Nikkor Macro vs. extension tube/bellows quality, DOF?

[hoffmanvision]

Hi, I'm a Nikon D70 shooter interested in getting into Macro. At first I was

going to get a true macro lens but then I learned about adding extension tubes

to my 50 1.8 or my 28 2.8 which would both save cash (I'm a poor starving

student) and offer more versatility. I've also been considering going with some

of the real cheap ebay bellows and a reversal ring for greater magnification.

 

My question is this: What differences will I see in terms of quality like

overall sharpness from center to corner, possible depth of field, working

distances, or other things I may be overlooking between a true Macro lens and

one adapted to the purpose?

 

I understand that I won't be able to meter, auto focus, or auto aperture with

most setups (excluding the Kenco auto tubes)- no matter!

 

How will quality in a 50 1.8 with 12mm tube compare to a 60mm Nikkor macro lens?

Know what I'm saying?

 

Thanks for all your info friends!

 

Sean

[bjørn rørslett]

DOF is entirely set by the magnification of subject detail, so the lens type as such won't matter.

 

AF is basically useless for close-up work so you won't miss that feature much.

 

A 50 mm lens with 12 mm extension will only give around 1:3 so won't even enter the "macro" range. A Micro-Nikkor would be better of course.

 

If you combine a 50 mm lens with a bellows, you need to reverse-mount the lens for best image quality. Image quality with a 50/1.8 or 50/2 lens will be quite good although not as good as what can be achieved with a specialised lens. Working distance will be short.

 

Be aware that the magnification with a reversed lens will be significantly bigger than life-size 1:1 so you enter the realm of photomacrography, with all associated difficulties (huge loss of light through the lens, almost zero DOF, diffraction issues, susceptibility to even the tiniest vibration from mirror slap etc.).

 

A bellows device with double focusing rails (such as the PB-4) allows for highest flexibility when you do close-up work.

[michael_bradtke]

I use a set of the Kenko tubes on my D100 and D2h. They meter and AF no problem on my cameras.

 

They look and feel a little cheep but I have had no problems with them in three years of use.

 

For the rest Bjorn has given you some very good information.

 

Michael

[mcclayton]

I'm into Macro and have tried every possible means .. from tubes to rails to vivitar 2x's on every possible type lens combination .

 

When I got my D70 , I got the 60mm nikkor. It is an exceptional lens

The quality is mant times better that any macro setup you'll put together, It's about 90mm on a d70 which is a perfect length.

 

It balances well and autofocuses as well . I pick up one used for about $275. You will waste at least that much on alternatives and lost shots. Don't cheap out it's worth the money

[alex_lofquist]

Reversing the lens will not improve the quality of the image unless the magnifications are greater than 1:1 (greater than life-size).

[yangchen_lin]

Hello folks,

 

talking about macro lenses and extension tubes, one day I thought I'd try some super macro by fitting 68mm worth of extension tubes to the 60mm f2.8 Micro Nikkor. I could handhold it provided the arms had good support. Have yet to find the chance to try it under field conditions with macro flash without tripod, which is what I regularly have to do in the wilderness (so far using the 60mm without extension).

 

What I concluded from this is that buying the 60mm (and extension tubes, not bellows which are more cumbersome) would be a highly workable and economical idea if you were going into real hard core macro where you can get very close to your subjects in the field. Of course if you want to get really close you have to get the macro flash, but with the 60mm lens alone (i.e. no extension) I have managed to get very acceptable shots (no harsh shadows) near the close focus distance using just the D200 built-in flash (-1.0EV) with the entire frame illuminated (I am poor too, I still ain't got no speedlight). The 60mm is the cheapest of the modern micro nikkors, if I am not mistaken. If you need more distance between your subject and the camera, you need longer range (and more expensive) missiles than the 60mm.

 

If you think that you are going into macro more exclusively, you might consider the option of selling some of your other lenses or equipment in order to fund a solid macro arsenal.

 

Anyone has experience in this? Is there any other possible lens setup that can get overall better magnification, depth of field, sharpness and lack of distortion/fringing? I hope I have made some sense; will welcome any criticism of my deductions.

 

regards,

 

Yangchen