New to Macro - on the cheap!!

[woodnaquanut]

Using a Nikon D40X with stock 55-200 zoom lens. Macro extension (Micro in Nikonesse??) tubes. It is a real loose setup. Tripod reminds me of the Imperial walkers tripping!

Anyway some pics. I'm trying to be able to document growth and problems I don't notice live. If it turns out to be a pretty pic, woo hoo!

Shot RAW and edited in iPhoto.

http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q484/aqua-nut/Reef%20tank/120G/Macros/firstmacro1.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/aqua-nut/media/Reef%20tank/120G/Macros/firstmacro1.jpg.html)


http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q484/aqua-nut/Reef%20tank/120G/Macros/firstmacro2.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/aqua-nut/media/Reef%20tank/120G/Macros/firstmacro2.jpg.html)


http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q484/aqua-nut/Reef%20tank/120G/Macros/firstmacro3.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/aqua-nut/media/Reef%20tank/120G/Macros/firstmacro3.jpg.html)

[Misled]

What brand extension tubes?? Electronics??

[woodnaquanut]

What brand extension tubes?? Electronics??

Xit tube set. About $50. They have auto focus because my lenses don't have a manual aperture.

Electronics? Not sure what you are asking. My 'fancy' post ap is iPhoto on an old Mac. :dance:

This camera's sensor seems to be totally freaked out by the blue LEDs. The tips of the Goniopora aren't really that electric blue! :)

[Misled]

You answered the question. Electronics allow af and aperture control.

You will notice DOF becomes very shallow when using tubes. Light also gets lost using them. If you can get the lens right against the glass, try using a flash.

[Reef Bass]

Go John! :)

[woodnaquanut]

You answered the question. Electronics allow af and aperture control.

You will notice DOF becomes very shallow when using tubes. Light also gets lost using them. If you can get the lens right against the glass, try using a flash.

Thanks Jesse. I have an acrylic tank so am thinking about some way to pad the lens hood so I can get right to the tank. It might even help with the camera shakies! The camera does not support mirror lock up so there is lots of motion when it fires off.

[woodnaquanut]

Go John! :)

Thanks, Ken.

[ifarmer]

do you have a link to this tube thing any chance as far as where to buy?

[IPT]

sweet - I also seem to recal you can get an adapter ring and reverse a 50mm for great Macro. Makes the lens manual I think but might be an option, ?

[woodnaquanut]

do you have a link to this tube thing any chance as far as where to buy?

I got mine from Amazon. Might be at good camera store too.

http://www.amazon.com/Xit-XTETN-Focus-Extension-Cameras/dp/B00AEEDRFM/ref=pd_cp_p_0

Just to be clear, this is not the best solution to Macro. It is one of the cheapest solutions. :)

Make sure what ever you get they are made for your brand of camera.

[Misled]

Honestly, it's not a bad way to go. Just remember, the lens you are using with them controls what you end up with. The tubes just move the lens farther away from the sensor, which allows you to get a shorter minimum focusing distance. Even really cheep tubes use the same air.

[woodnaquanut]

Honestly, it's not a bad way to go. Just remember, the lens you are using with them controls what you end up with. The tubes just move the lens farther away from the sensor, which allows you to get a shorter minimum focusing distance. Even really cheep tubes use the same air.

Total agreement with you.

Having only tried the low end tubes, I wonder if the higher end like Nikon, have better fit/finish. These are a little loosy-goosy. :)

Of course I don't have high end lenses, camera or tripod so the tubes are feeling right at home. :lol2:

[jroovers]

Those are great results, beautiful images :)

[joem1cha3l]

can you explain how these work? I Have a Nikon D3200, would these work for that to shoot corals for me? Just turn the combination of lenses I want on I assume and it will AF?

[woodnaquanut]

Those are great results, beautiful images :)

Thanks. Beginners luck...

[woodnaquanut]

can you explain how these work? I Have a Nikon D3200, would these work for that to shoot corals for me? Just turn the combination of lenses I want on I assume and it will AF?

Sort of. :) As the lens is moved further from the focal plane it can focus on closer objects. If you can get closer, things look bigger!

Assuming your 3200 has the same mount as my D40x, they should work. I didn't use autofocus on these shots. If your len(s) don't have a f-stop ring (aperture ring) be sure to get extension tubes that do autofocus. That's a special code (Nikon speak) to let you know it also does the f-stop. :dance:

[faithenfire]

tubes are great.
tripods will help eliminate shake.

[woodnaquanut]

Another shot, this time thru a 10g glass tank lit with a PC bulb. 36mm extension tube on the kit 18-55 lens.

I find color is much better shot under the PC than the LEDs of the first shots. No post processing other than cropping.

http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q484/aqua-nut/random%20pics/friend-foe.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/aqua-nut/media/random%20pics/friend-foe.jpg.html)