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Re: [OM] Chinese Extensions ((IMGs)

Subject: Re: [OM] Chinese Extensions ((IMGs)
From: Martin Walters <mwalters@xxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:16:55 -0400
Moose:
Interesting report. With respect to the Kenko tubes, I'd read that the 
camera didn't always recognize the lens when they were stacked. 
Intrigued that you had no such problem with these cheaper models.

Martin

On 20/04/2013 1:56 AM, Moose wrote:
> I've been interested in improving the close focus of my µ4/3 gear. When I 
> went looking not long ago, all I could find
> were diopter filters, manual extension tubes and a nice looking set of Kenko 
> Auto tubes - for $190.
>
> I can't see much point in manual tubes for lenses that need the electrical 
> connections even to adjust aperture.
>
> Then I found these. 
> <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BY0F0P0/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1>
>
> $48 sounded more like the experiment I wanted. Shipped from China, they took 
> ten days to get here yesterday.
>
> I've done some rather casual testing, all hand held. I know, I know, I can 
> get better control of precise focus, focal
> plane placement, etc. on a tripod. But that's not how I will mostly use them. 
> I wanted to see if they would work the way
> I like to work much of the time in the field.
>
> I have to say that I'm rather pleased. Clearly, I haven't completed the 
> learning curve, but I've got enough of what I
> wanted, and may do better in future.
>
> One aim was to get closer focusing with the Panny 14-42 Z. 
> <http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=4515>
>
> Obviously, the lens isn't like even an old, MF zoom, what with powered 
> internal focus and zoom. With the 10 mm tube,
> focus adjustment isn't of much use, but zoom also adjusts focus rather well. 
> Moving the camera in and out a bit and
> adjusting zoom works pretty quickly and well to get framing and focus.
>
> You can't see it in these shots, but it does appear that either there is 
> quite a bit of softness in the corners and/or
> that there's a lot of field curvature. Not for shots of newspapers, but 
> that's not what this light kit is for.
>
> As an adjunct to a pocket camera, the 10 mm tube is good, tiny, light and 
> easily slipped in any pocket.
>
> Another thing I was hoping for is closer focus with the 75-300, for tight 
> close-ups with really good working distance.
> The samples show closest focus, all at 300 mm, native, with 10, 16 and 26 mm 
> of extension. I'm pretty impressed.
> <http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=4534>
>
> I was standing up, hardly leaning over, for these shots.
>
> I also did some shots with the 12-50 in macro mode. It certainly gets closer, 
> and I got a few images I like. The working
> distance from front of the lens is very short. I had to take the hood off to 
> keep from shading a couple of subjects.
> <http://zone-10.com/tope2/main.php?g2_itemId=4549>
>
> Obviously, the tubes function properly. They are all plastic, but for the 
> electrical contacts, nicely put together and
> finished. They are more than adequate to hold the smaller lenses.
>
> Using both tubes together with the 75-300, there is a little flex, as shown 
> in the last image on the Amazon listing.
> With either one alone, there is barely visible flexing and gap at the top of 
> the mount. No creaking, groaning or
> anything indicating that the heavier lens might damage them, but I will try 
> to support the lens with my left hand when
> shooting horizontally. Shooting at a steep down angle, as with these samples, 
> everything is fine.
>
> I figure if I actually use them so much with the 75-300 that they start to be 
> damaged, that's proof that I need the
> expensive, metal ones.
>
> Disclaimer - These images have had Moose treatment. For example, bokeh on the 
> two shorter lenses can be pretty rough,
> depending on background distance, but you won't see that. :-)   Detail may be 
> clearer than straight out of the camera.
> ;-)   But, hey, these tests were for me, to see what I can do with these 
> tubes, and you can look over my shoulder.
>
> Overall opinion: these tubes are highly functional, and a good deal.
>
> Oriental Magnification Moose
>

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