I'm soon getting a used 70-200 2.8L, and I was curious about using extension tubes. I know from Canon literature that with the 25mm ext tube, I can get a .41 magnification, nearly half-lifesize.

I've never used ext tubes before, just the macro setting on a 70-300 sigma, so how does it all work? Do I lose much light using an ext tube? Can I stack ext tubes for more magnification? Can I put a 500D on instead of or with ext tubes? Would I be better off with just the 500D?

Sorry for the barrage of questions, but I'd still like to do some macro work with my new lens and I'm just not sure how? Thanks for any help!

Dan

-- Dan Shallenberger (dshallenberger@cinci.rr.com), February 12, 2002

Answers

Dan, unless you are a patient man, I would recommend foregoing the extension tubes and go with the 500D. Extension tubes on a zoom create problems with focusing, size of the image and frustration. Image quality is fine, however. If you've never tried it, borrow a set of tubes and put them on a zoom. They can drive you crazy!

-- Lee (Leemarthakiri@sport.rr.com), February 12, 2002.