Beginner's Guide Into Macro Photography
What are Macro Extension Tubes?
Macro extension tubes are hollow tubes that fit in between your lens and camera mount. What this does is it moves your lens further from your camera and the front element closer to your subject. It lets you focus more intimate than your lens allows you to. A macro lens can be expensive. Especially to someone who is a beginner photographer. Macro lens range from $100s to $1000s of dollars. A lot of people don't have the means to go out and pick up a lens that cost so much money. But, there is an alternative way. What I am going to talk about is something called "Macro Extension Tubes." Here's a picture of what it looks like below.
I think this is something all beginners should be aware of because it helps you learn without busting the bank. Unlike a macro lens, macro extension tubes cost as low as $15.00. Most of the macro extension tubes come in threes. You will get a 31mm, 21mm, and a 13mm. The macro extension tubes are easy to use, you can combine them in any order, you can use all three if you wanted too. For me, it depends on what I'm photographing. If it's a House Fly or other small insects, I use all three together. I will have a some pictures below that I've taken with these extension tubes.
How To Use Macro Extension Tubes.
Best way to use macro extension tubes is by turning off autofocus if your lens has it.
If you are a beginner photographer and you are using the kit lens that comes with your camera like for Canon the 18-55mm. You want to zoom out to 55mm, then manually focus your lens. After that, it's all up to you. You will have to move closer or move back to get the subject in focus.
Now the macro extension tubes will work with any lens you have if you buy it for the camera mount you have. I love the macro extension tubes. Since I bought them, I never wanted to buy a macro lens. I feel like they are perfect for what I need. You can buy the macro extension tubes just about any camera site or store, eBay and Amazon. They also come in many colours. So find the shade of colour you like best. Then go out and take macro pictures of everything you can. Everything from insects, raindrops, flowers, and even clovers. I promise that you will not be disappointed with the macro extension tubes. I hope you found this helpful and maybe I gave you an alternative to taking macro photography.
