Teleconverter Vs Extension Tubes (Which Is Better?)

Here we start all about Teleconverter Vs Extension Tubes. Extension tubes, sometimes known as extension rings, are a type of teleconverter that you may not be familiar with. The focal length of your lens can be extended using one of these devices. To increase the amount of light that can enter through the image sensor, a teleconverter is used. The light is subsequently absorbed by the film or digital image sensor.

If you put on reading glasses and magnify what you see, an extension tube does the same thing for you. Rather than altering your vision in any way, this technique simply enlarges the objects in your field of vision. These two gadgets will be compared in my blog post so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Teleconverter Vs Extension Tubes

Teleconverters use magnifying glass instead of an extension tube, which moves the lens element closer to the subject. With an extension tube, teleconverters can focus to infinity.

Why Use Teleconverters Instead of Extension Tubes?

In photography, an extension tube is a piece of equipment used to link your camera’s body to its lens. It does nothing more than moving your lens away from the camera body. Changing this setting reduces the lens’s minimum focusing distance.

Because they don’t alter the way light focuses on the film or sensor, extension tubes can be used with any camera lens. Because there is no glass within, they function as intended. You may increase the lens magnification by moving the lens away from the sensor. Your regular lens now has macro capabilities after you reduce the focusing distance.

A teleconverter is an add-on for cameras that extends the focal length of the camera’s lens. Although they appear to be extremely similar, their functions are rather distinct. A lens’s focal length can be extended with the aid of a teleconverter.

Extension tubes do not enlarge the image sensor size like a teleconverter. Teleconverters use glass to accomplish this, and the most prevalent are the 1.4x and 2x models. The new focal length is equal to the lens’ original focal length multiplied by the Teleconverters number.

With these two gadgets, you may get the results you want without spending a lot of money on new lenses. An extension tube is less expensive than a teleconverter. For it to function properly, it necessitates the employment of a bigger lens element.

When Should You Use Extension Tubes?

Macro photography is made possible by the use of extension tubes, which give lens macro capabilities. It’s very useful for photographing little items. They are perfect for catching fine details, such as the texture of a flower petal or the pattern on an insect’s wings, which might be difficult to photograph otherwise.

Extension tubes can be stacked on top of each other to get a closer macro image. Extension tubes are available in a variety of sizes, including 12mm, 20mm, and 36mm. The closer the lens is to the sensor, the greater the magnification. Extension tubes lose some of their efficiency as the focal length rises.

When To Use An Teleconverter?

Use teleconverters when you require more zoom power than your lens can provide. The focal length of your lens can be doubled by using a 2x teleconverter! As a result, they’re ideal for taking pictures of wildlife.

Because subjects are usually quite a distance away, it is important not to startle your subject. Sporting events are a great place to put teleconverters to use. You can get near to the action without risking your safety thanks to these devices.

The teleconverter & extension tube are two separate lens components that both extend the camera’s focal length. Photographers must know when to use each one since they operate distinctly. Consider your objectives when making a decision. You need to do a lot of experimentation!

How To Use The Teleconverter?

• Disconnect the camera lens from the body of the camera, and then mount the teleconverter on the body in the same way that the camera lens requires.
• Attach the camera lens to the teleconverter as if it were the camera itself, regardless of whether it is a normal or telephoto lens.
• Both camera and lens should have the meter coupling linked to a teleconverter.
• Before utilizing the automated feature, make sure that both the converter and the lens settings are correct.
• You may focus just like you normally would when the converter is not mounted on the camera once the camera and lens are correctly attached to the converter.
• As previously, the teleconverter should be attached; the shutter speed should be set accordingly. However, bear in mind that using a teleconverter and lens combo amplifies the image, which in turn emphasizes any camera movement (use the tripod and high shutter speed). Macro photography is also affected by this.
• A lens/converter combo must first be taken out of the camera while the teleconverter is being held in place. Before re-installing your camera’s lens, remove your converter.

Helpful Hints For Using Extender Tubes

• When photographing up close, the limited depth of field necessitates using a slower shutter speed.
• Keep in mind that when the image magnification ratio rises, so does the likelihood of the camera shaking. It is recommended that a tripod or a cable release be used.
• TTL cameras are more susceptible to light metering issues when using an extension tube because of the overflow of light from the viewfinder.
• Focus can be altered by moving closer or further away from the subject.

Do Extension Tubes Increase Magnification?

The only purpose of the extension tube is to put more space between the lens and the sensor. You can use practically any lens for close-up photography because doing so enables the lens to focus closer and, as a result, boost magnification. Like a macro lens, the working distance you can obtain increases with increasing focal length.

Are Extension Tubes Worth It?

Extension tubes are a great choice if you only occasionally take macro photos or don’t have the money to invest in a macro lens. These tubes are compact, light, and compatible with practically all lenses, including macro lenses.

Conclusion

To summarize about Teleconverter Vs Extension Tubes. Carrying teleconverters and extension tubes in your camera backpack is both convenient and economical. Start with one or both tools, and spend some time working with them before you get too comfortable with them.

Macro photographers prefer extension tubes because they are more economical and, as a result, more popular. To make matters worse, each additional extension tube reduces the effectiveness of the one before it. We can utilize teleconverters to increase the magnification ratio by a huge factor when we are employing all our resources to get as close to the topic as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions