8 and the tokina 100mm 2.8 macro.

first is the tokina with no tubes at 1.1 magnification.

1

2the result

next is the tokina with 3 tubes at the least magnification.

3

4 the result

next is the tokina with 3 tubes at maximum magnification.

5

6 the result

now is the 50mm with 3 tubes at maximum magnification

7

8 the result

famas · 30 Dec 2009 at 16:38

next is the 50mm with 3 tubes at the least magnification

9

10 the result

last is the 50mm on its own.

11

12 the result

ScarySquirrel · 30 Dec 2009 at 16:39

Good idea Dan, but I'm getting lots of red X's.

famas · 30 Dec 2009 at 16:47

lol, should be sorted now

Derek W · 30 Dec 2009 at 16:50

is the duck of any significance or do you just use it in your bath

PaulyD · 30 Dec 2009 at 16:52

Damn my work blocking the images loading

My Sigma 105mm should be arriving tomorrow

famas · 30 Dec 2009 at 16:53

having a duck is the key to macro work, now duck off

Artest · 30 Dec 2009 at 16:56

need. to. get. a. proper. macro. lens. :eek:

TurnipHead · 30 Dec 2009 at 17:14

Thanks a lot!

robertgilbert86 · 30 Dec 2009 at 18:11

How is the Tokina 100mm? I've just been researching it a little. At the moment I'm using a 50mm f1.4 with manual tubes, the working distance is a bit tiny and the minimum aperture of f16 can be limiting.

famas · 30 Dec 2009 at 18:35

How is the Tokina 100mm?

i like it, for me the manual aperture ring and quick change manual focus ring were the winning points.

IQ wise the tokina 100mm, sigma 105mm and tamron 90mm are all the same. there all very good.
I cant comment on the other two but the tokina is very well built, it feels strong and solid, manual focus is smooth.
one thing about the sigma and tamron is that neither have a manual aperture ring, so the lens would be left wide open with manual tubes.

in the end i think it will come down to which ever make you like the best.

im planning to sell my tokina and get the nikon 105mm with some kenko tubes just because i want the best, weather i'll see a noticeable difference in IQ i dont know, but from looking at test shots from the nikon it really is sharp.

robertgilbert86 · 30 Dec 2009 at 18:37

Thanks for that, I didn't notice that the Tamron/Sigma don't have the aperture rings. I already own Tamron and Sigma lenses so maybe a Tokina would complete the brand collection

...just got to save up for Zeiss next!