Macro Extension Tubes

I got some extension tubes today and having never used them before, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was actually very disappointed with them, when I used them with my 18-55 lens. For a start I could hardly see what I was trying to focus on, because it was so dark through the viewfinder. I used my flash most of the time, as it seemed I should, because it was so dark, but this resulted in the flowers I was photographing being either too bright, or there was a shadow half way across the subject!

Am I doing something wrong? I'm beginning to wish I hadn't bought them now, I'd rather have got a Macro lens, but they are so expensive.

Post some of the shots in this thread so we can see what mean Sally..

try using them on a longer lens

Thanks for your replies!

I actually deleted all but one of the photos I took with the tubes on, one came out ok! Think it's just going to take a bit of practice.

Jack Russell, I did use a long lens, at first. I used my 28-100mm, but I think it was worse.

There should be no discernible difference as extension tubes don't contain any glass. The only difference should be in operator handing - depending on which tube you attach you should stop down anywhere in between 1/2 to 2 stops to ensure exposure is compensated for.

The only problem with that is, I didn't even have a exposure meter visible and couldn't adjust anything, it was really strange! There was a F-- message, where the aperture range normally shows up. I did buy the tubes off of ebay and they were labelled as Nikon and had a Nikon cap with them, but no names on the actual tubes and the box was in foreign (Chinese/Malaysian something like that). I only actually paid about £5 for the tubes, from a seller in this country, I wonder if they are incompatible with my camera?

There's your problem - the F-- means that the camera isn't recognising the lens for you - a bit of careful and gentle twisting can help there, but to be honest, the extension tubes sound like they'll never do what you want. Do they have autofocus? They may also not be holding the lens tight to the body, which could harm the connections in the long run.

They are best used on a macro lens - I use them with the 105 Nikkor, and even then I strongly recommend the Kenko tubes. They cost about £130 I think, but I got mine second hand for £80.

xx