Macro Extension tube's and 2x Converter advice

[Martin.D]

Hi Guys / Girls

I know nothing about Extension tubes or Converters, I have the following lenses:

Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS f/4.0-5.6 lens
Canon EF-S18-55mm IS f/3.5-5.6 lens

Both standard that came with the camera.

I want to have a macro lens and a larger lens with longer zoom, I have priced both lenses up at our local shop and I'm looking at a grand for both ""

I have been looking around the internet for ideas and methods of hiting macro and longer zoom's with out spending a fortune. These consist of Extension tubes and 2x converters "I guess".

Knowing that my lenses are not the best of the best by adding tubes and converters will this down grade my ability to take quality shots?

Will Extension Tubes really allow me to take shot's of a spiders closer than a close thing.

Will a 2x converter give me that ideal zoom range of 500mm by simply adding such an item, will I loose AF?

Will I loose my IS function?

I dont want to loose quality in my photo's "Not that I have gained any yet " but I want the best from what my camera can do. If the above 2 items are not the path to take then I guess it would be worth while investing the money in the lenses that I want..

All advice is appreciated..

[Martin.D]

No one has any info to contribute?

[T0MAT01]

OK, you've got 2 questions here.

Firstly, the extension tubes don't work on EF-s lenses as far as I'm aware. There are other options like close up filters but these will definitely reduce the image quality. There really is no substitute for a real macro lens. If you look at something like a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 then it shouldn't break the bank, especially if you can find one going second hand.

Secondly, the 2x tele converter (which I also doubt will work with EF-s lenses since they have a different mount to EF lenses) would indeed give 500mm if it will fit, but the max aperture will be reduced to f/11 @ 500mm and since your 450D will only auto-focus with a lens that is f/5.6 or faster you would have be left with manual focus only.

Unfortunately long lenses = big money, so my suggestion to you is simply to get closer to your subject!

HTH.

[RobDickinson]

Theres no way a 2.0tc will mount with a EF-S 55-250mm IS f/4.0-5.6 lens.

[Martin.D]

Thankyou for the input guys, new lenses it is...

[Martin.D]

Yesterday I purchased a Canon 50mm f1,8 mk2 - Can this lens be used as a macro with extension tubes?

EDIT: Ok, found out I can use a Kenko Tube set and it will work fine..

[T0MAT01]

Originally Posted by Martin.D

Yesterday I purchased a Canon 50mm f1,8 mk2 - Can this lens be used as a macro with extension tubes?

EDIT: Ok, found out I can use a Kenko Tube set and it will work fine..

I rarely use my nifty fifty with extension tubes because it is so much easier to focus when using a zoom lens.
To focus with a prime lens and extension tube you need to move the camera towards and away from the subject to get the subject in focus, whereas with a prime lens you can zoom the lens to get the subject in focus (although it obviously changes the field of view as well) which is a lot easier if you're using a tripod.