Extension tubes. Expensive or cheap. Is there a difference

[weeds]

Hi all,

I am looking at purchasing some extension tubes and have noticed that there are a lot of variations in price. My local specialist camera store has sets starting at $250 AUD all the way up to $329 AUD.

I have also seen extension tube set or 2 on ebay for as low as $17 AUD. Basically extension tubes are hollow tubes. Is there a difference between the $17 tubes and the more expensive $250 and $329 tubes??

I am shooting with a Nikon D90 and the 105mm f2.8 VR lens.

All advice appreciated.

[robski]

The very cheap versions have no support for your lens electronics. So in the worse case you will be manual focus and shooting wide open with an electronic lens. If your lens is fully manual anyway I am sure they are ideal.

I don't know about Nikon lens so hopefully a Nikon user can fill in the blanks.

[gordon g]

All they are is a tube with or without the electrical contacts to enable your lens to function. Assuming the cheap ones have the contacts to support your lens functions, why pay more for a branded version? I have just bought a set of kenko extension tubes (12mm, 24 mm and 36mm) for roughly the same money as a single 12mm canon extension tube would cost.

[Don Hoey]

Originally Posted by weeds

I am shooting with a Nikon D90 and the 105mm f2.8 VR lens.

As this is a ' G ' type lens ( no manual control of aperture ) you are limited to independants only for extension tubes. Nikon do not make tubes that contain the electronic links you need for this lens.

In my experience the main difference between cheap and expensive is in the tightness of the bayonet mount. Cheaper versions being quite loose if used more than singly.

Don

[weeds]

Thanks Gordon and Robski.

I'm not fussed about the tubes being of Nikon brand. I would like the tubes to have electronics so they can detect Aperture settings though and any other settings required.

As long as they don't damage my camera body or the lens in anyway I'll be happy with them.
Some people have told me that the cheaper tubes don't "seal" as well and that light leaks through. Have you or anyone encountered this problem before?

Thanks heaps.
Scott

[gordon g]

Not so far, but mine are still quite new.

[Canon Kid]

I would go for Kenko good name and you will have no problems, why would you hang your $1000 lens of $17 spacers, its no brainer, go for Kenko.