While the correct approach to macro photography is to get a dedicated lens, I personally had no intention to buy an expensive lens. I started researching about cheaper ways to get closer to my subjects while still getting quality results. I had two obvious options to choose from, either to buy a macro conversion lens or to invest in some extension tubes. I opted for the tubes knowing that they have no glasses in them and therefore I won’t lose any image quality in the process.
My first purchase was a set of Kenko AF-extension tubes. I wasn’t disappointed at all with the results but it also meant that I have to get closer to my subjects and I needed to compensate for the loss of light by using a flashgun. Still, the magnification I got exceeded my expectations.
Recently, I was introduced to a set of Aputure AF-extension tubes. Unlike Kenko, Aputure extension tubes come with a bag to protect the set and are almost half the price tag. The build quality meets every macro photographer’s demands. It supports TTL metering and has an AF mechanism. It comes with three tubes in 12mm, 20mm, and 36mm. These elements can be combined in seven different ways. This extension tube set is strong and sturdy and has a heavy-duty rubber grip on the 36 mm tube.
I tested these extension tubes by taking photos of a still object and by comparing the magnification and how well the AF mechanism works.
All the photos were taken using a Nikon D7000 and a Nikkor 50mm 1.8D lens. I also reversed the lens in some photos to get a higher magnification.
My first purchase was a set of Kenko AF-extension tubes. I wasn’t disappointed at all with the results but it also meant that I have to get closer to my subjects and I needed to compensate for the loss of light by using a flashgun. Still, the magnification I got exceeded my expectations.
Recently, I was introduced to a set of Aputure AF-extension tubes. Unlike Kenko, Aputure extension tubes come with a bag to protect the set and are almost half the price tag. The build quality meets every macro photographer’s demands. It supports TTL metering and has an AF mechanism. It comes with three tubes in 12mm, 20mm, and 36mm. These elements can be combined in seven different ways. This extension tube set is strong and sturdy and has a heavy-duty rubber grip on the 36 mm tube.
I tested these extension tubes by taking photos of a still object and by comparing the magnification and how well the AF mechanism works.
All the photos were taken using a Nikon D7000 and a Nikkor 50mm 1.8D lens. I also reversed the lens in some photos to get a higher magnification.
-None of these pictures were cropped or processed and no tripod was used.
As you can see, the magnification and the image quality are excellent for such a small investment.
The AF works well with the 12mm and 20mm tubes. It also works with the 36 mm tube but it took a lot of time to focus due to the extremely small distance from the object. I recommend using manual focus when you are using a combination that exceeds 32 mm of tubes.
Aputure tubes showed great compatibility with my 50mm lens and with my Kenko tubes. They fit perfectly on the camera and the lens. The mechanism feels very solid. I actually believe that Aputure has made an excellent product and would recommend it to anyone who’s considering investing in some cheap macro photography gear.
These are some other macro photos taken with Aputure extension tubes on an outdoor photo shoot.
As you can see, the magnification and the image quality are excellent for such a small investment.
The AF works well with the 12mm and 20mm tubes. It also works with the 36 mm tube but it took a lot of time to focus due to the extremely small distance from the object. I recommend using manual focus when you are using a combination that exceeds 32 mm of tubes.
Aputure tubes showed great compatibility with my 50mm lens and with my Kenko tubes. They fit perfectly on the camera and the lens. The mechanism feels very solid. I actually believe that Aputure has made an excellent product and would recommend it to anyone who’s considering investing in some cheap macro photography gear.
These are some other macro photos taken with Aputure extension tubes on an outdoor photo shoot.
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