Macro lens and extension tubes

9 years 3 months ago #422076 by Kris W
I just got some extension tubes and trying to use with my 105mm lens and the auto focus isn't working.  From what I'm gathering online this is normal with extension tubes.  Is that correct?


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9 years 3 months ago #422081 by garyrhook
I am able to cause autofocus to engage with my Nikon 105 f/2.8 and Vivitar tubes.

Fat lot of good it does, even if the lens doesn't hunt like crazy.

Not every set of tubes works properly. Learn to focus manually. You'll need to anyway.


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9 years 3 months ago #422086 by cod
Depends on the tubes, some have autofocus connectors, some don't.  Some that are supposed to don't always.  Autofocus isn't usually the best for macro anyway, as Gary pointed out.  I always use manual focus on macro shots.  I don't consider autofocus a feature for extension tubes.  The only time I find autofocus tubes useful is when I use a short extension tube on my 400mm lens to reduce its minimum focusing distance when shooting small birds.  Even then I could do without it.

Chris O'Donoghue
Winnipeg, Canada
codonoghue.prosite.com

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9 years 3 months ago #422091 by effron
I have tubes with electronics and still always MANUALLY focus my lens. Manually focus your lens....;)

Why so serious?
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9 years 3 months ago #422107 by Screamin Scott
Thousands of macro images & all were using manual focus...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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9 years 3 months ago #422230 by CanonKid
Manual focus and macro go hand in hand.  

Canon 7D, 15-85mm, 18-55mm, 70-200mm, 100mm Macro, Sigma 120-300mm, Speedlite 430EX II

A bad day at the race track is better than a good day in the office

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