Anyone Use These Extension Tubes?

Haldir

Haldir

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I'm thinking of these to use with a Nikon D7000 and a 50mm F1.8D, I know nothing about extension tubes but would love to learn more about macro photography.
These are quite a bit more than the ones I have been looking at, and I appreciated you can pay a lot more. Are these Meike ones OK or are the Kenko ones worth the
price tag? As always, any advice is much appreciated:giggle:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Meike-Au...er&brand=Meike&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851
 
I think they are just a "generic" set of Chinese extension tubes, which are sold under many different brand names.
I have a set of tubes for my Canon that look very similar and were sold (on eBay) under the brand name "Weihe" although I think I paid nearer £15 for mine.
I notice there are items that look identical to mine on eBay for which they are asking £60, so it could pay to shop around.
Since there are no optical parts in an extension tube, all you really need to worry about is that the electronic contacts work (which mine do).
It depends on how much you are going to use them if you want to spend more on a set, since the more expensive ones are probably better made.
I'm only an occasional macro user, and I didn't know the best size of tube to use, so by buying a set of three you can experiment with different spacing.
Perhaps if I decide to do a lot of macro work and find I use one size most often, I might decide to invest in a manufacturer item, but the Canon ones are mighty expensive and these Chinese knock offs are fine for now.
 
Brian G said:
I think they are just a "generic" set of Chinese extension tubes, which are sold under many different brand names.
I have a set of tubes for my Canon that look very similar and were sold (on eBay) under the brand name "Weihe" although I think I paid nearer £15 for mine.
I notice there are items that look identical to mine on eBay for which they are asking £60, so it could pay to shop around.
Since there are no optical parts in an extension tube, all you really need to worry about is that the electronic contacts work (which mine do).
It depends on how much you are going to use them if you want to spend more on a set, since the more expensive ones are probably better made.
I'm only an occasional macro user, and I didn't know the best size of tube to use, so by buying a set of three you can experiment with different spacing.
Perhaps if I decide to do a lot of macro work and find I use one size most often, I might decide to invest in a manufacturer item, but the Canon ones are mighty expensive and these Chinese knock offs are fine for now.
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Appreciated Brian...£15.00 was a good price, I came across one set for the same price which were just metal tubes, no contacts in sight.
I got the impression looking on Amazon, Canon users had more choice and better prices...
 
I noticed quite a few extension tube sets on ebay,(including the one I linked to), are supplied from China, so they may take a little time to arrive.
Thinking about it, I think mine came from those parts too.

Are there any second-hand examples available?
 
They are the exact same tubes I started using a few months back.
Metal connections.
Cheap, cheerful and they do the job.
 
Brian G said:
I noticed quite a few extension tube sets on ebay,(including the one I linked to), are supplied from China, so they may take a little time to arrive.
Thinking about it, I think mine came from those parts too.

Are there any second-hand examples available?
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I'm to avoid ordering from China but there is more choice or at least better prices. I was drooling over the Nikon PB-6 Bellows last night, always wanted them even though I
wouldn't have used them much at the time. They just look like a piece of quality gear...I've searched a few of shops, online and high street for used, nothing for Nikon
that I came across...
 
DinkyDarwin said:
They are the exact same tubes I started using a few months back.
Metal connections.
Cheap, cheerful and they do the job.
Click to expand...

That's good know Keith. Does the built quality seem that they may last a while?
 
I had a set of this type for a little while. Mount always seemed a little tight and the metal a little soft. Made me nervous that they'd 'break in' by shaving off little fragments, but once mounted, they worked fine.

Not too long after I bought them, I lucked into a used bundle of photo gear that included a set of Kenko extension tubes. Night and day. Materials are better. Machining is better. Functionality is the same but the Kenko is a much better product. The cheap ones were cheap enough that I had no problem throwing them into the charity box.
 
Haldir said:
That's good know Keith. Does the built quality seem that they may last a while?
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Yes, they are solid enough.
Easy to put together and take apart.
For the price they are very good
 
I've had a few sets of macro tubes, 2 ring sets and 3 - I did have a bad experience with some no-brand ones [a 3 set like posted here but not Meike] one got stuck on a 50mm lens I was using and I had to use a pliers to jimmy it off - not pleasant but the lens was ok. Later I got a Meike double set [10mm and 16mm] and they were much better quality, AF worked decently too - they were all metal and clicked into position as good as any lens.

Something like these here, though this set is 10mm and 18mm: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meike-MK-Z...cro+AF+tubes+for+nikon&qid=1587747940&sr=8-10
 
I am interested too in the Meike make for Nikon D810. Question if I may, is there much point in getting a set as I already have a Tamron AF 90mm Macro 1:1 ratio lens
 
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Really appreciate the help Ken, Kenneth and Keith:giggle: So the quality isn't too bad and they do the job nicely, but there's a greater chance of getting a Pig in Poke
compared to buying Kenko. Sounds about right for the price doesn't it!
 
I use a Sigma 105mm macro lens and have tried the extensions on it but tend not to so much but you can certainly get much closer with them.
They are really good to use with a 50mm prime lens.
 
Haldir said:
Really appreciate the help Ken, Kenneth and Keith:giggle: So the quality isn't too bad and they do the job nicely, but there's a greater chance of getting a Pig in Poke
compared to buying Kenko. Sounds about right for the price doesn't it!
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They are good for the price.
 
realspeed said:
I am interested too in the Meike make for Nikon D810. Question if I may, is there much point in getting a set as I already have a Tamron AF 90mm Macro 1:1 ratio lens
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You can attach them to a macro lens for greater magnification too, working distance will be significantly reduced though. But if you just fancy another macro option with less magnification to use with your other lenses, the set I linked above is decent, they will work best on lenses between 24 - 60mm beyond that they'll not offer much close up advantage [for standard lenses at least] , better off with something like a Raynox - a very nice option for longer lenses they are, I've had a few of the 250 version
 
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DinkyDarwin said:
I use a Sigma 105mm macro lens and have tried the extensions on it but tend not to so much but you can certainly get much closer with them.
They are really good to use with a 50mm prime lens.
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Could you use them with a macro lens without moving closer but still fill the frame with the subject, thus giving yourself more distance between lens and subject without affecting the light?
I hope that sounded right!
 
Haldir said:
Could you use them with a macro lens without moving closer but still fill the frame with the subject, thus giving yourself more distance between lens and subject without affecting the light?
I hope that sounded right!
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Adding a macro extension to a macro lens will reduce the working distance by quite a bit, you will be in very close to the subject
 
Thank you Keith that is what I was thinking ,I do have other lenses of course, Suppose it is a case of how often would I use them as over many years never bothered. My decision
 
Haldir said:
Could you use them with a macro lens without moving closer but still fill the frame with the subject, thus giving yourself more distance between lens and subject without affecting the light?
I hope that sounded right!
Click to expand...
Adding an extension tube reduces the minimum focusing distance. That's what you're after. You're looking to get close. But it also reduces the maximum focusing distance. You can't get any farther away than that.

You're probably better off using a short tele lens - say a 100-150mm - that will allow you some room to work.
 
Cagey75 said:
Adding a macro extension to a macro lens will reduce the working distance by quite a bit, you will be in very close to the subject
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Of course, there's no glass so they don't magnify...Sorry Keith, I made a curry tonight and put too much Cayenne Pepper in it :giggle:
 
Haldir said:
Of course, there's no glass so they don't magnify...Sorry Keith, I made a curry tonight and put too much Cayenne Pepper in it :giggle:
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Yeah they are literally spacer that shift the CFD of a lens, not having glass though means they do not affect IQ which is good.

Mmmmm, curry ... :D [actually made home made burgers this eve myself with my usual sprinkle of Turmeric and Cumin in the mix]
 
drsilver said:
Adding an extension tube reduces the minimum focusing distance. That's what you're after. You're looking to get close. But it also reduces the maximum focusing distance. You can't get any farther away than that.

You're probably better off using a short tele lens - say a 100-150mm - that will allow you some room to work.
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That makes sense Ken:giggle:
 
Cagey75 said:
Yeah they are literally spacer that shift the CFD of a lens, not having glass though means they do not affect IQ which is good.

Mmmmm, curry ... :D [actually made home made burgers this eve myself with my usual sprinkle of Turmeric and Cumin in the mix]
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I've been wanting to have a crack at burgers for a while, but they'd have to be Vegan...I made some Vegan Snaki Pies last week for our lass using meatless meatballs, thinking
I might use them but add a few flavourings:giggle:

Meat Veg Vegan Snaki Pie.jpg
 
Haldir said:
I've been wanting to have a crack at burgers for a while, but they'd have to be Vegan...I made some Vegan Snaki Pies last week for our lass using meatless meatballs, thinking
I might use them but add a few flavourings:giggle:

View attachment 276402
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I like my meat way too much! I am on Keto though, so I love high fat foods :D They look decent, I'd try them just to see how close to actual meat tasting they are
 
Cagey75 said:
I like my meat way too much! I am on Keto though, so I love high fat foods :D They look decent, I'd try them just to see how close to actual meat tasting they are
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I did too although I probably eat more fish. Our daughter was Vegetarian and I just got a little tired of cooking different meals, so for two weeks I decided to try something
we all could eat. By chance, all the different recipes I cooked were Vegan. During those two weeks it was the first time in many years our lass didn't get heartburn/indigestion
after a meal. Turns out she has a mild problem with dairy products. Not only that, but she said that whilst she still felt tired after work, she hadn't felt completely knackered.
That was it. Our lass went Vegan overnight, so instead of me cooking something different for myself with meat or fish, I only cook Vegan...

Here's another pie, Beetroot, Broccoli and Walnut mixed with a little bechamel sauce, might sound a little strange, but very very tasty :giggle:...

Snacky Pie Broccoli Beetroot Walnut.jpg
 
Like all things, whatever works, just works :) I mean I could eat that .... but I'd want some bacon on side :LOL:
 
Cagey75 said:
Like all things, whatever works, just works :) I mean I could eat that .... but I'd want some bacon on side :LOL:
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Don't, I've not had real bacon for years and still get a taste for it...There's one in Morrison's called "Cheatin Bacon", that's just about the best none bacon product
I've tried:giggle:
 
Haldir said:
Don't, I've not had real bacon for years and still get a taste for it...There's one in Morrison's called "Cheatin Bacon", that's just about the best none bacon product
I've tried:giggle:
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It will forever haunt you!! I bet you smell it even when it's not being cooked within a mile :D If there is such a replacement [FAKE!!] that's cool though, at least you can pretend :D
 
Cagey75 said:
It will forever haunt you!! I bet you smell it even when it's not being cooked within a mile :D If there is such a replacement [FAKE!!] that's cool though, at least you can pretend :D
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I'll tell what's funny, although it's more like torture...I cook my little boys food, he's a 12 year old Kings Charles Spaniel:giggle: I buy minced beef, 5% fat, fry it in a little oil with garlic powder, carrots, peas and brown rice. I stand there looking at it and all I can think is, this would go down a treat in a nice flaky pastry....
 
Haldir said:
I'll tell what's funny, although it's more like torture...I cook my little boys food, he's a 12 year old Kings Charles Spaniel:giggle: I buy minced beef, 5% fat, fry it in a little oil with garlic powder, carrots, peas and brown rice. I stand there looking at it and all I can think is, this would go down a treat in a nice flaky pastry....
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:ROFLMAO:

I know we're well off your original topic here, but my burgers were made earlier with 5% steak mince too [I usually opt for the higher fat 18% when it's just for me] - just a dash of turmeric, cumin, garlic + onion powder and I slapped an OXO cube in there too, my little tip - it really brings out the beefiness - they went down a treat too. Last time I made them with my 18% fat mince and the kids couldn't finish them, this time they mopped them up. Kaiser buns, slice of Gouda cheese, dollop of mayo and ketchup - done! :)
 
Haldir said:
Only by a little though, and I included images of food to keep within the spirit of the forum:giggle:
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Hey, trust me I'm the last one to call the forum police ;) just jestin'
 
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I use the Meike extension tubes on my Sony A9 and A6000 with the Sony 90mm Macro lens. They are the 16mm and 10mm ones and were a Secret Santa present so I don't know how much they cost . There is is tiny amount of rotational play on the the body mount but I can't evaluate the effect this has on IQ. Although I'm mostly using manual focus and stacking the AF when using these tubes is very good.

As a brand I'm happy with Meike but there is so much rebranding going on at this level of the market you can never be really sure who made what!
 
footman said:
I use the Meike extension tubes on my Sony A9 and A6000 with the Sony 90mm Macro lens. They are the 16mm and 10mm ones and were a Secret Santa present so I don't know how much they cost . There is is tiny amount of rotational play on the the body mount but I can't evaluate the effect this has on IQ. Although I'm mostly using manual focus and stacking the AF when using these tubes is very good.

As a brand I'm happy with Meike but there is so much rebranding going on at this level of the market you can never be really sure who made what!
Click to expand...

I saw the image of your "Fly on a Leaf" Laurence and thought was quite an impressive close up. So you had the Meike tubes attached for that one?
 
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