Application of the new Canon Extension Tube EF25 II
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| Canon Extension Tube EF25 II between body / lens |
A look at the Extension Tube option for Close-Up Photography
I receive regular questions on the use / benefits of extension tubes vs macro lenses.
Without going into much technical detail an extension tube will assist your non-macro lens (or even your macro lens) in decreasing the minimum focus distance (of your regular lens). In the image below is a 25mm extension tube (meaning that this particular tube moves the lens 25mm further away from the camera). The result is a decrease of the normal minimum focus distance of your lens and an increase in the magnification (of whatever you're photographing).
There is no glass in the tube, its purely a hollow tube with some electronic circuitry for retaining camera / lens autofocus. If fits between the body and the lens (and in the case of the Canon extension tube is compatible with EF and EF-S lenses) Some tubes, like the Kenko brand is sold in in a set of three. ie. 12mm / 20mm / 36mm (which can be stacked). The more you stack the shorter the focus distance with a larger magnification.
The extension tube is a very cost-effective way for getting into close-up and macro photography offering various creative opportunities (without purchasing a macro lens).
Disadvantages of the extension tube are the possible loss of image quality, much shallower depth of field to work with and tricky at times to focus.
I regularly use the Canon EF25 IIextension tube with the Canon EOS 6D and EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM lens (as seen in the image) without any significant image quality sacrifice.
The extension tube is even more effective at shorter focal lenght lenses. Herewith an example / demonstration with the Canon EF 50mm f1/8 STM lens and Canon EF25 II extension tube (Canon EOS 70D).
In my Macro and Close-Up Photography Workshops I demonstrate the Canon Extension Tube EF25 II on various non-macro lenses.
Similar close-Up article with more detailed camera / lens EXIF data: View
Without going into much technical detail an extension tube will assist your non-macro lens (or even your macro lens) in decreasing the minimum focus distance (of your regular lens). In the image below is a 25mm extension tube (meaning that this particular tube moves the lens 25mm further away from the camera). The result is a decrease of the normal minimum focus distance of your lens and an increase in the magnification (of whatever you're photographing).
There is no glass in the tube, its purely a hollow tube with some electronic circuitry for retaining camera / lens autofocus. If fits between the body and the lens (and in the case of the Canon extension tube is compatible with EF and EF-S lenses) Some tubes, like the Kenko brand is sold in in a set of three. ie. 12mm / 20mm / 36mm (which can be stacked). The more you stack the shorter the focus distance with a larger magnification.
The extension tube is a very cost-effective way for getting into close-up and macro photography offering various creative opportunities (without purchasing a macro lens).
Disadvantages of the extension tube are the possible loss of image quality, much shallower depth of field to work with and tricky at times to focus.
I regularly use the Canon EF25 IIextension tube with the Canon EOS 6D and EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM lens (as seen in the image) without any significant image quality sacrifice.
The extension tube is even more effective at shorter focal lenght lenses. Herewith an example / demonstration with the Canon EF 50mm f1/8 STM lens and Canon EF25 II extension tube (Canon EOS 70D).
In my Macro and Close-Up Photography Workshops I demonstrate the Canon Extension Tube EF25 II on various non-macro lenses.
Similar close-Up article with more detailed camera / lens EXIF data: View
Canon Extension Tube EF25 II Key Specifications / Specifications
- Length: 25mm
- Compatibility: Works with Canon EF, EF-S, and TS-E lenses
- Purpose: Allows lenses to focus closer than their normal minimum focusing distance, ideal for macro photography
- Magnification: Provides additional magnification by increasing the distance between the lens and the camera sensor
- Autofocus and Exposure: Maintains electronic communication between the lens and the camera, ensuring autofocus and auto exposure functions work properly
- Construction: Contains no optical elements, ensuring no degradation in image quality
- Usage: Recommended for lenses with focal lengths of 50mm and above 1 2 3. (Source: Microsoft Copilot)
Field Images (Table Bay Nature Reserve, Woodbridge Island)
A few example images to show the image quality when using the Canon EF25 II with above Canon body and lens:
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| Close-Up Flower Photography Cape Town: Canon Extension Tube EF25 II |
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| Close-Up Flower Photography Cape Town: Canon Extension Tube EF25 II |
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| Close-Up Flower Photography Cape Town: Canon Extension Tube EF25 II |
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| Close-Up Flower Photography Cape Town: Canon Extension Tube EF25 II |
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| Close-Up Flower Photography Cape Town: Canon Extension Tube EF25 II |
