Extension Tubes for Macro with Nikon D5300?

[bryguy_ASU]

My buddy just got a D5300 and is actually on a fixed-income being retired and such. Anyways, he wants to try macro photography and dedicated macro lenses are a tad spendy.

Those of you who have tried macro with extension tubes, which set of extension tubes do you recommend? What set has the best balance of value, function, and quality?

If you can link to the set, and show me some images taken with them (and tell me which lens you used), that would be appreciated.

Please chime in... thanks!

 

[xj0hnx]

I have 3 of the Nikon PK-XX's, they work really good, but are expensive. You can get these ...Amazon.com: Fotodiox Nikon Macro Extension Tube Kit for Nikon Cameras, Extreme Close-ups: Camera & Photo, they're only $12, or these ...Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG for Nikon Lens A-EXTUBEDG-N B&H which are really expensive. The biggest difference is probably taht with the PK's, and the cheaper ones there are no contacts, so it turns any lens into a completely manual lens, the Kenkos have the contacts so they retain all the electronic functionality.

 

[Edsport]

You don't need to spend alot of money on extension tubes but i do recommend getting the ones that has electrical contacts...
D5300 extension tubes | eBay

 

[bryguy_ASU]

Thanks guys... I'll pass on the info to my friend.

 

[Derrel]

Pro Optic Auto Extension Tube Set for Nikon AF AETNKAF

These used to be the best "budget" tubes...but it looks like the CHinese-made AF tubes might be the same thing...for less.

The Kenko AF tubes are "the best".

Realisitcally, an 11mm tube is the MOST useful, followed by something in the 20-25mm length; a guy can do a LOT with just the 11 or 12mm short tube, OR the 20-25mm tube. The 36mm tube is mostly superflous.

"SOME" places, like Adorama, used to sell the Kenko AF tubes singly. Maybe still do. But the 36mm tube??? "Ehhhhhh. Mostly useless."

 

[bryguy_ASU]

Thanks Derrel for the extra tips on which tubes are useful.

What do you guys think of these? Price is good and it has the electrical connections, too.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846

 

[Seventen]

Heres a couple of youtube videos that I have found useful when trying to get some information with which is better to use are the extension tubes worth it etc. First one shows really how close you can get with extension tubes and second compares a macro lens with extension tubes using Nikon 5100.

 

[Seventen]

 

[ratssass]

...thanks for the vids,seventen.2 things I noticed in the first video (which have nothing to do with extension tubes,but have been discussed on the forums),is the mounting point he used,connecting the Black Rapid strap to his body/70-200 lens.And the other is why it's a good practice to remember to power down when changing lenses.My apologies for drifting off topic..