DIY Extension Tubes for Reverse Macro Lens Photography
First of all lets just answer the question:
“What is an Extension Tube, and why do I want one?”
Basically an extension tube moves your lens away from the camera sensor to close the focus creating better magnification. If you would like to know more I would suggest reading: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extension_tube
Typical Looking Extension Tube:
Since Reverse Macro Lens Photography is basically a poor mans macro it makes sense that there are a few DIY’ers out there that decided to make their own.
Over on Joe Holst’s blog he described how he used PVC parts, epoxy, old lens cap, and some tools to make a fairly impressive extension tube:
With amazing results:
Take a look for yourself at: http://jyoseph.com/diy-macro-lens-reverse-mount-extension-tube/
Joe isn’t the only one with extension tubes on the mind. Over on photocritic.org there is an interesting article about using a pringles can as an extension tube:
The results I wouldn’t say are as sharp, but it doesn’t look like the lighting was dead on either:
Check it out over at: http://photocritic.org/macro-photography-on-a-budget/
I want to point out while I love the DIY attitude there is a high risk of getting a lot of dust on your sensor.
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Nice blog….lots of good pics and info. I haven’t tried making extension tubes as I have some Kenko ones but I did try making a DIY dark-field illumination rig out of bits of photographic gear I had already:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=darkfieldsetup1&w=89845979%40N00
I’ve been meaning to have another go on more subjects I can shine light through…perhaps you’d like to have a go too? I’d certainly be interested in seeing what kind of setup you come up with if you do have a go.
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