As I mentioned in my last blog, I’ve been been experimenting with macro photography. I haven’t yet taken the plunge to buy a macro lens but I have found a lesser cost alternative: extension tubes.
Ordinary lenses can normally focus to infinity, but when you pair a lens and an extension tube, the maximum focusing distance becomes limited. The extension tube enables you to get in closer to a subject but also limits how far a subject can be from the lens. Of course, when you move the camera closer, the magnification increases and it’s possible to get enhanced detail from being very close.
Here’s what they look like. They’re simply hollow tubes that fit between the camera and the lens. They work with most lenses and they’re an inexpensive entree to macro photography.
I did some testing with the extension tubes I purchased recently, using some roses (made of wood!) as a subject. Here’s one of the pictures, taken from a distance of 3″ (7.62 cm). The lens I used, a 24-70mm zoom lens has a minimum focus distance of 1.25′ (38 cm) without the tubes.
As you can see, I’ve been able to capture very good detail. You’ll also observe that the depth of field is very shallow, something that has to be managed to ensure the subject (or part of a subject) that you want is in focus.
If you’re interested in macro photography, extension tubes are a good way to get started.