Photodiox Macro Extension tube for nikon DSLR!

I accidentally spotted this product while browsing Amazon. Learnt that it will be possible to take better Macro photography using this. The reviews were positive and checked few videos on youtube which gave me confidence that extension tubes might be useful. Becuase this extension tube was way cheaper (Rs 1600) than a proper macro lens, I placed an order.

Extension tubes essentially push your lens away from camera, enabling them go closer to the subject. On the downside, you won't get wider view, which is fine as your objective will be focus close-up on one small thing.

Got it in a few days and tried experimenting with it. There is one major drawback- While the Photodiox Macro Extension tube works, it works purely in Manual mode. In any other mode, including A, camera says "Lens not detected". This, I feel is because the extension tube doesn't have any sensors on the camera side- it only fits into camera body and does't communicate with it. Thus lens and camera are electronically disconnected, but mechanically bridged.

Once in M mode, it is not as easy to focus and take good photos. Everything needs to be controlled via shutter speed, ISO etc. Even focus is bit difficult and needs some luck- more so if it is moving object. But then, with some experiments and trial and error, you may get decent photos, otherwise not possible using standard kit lens. Few of my clicks below:




Above: tried focusing on centre of flower, below, tried focusing on bee

Above: A flower bud yet to open
Below: An insect inside a flower

To help with a perspective, below are how above stuff look when clicked from mobile camera

A regular door key..

I will experiment more during coming days... Do share your views on the photos above- anything better I can do/try? Fairly satisfied with first set of macro photos, but I am sure there will be mistakes and scope for improvement.

Below are some photos of the Photodiox Macro extension tube.

Points to note:
I feel that this extension tube works better with 50 mm prime lens than the 18-55.

Also using this tube on the go is not going to be very convenient- removing the lens, adding this tube- reinserting the lens and trying macro. If you have time and patience, then you might get some great shots otherwise bit difficult to manage this along with standard landscape/portrait photos.

Outdoor clicks in bright day light is effort intensive work- with manual focus it takes more effort.

I feel camera absorbs less light than normal scenario while using extension tube. You should compensate accordingly- display shows better pic but after clicking the pics are bit darker...

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