Macro...

[danfell555]

I'd like to be able to do some macro work, but I'm not sure of the best way to go about it. The most popular starting option seems to be using extension tubes, but i have no idea what they are or what they do... Could somebody explain please?

 

[Uneducated_Rick]

An extension tube moves the lens further away from the camera body. In terms of physics and light this means that the projected image (coming out of the back of the lens onto the sensor) is bigger when it hits the sensor.

However there are some issues with extension tubes; some don't allow you to autofocus, some don't allow you step down the apperture and none will allow you to focus to infinity (so if you have one attached you can't then look up and take a photo of something else that's much further away without removing the tube)

This is my understanding of them, I don't know if it is 100% accurate

 

[animal168]

a good investment imho i use mine with my 50mm (nifty fifty) and my 105mm macro seems to always have a 36mm tube on it these days
autofocus is not critical as macro work is usually manual focus
also have a google for the raynox dcr-250, very good and inexpensive starter for macro

 

[2Thumbs]

also have a google for the raynox dcr-250, very good and inexpensive starter for macro

I agree with this.

I have one, and considering the price it gives awesome results.

Here's something I took (Saltrock leather wallet) with the DCR-250 attached to a 18-55mm IS lens. The logo's slightly smaller than a 5p coin.

100% Crop.

 

[jgs001]

I'd suggest the Raynox also. You can really get in close with it and a telephoto (I use mine on the 55-250), yet maintain full control of the lens and AF confirm.