What extension tubes do.

[Poseidon]

Not a single tentacle, but a pretty close shot of an astrina star:

Not bad for hand held huh?

 

[dfstan]

is diopter equivalent to close up lens? e.g. canon 500D ?

 

[Poseidon]

Yup, Diopter is a 2 dollar word for "close up lens".

 

[JuniorMC8704]

AND HERES WHAT A MACRO CAN DO =)

 

[Poseidon]

Hey, NO FAIR!!!! ;) That is MUCH SHARPER, but that is what your lens is designed for! So.... That makes the comparison even more valid, tubes+diopter DO NOT equal a Macro lens, PERIOD.

 

[JuniorMC8704]

:horse:

I thought it would make a good comparison of the difference. I'm not even going think about getting into a photo battle with you. That would just be a straight up whoopin!

 

[Poseidon]

LOL!

I bet it would be better then you vs Skyhigh though! ;)

 

[JuniorMC8704]

well yeah...i wouldnt poke myself in the eye to get out of the punishment...:hammer:

 

[gnoles]

I have a Canon 1D with the macro tubes, the 500D and a good tripod, the only question I have is... that tripod head... what kind, how much and where from!

 

[gparr]

Your best choice is a ball head with a quick-release camera mount. In addition to the ball, I like models that have a second lever so you can rotate the head. The head also needs to be able to handle the heaviest camera/lens combination. I use Manfrotto heads, but there are several other options. In looking for the link to the heads I use, I learned they've been discontinued. :(

There must be a good professional photographer store (Calumet?) in the Cleveland area. Go there and test the heads they have on display to get one with controls you like. Don't spend less than $100.
Gary

 

[TANKSALOT]

Just picked up a used Nikon D70s body, a new Tamron AF28-200 F/3.8-5.6 lens and I have ordered a Nikon Micro-Nikkor 60mm F/2.8 lens.

I have a tri-pod and look forward to trying all of the different setting options to get the best PIC's that I can.

I am also going to build a camera box to get closer to the corals from the surface rather than through the glass.

TANKSALOT
aka - Steve

 

[DML08]

Great thread..

 

[TANKSALOT]

How much of a difference is there in the extension tubes that thread together and the ones that all have the actual camera mount on each one?

It does appear that the ones that thread together are plastic. Not sure how that woulf effect the quality either.

TANKSALOT

 

[The Dro]

I'm not sure if anyone else has mentioned this yet, but have you guys tried using a reverse lense mount? I purchased one for a couple bucks off ebay and it allows you to put your lens on backwards. You can then capture really great macro shots but the depth of field is affected and a zoom lens will end up working as a prime lens does where you have to move the whole camera back and forward in order to make sure you get the right zoom and focus on your subject.

 

[Laser]

I have a Nikon D80 and looking to get extension tubes and new lenses. My tank is 1000 gallons and 4 feet deep. What would be the best lens to capture shots through the glass at that distance?

 

[Poseidon]

For that long of a distance, you don't want tubes. I would go with a longer focal length, like the 180mm Macro.

 

[Sabres429]

I wish I could take pictures like this!

 

[khonoi]

nice

 

[nitro]

I hear you, I always wanted to take awesome pictures like these guys. I think it is fantastic, and I will try it someday. These threads are a great way to stay close to the action.
Nitro

 

[The Bearden Pack]

I should try my 600 mm with a 2x and an extension tube. That would be interesting.