Extension tubes - a Kenko alternative?

[marmle]

I read a thread on here that Kenko are the brand to go for if your looking for a macro extension tube, but I was wondering if anyone could recommend a cheaper alternative that would do an OK job, since I just want to experiment as I am going to be stuck indoors for the forseeable future. I have read reviews for some brands like Neewer on Amazon and I was put off by a lot of them. Some people said they were a loose fit, others said they had to take their camera to a shop to get them removed.

 

[OldManJim]

If you're lucky, you get what you pay for. I've got the Kenko tubes and they work well; haven't tried the cheaper models. If yo want tome really expensive extension tubes, try Nikon!

 

[Original katomi]

I had cheaper versions
Big mistake

 

[Soocom1]

Depends.

I have some of the cheap Chinese versions but mine are not autofocus capeable.
They are strictly manual.
The concept works OK, but sometimes can be loose.

IMO, if you have the money go with the higher end stuff. Simply put the real problem is the looseness. if autofocus they will creep If manual, you have to hold everything rock solid.

 

[petrochemist]

If you're using older lens with no electronics the cheapest screw together models work just as well as more expensive models. (They have identical optics after all)
Models with bayonet fittings between each stage are slightly easier to use but can apparently have issues with loose fittings.
If you're using lenses that need electronic comms then quality does make more of a difference. The cheap electronic ones tried for MFT work fine when used singly, but rarely work at all if combined.

Fortunately most of my lenses can be fully controlled manually, so I can use helicoids instead of tubes & adjust the length much more subtly, without having to remove the lens.

 

[tirediron]

My brother bought a cheap set a number of years ago... they went on easily, but he had to take it to a cemera repair shop where they had to literally use a hacksaw to remove the tube from the body mount. Spend the extra on Kenko or other good ones now, or possibly at the repair shop later.

 

[weepete]

I must be lucky, I have an unbranded set with no electronics and they're fine.

The Raynox DCR-250 gets good reviews and though I've got one I've not used it much yet. Need to make sure your lens is compatible as they only fit up to a certian size

 

[Jeff15]

I have used Kenko in the past quite successfully, always remember like everything else in life you only get what you pay for......

 

[Derrel]

Fotodiox or ProOptic. Stay away from the ultra cheap $10 tube sets.

 

[Derrel]

If your lens does not have a mechanical aperture control ring on it, then I would suggest going with the Kenko tubes, or another high-quality brand.

Very inexpensive brands which have no electronic contacts will leave users of body control aperture lenses high and dry or resorting to fixes such as using tape or gum putty to control the lens aperture. newer systems which have body controlled aperture setting require good tubes which electronically communicate with the camera body to set the lens aperture.q

Cheap $10 tube sets with no contactd are fine for old-style lenses such as older Nikon F lenses and older Legacy 35 mm lens systems but for many cameras made since the 1990s this type of contact-free system does not work very well.

 

[marmle]

Thanks for the advice guys....guess I will just have to keep looking on ebay for a second hand set.

 

[Original katomi]

Try giving Sussex cameras now part of London camera exchange in Chichester. I know they had some before lockdown
Other place is MBP photography
Just looked at the price of kenco on amazon....ouch
I understand why you are looking at sh.

 

[Original katomi]

Just done a search used set of kenco tubes/rings London camera exchange web site, not just Sussex 59.99 gbpused

 

[RowdyRay]

Deals can be found. I picked up a set of Kenko for Canon in a thrift store. 15.00. Several months later, 5.00. Friend has that set now.

You don't say what camera system. I'll keep an eye out.

 

[Overread]

Also don't be afraid to ask around the local camera club (granted with the lockdowns clubs won't be meeting, but if you've a local club and they've a facebook page you could ask through that and they can post things to you). Extension tubes are one of those things lots of people buy and then use once and leave them in the box and never touch them again. So sometimes if you ask around locally you might find someone willing to sell them on for a good value.