Extension tubes

Hi,

I am considering buying an extension tube to enhance my macro capabilities with my Canon 300mm F4. I will probably be using it primarily for insects and flowers.Just wondering if someone could recommend which one I should get.Or,should I get more then one? I might also occasionally use it with a 70-200 f4. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Dave Brown

I've got the Kenko. It comes in a set of three tubes: 12mm, 20mm and 36mm. It works with AF.

Hi Dave suggest sticking with Canon Both work the same but the Canon is metal and sturdier.

Size wise would get the 25mm Don't bother with the smaller ones. I normally carry three of them and use them a lot with longer lenses like the 500 !!!

On a strange note ... for Nikon is better to use the Kenko since they actually work better AF wise !!!

I use and recommend the Kenko set of 3 sizes. I use all 3, although I do use the middle size more than the others. The Kenko tubes fit perfectly on the Canon, and I see no reason to spend extra money for Canon when you are not buying any glass. This is the one item on which I have not purchased brand.
I use the tubes with my 300 F4 and 400 DO, but mostly with my 70-200 F4.

Dave, I already have ext. but have also heard that Kenko are great and I would buy them if I didn't already spend the extra $$$

... Kenkos work fine as far as AF and connection to camera and there is not glass ... but they will bend when stacking several rings.

Good to know Alfred.

If you have the budget , buy the Canon tubes.
If you don't have the budget or will only use them occasionally, buy the Kenko.
The Kenko work fine, however they will fall apart.
I have personal experience.

I second that. I used the Kenko stacks for years based on the assumption "its just air"!!

Often times (especially shooting things like butterflies with the 300/4 or portraits with longer lenses), the connection on the Kenko tubes fail, resulting in an error message/frozen camera.

Once you feel how solid the Canon tubes are, you will wish you had invested in them from the beginning. I wouldn't use anything but Canon on a supertele, for sure.

Hi Dave,
If money is not an issue, I recommend you purchasing the Canon extension tube set...if on a budget, Kenko would be the alternative...the Canon tubes are constructed of metal, while the Kenkos are plastic. With heavy use and stacking tubes, the Kenko will bind or flex and bend...both the Canon and Kenko will auto focus...:)

I shoot Nikon...I have both the Kenko and the Nikkor extension tubes...I prefer the Nikkors in my particular situation for my specific needs. You decide...:cool:

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to ask me; I will be more than happy to help you out...:):cool: