[keanex]

Hey guys, did some reading on how to get macro shots on the cheap. I understand that going an extension tube method will require manual focusing, no problem. Is it just as easy as setting focus to manual?

Also the ones on Amazon all have poor ratings - any one in particular I should pick up?

[Unregistered User 8]

Hi keanex. A little more information needed - which lens do you want to use on which body with the extension tubes?

[keanex]

Hi keanex. A little more information needed - which lens do you want to use on which body with the extension tubes?

Currently I have the 2 K-50 kit lenses - 18-55/3.5-5.6 and the 50-200/4-5.6, I am getting a 50/1.8 within the week.

[Unregistered User 8]

Hi keanex. Hope this helps. I'm sure others will give advice. This is just a link to another K50 user having problems with the setting of the camera to accept the tubes.




https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-troubleshooting-beginner-help/279546-h...ion-tubes.html

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Last edited by Unregistered User 8; 01-24-2016 at 11:45 PM. Reason: add text

[keanex]

Hi keanex. Hope this helps. I'm sure others will give advice. This is just a link to another K50 user having problems with the setting of the camera to accept the tubes.




https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-troubleshooting-beginner-help/279546-h...ion-tubes.html

Seems it'll be a pain since neither lens has an aperture ring - Thanks anyway! Guess I'll need to find a decent prime on ebay first =)

[Unregistered User 8]

Good idea. If you get a dedicated macro lens, it will make it much easier for you. Good luck.

[dms]

Often it is a good idea to get a macro 50mm lens, or at least one that has an aperture adjustment on the lens, instead of the 50mm lens you are planning to get. For example the 50mm f/1.7 is an excellent all purpose lens and is also good with extension tubes. The F or FA 50mm f/1.7 would be two choices (KEH had one last I looked). The M or A versions are very inexpensive and the same optically, but no AF.

[Digitalis]

any one in particular I should pick up?

If you can find one of these you will be doing pretty well. The Pz-AF extension tube will work with any K mount AF lens however, AFAIK there is only a 25mm version and it is somewhat of a rarity:

[BrianR]

I'm also in favour of an old 50mm prime if you want to dabble with cheap extension tubes or reversing lenses. A Pentax k-mount 50mm f/2 lens is sometimes close to free if you can't swing one of the f/1.7 versions and have already committed to a da50/1.8 as an auto-focus 50mm. When searching e-bay or thrift stores, keep an eye out for film cameras. Sometimes "as-is" cameras go for cheap with working 50mm primes attached.

You can then use it directly on k-mount tubes, or in conjunction with a macro reversal ring on the tubes (or reversed directly onto your camera), or you can also use a macro coupling ring to flip it onto your incoming da50 or your kit lenses.

[keanex]

Thanks a lot guys!

[Grippy]

I have had great results with macro tubes and an old Zuiko 50mm. I've tried various setups but for higher magnifications, macro lenses, reversed etc, however I think the manual primes are best combined with tubes, and don't worry about lack of auto focus, you move the camera to focus instead of focus ring.

[gordon_l34]

If you can find one of these you will be doing pretty well. The Pz-AF extension tube will work with any K mount AF lens however, AFAIK there is only a 25mm version and it is somewhat of a rarity:

Hi,

Kenko did a set of tubes that support all metering including auto focusing.
They are 36mm, 20mm and 12mm in length.
I had a set and at our last Cameraholics Fair I bought another set, brand new I might add for forty dollars! I could not pass them up at that price!

Regards.

---------- Post added 01-26-16 at 08:20 AM ----------

Hey guys, did some reading on how to get macro shots on the cheap. I understand that going an extension tube method will require manual focusing, no problem. Is it just as easy as setting focus to manual?

Also the ones on Amazon all have poor ratings - any one in particular I should pick up?

Hi,

Have you considered a 50mm M series with a reversing ring?

Regards.

[keanex]

Ah screw it, I think I'll just buy the 100mm 2.8 WR lol