extension tubes - pros and cons of brand over non brand

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silverbirch

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#91923 23-Oct-2011 14:39

Hi Need advice please

I have a Canon 600D with twin lens kit and also 50 f/1.8. I'm looking at extension tubes to extend macro capabilities.

These on Trademe: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=416139974

and these at ebay (current exchange makes them NZ$211.78: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Kenko-Extension-Tube-Set-DG-Canon-EF-lens-H192-/300558580982?_trksid=p4340.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC.NPJS%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUA%26otn%3D5%26pmod%3D180659021654%26ps%3

There's also some cheaper ones on Trade Me:http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=416102869

From what I've read so far on various forums it's better to go for kenko or Canon "own" brand (although I haven't seen any Canon advertised here). Certainly I can't see the point of saving so little money between OEM brands going from metal to plastic connections. The question is OEM over kenko I guess.

Thanks.

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timmmay

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#536748 23-Oct-2011 16:51

Even the kenko don't seem hugely robust, so I bet the cheap ones are a bit wobbly.

Personally I got kenko, and they're good. You might be well enough off just buying a single medium tube, it depends what you're trying to do.

Dynamike

167 posts

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#536764 23-Oct-2011 18:02

Your Canon 50mm lens is only small and light, so the tubes don't have to support much weight. The cheaper metal tubes on Trade Me would probably be okay for you.

Attaching a long or heavy lens (like a telephoto) onto extension tubes creates stress on the camera mount, which is where you would require OEM or higher quality tubes.

silverbirch

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#536777 23-Oct-2011 19:12

Thanks for your input - really appreciate the time you people put into the forums for learners like me.

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Jaxson

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#537050 24-Oct-2011 22:01

There is also cheap cheap here if you are feeling brave
Just you'll probably get what you pay for and it can take quite a while to ship sometimes, (but the shipping is free).

sidkumar

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#537317 25-Oct-2011 15:17

I agree, for a light lens, cheap ones are absolutely fine as they have no optics. I have been using one which I bought ten years ago and still works great with my 50mm MkII. Go for it!!!

stevenz

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#538240 27-Oct-2011 17:15

I've got one of the super-budget DealExtreme ones currently en-route. I'll let you know if it's any good or not.

@KnightNZ

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silverbirch

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#538243 27-Oct-2011 17:23

Okay thanks - I'll wait with interest :-) Are you buying a set or one tube?

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stevenz

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#538254 27-Oct-2011 18:06

silverbirch: Okay thanks - I'll wait with interest :-) Are you buying a set or one tube?

Just a single tube, and it's for a micro-4/3 camera so probably wouldn't work for you, but should give us an idea of how usable they're going to be.

Lens shopping at the moment, wish I could justify the $1500ish prime I want...

@KnightNZ

silverbirch

275 posts

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#538301 27-Oct-2011 20:00

stevenz:

Just a single tube, and it's for a micro-4/3 camera so probably wouldn't work for you, but should give us an idea of how usable they're going to be.

Lens shopping at the moment, wish I could justify the $1500ish prime I want...

Yes - you're right. I've read quite a bit at different forums over the last week or so, mainly overseas members though with much easier access to cheaper brands. Many writers very positive about some of the non or different brands of tubes.

The array of lenses is amazing isn't it. I think there's probably always going to be one more lens (or something) with this hobby :-) !!

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timmmay

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#538342 27-Oct-2011 20:58

I use to have 6 or 7 lenses, but when I changed systems I can manage fine with just 4, professionally. Lenses, flashes, memory cards, lighting, backgrounds, radio triggers, light modifiers, workshops, there's always something to spend money on.

silverbirch

275 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#538346 27-Oct-2011 21:07

timmmay: I use to have 6 or 7 lenses, but when I changed systems I can manage fine with just 4, professionally. Lenses, flashes, memory cards, lighting, backgrounds, radio triggers, light modifiers, workshops, there's always something to spend money on.

Well - I'm very much an amateur, and noticing that .... I need to sort want from need :-) In which case I probably wouldn't have a DSLR at all! :-)

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stevenz

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#543215 9-Nov-2011 16:31

Well, the extension tube I ordered turned up, unfortunately, it's for a four-thirds or OM mount, not a micro four-thirds, so it's completely useless to me. I think I must've had a couple of tabs open and click "add to cart" on the wrong one. Bother. On the upside, at least it was only about $15ish.

In the unlikely case that anyone has an Olympus 4/3 or OM lens compatible body, then they're free to have this macro tube. Seems solidly made, has 3 sections which can unscrew for different macro levels.

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/macro-extension-tube-ring-for-olympus-om-4-3-camera-58784

@KnightNZ

silverbirch

275 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#543219 9-Nov-2011 16:37

Oh bad luck - do they take returns?

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stevenz

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#543223 9-Nov-2011 16:44

I doubt it. For what the postage would cost it's not worth it anyway. I'll just chalk it up to experience and pay more attention next time.

@KnightNZ