Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras

  • Price: $179.00
  • B&H # KEAETSCD
  • Mfr# AEXTUBEDGC

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The Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG contains three tubes of different length--12mm, 20mm, and 36mm--which can be used individually or in any combination to obtain the desired magnification. Actual magnification effect changes with each specific lens.

This DG Extension Tube Set has upgraded "Gate-Array IC" circuitry to work better with digital SLRs and some of the digital SLR lenses*.

Extension tubes are designed to enable a lens to focus closer than its normal set minimum focusing distance. Getting closer has the effect of magnifying your subject (making it appear larger in the viewfinder and in your pictures). They are exceptionally useful for macro photography, enabling you to convert almost any lens into a macro lens at a fraction of the cost while maintaining its original optical quality.

The extension tubes have no optics. They are mounted between the camera body and lens to create more distance between the lens and film plane. By moving the lens father away from the film or CCD sensor in the camera, the lens is forced to focus much closer than normal. The greater the length of the extension tube, the closer the lens can focus.

When using the camera's TTL metering system, no exposure compensation will be required (exposure compensation is required for handheld meters).

Retains AF function when effective aperture stays at f/5.6 or brighter(f/8 or brighter on EOS 3, 1V & 1D cameras)
Weight
  • 12mm Tube: 2.1 oz (60 g)
  • 20mm Tube: 3 oz (85 g)
  • 36mm Tube: 4.4 oz (125 g)
  • REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

    by PowerReviews
    Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras
     
    4.6

    (based on 198 reviews)

    Ratings Distribution

    • 5 Stars

       

      (114)

    • 4 Stars

       

      (80)

    • 3 Stars

       

      (4)

    • 2 Stars

       

      (0)

    • 1 Stars

       

      (0)

    99%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

    Pros

    • Lightweight (142)
    • Easily interchangeable (101)
    • Durable (94)
    • Strong construction (61)
    • Consistent output (60)

    Cons

    • Poor in low light (18)
    • Slow focus (15)
    • Weak casing (8)
    • Tough to attach (3)

    Best Uses

    • Macro photography (143)
    • Macro (16)
    • Wildlife photos (13)
    • General purpose (11)
    • Wildlife (8)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Photo enthusiast (66), Enthusiast (34), Semi-pro photographer (32), Semi-professional (21), Pro photographer (13)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (71), Yes (6)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Versatility added to my kit? Check!

    On my photo outings, I carry all of my primary lenses (L-glass) with me. If you are out on a trail and you did not bring the the wide-angle lens with you, guess...Read complete review

    On my photo outings, I carry all of my primary lenses (L-glass) with me. If you are out on a trail and you did not bring the the wide-angle lens with you, guess which lens you will need? That's right...the wide angle.

    The same goes with any lens--if you don't have it with you, you will need it. Lately, I have been doing a good bit of close-up...almost macro...work. Besides the cost of a dedicated macro lens, I was not particularly looking forward to the extra weight in the vest (i.e. on my shoulders) so the extension tube set seemed to be the perfect solution. The long telephoto will be with me anyway and the extension tubes effectively turn it into a macro lens.

    While the extension tubes do not produce a true macro, their effect is close enough for what I need. Used singly or in their various combinations, the extension tubes make my long telephoto focus considerably closer than normal, with an extremely short depth of field, and with the perfect clarity I have come to expect from that lens.

    Focusing takes a bit of getting used to as the extension tubes eliminate the ability to focus to infinity. Primary focus on the subject is done by using the zoom control and then the focus ring is used for fine focus. Because of the very short depth of field, a tripod is practically required and a rail system recommended for super-fine-tuning the focus. As long as you are close to focus with the zoom controls, the autofocus will try to focus on your subject; however the shallow depth of field makes manual focus easier to use than autofocus. Be aware that while the extension tube does not add glass to the optics mix of your lens, it effectively reduces the amount of light coming in by about 2 stops.

    This type of photography is not for those who like to dash-and-snap. But for those who enjoy taking their time to take those images of very small things in detail and great focus...this is a must-have before buying a dedicated macro lens.

    Would give 5 stars, but have never used any other extension tubes for comparison. I would most assuredly buy these again!

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Great affordable macro photos

    These are a great affordable way for macro photography, flexible three interchangeable tubes, work with my Canon EF-S 17 - 85 USM kit lens and tested it with 50mm F1.4 and Sigma 70 - ...Read complete review

    These are a great affordable way for macro photography, flexible three interchangeable tubes, work with my Canon EF-S 17 - 85 USM kit lens and tested it with 50mm F1.4 and Sigma 70 - 300 APO DG lens, Camera auto functions worked perefctly with these tubes. A must have for serious amateur photographers on a budget.

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 198 customers

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    5.0

    Gets the job done

    By DayDay

    from Fort Wayne, IN

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easily Interchangeable

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Macro Photography

      Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

      for the money it dose what its spouse to do my peoples at B & H came through for me with this.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      why pay for canon

      By ksinar

      from Ma

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Macro Photography

          Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

          build quality is good does what its suppose to do

          Share this review

           
          4.0

          working nicely

          By willie

          from london

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easily Interchangeable
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Lightweight
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

            Best Uses

              Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

              nice combo of three compatible tubes. certainly good for what close up work I'm doing.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Extremely satisfied

              By Stan the shuttle engineer

              from Space Coast, Florida

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Strong Construction

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Macro Photography

                Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                I have taken some remarkable photos using the extension tubes with me Canon 100mm macro lens. I also used the short tube with my 16-35 lens. The subject, a 25 cent piece, was within 1/4 inch of the lens. Scratches on the coin were remarkably clear.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                4.0

                nice at the price

                By lady hummingbird

                from Parrish, FL

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • Durable
                • Lightweight

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Macro Photography

                  Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                  I bought these after taking a Macro class. I had borrowed the instructors and saw the difference it made. Since I only do Macro photography on a limited basis, I did not want to spend the money on a separate lens, and this fit the bill for an alternative.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                  (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  4.0

                  Save some money

                  By Jimmy D

                  from Mesa, Az.

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easily Interchangeable
                  • Lightweight

                  Cons

                  • Slow Focus

                  Best Uses

                  • Macro Photography

                  Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                  I have a Canon Rebel T2i and use these tubes with an 18-135 Canon lens. They work great with the exception of auto focus. The auto focus hunts a lot, so with these I use manual focus most of the time.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  A Product You Have To Love

                  By Froilan Dollente

                  from Brisbane, Australia

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Durable
                  • Easily Interchangeable
                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                  • Lightweight
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                  • None so far

                  Best Uses

                  • Macro Photography
                  • Wildlife Photos

                  Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                  I have indulged into photography as a habit since July 2011 and bought a lot of third party stuff for my gadgets due to a limited budget.Most recently, I became interested with macro photography as it will provide me with opportunity to take great photos without wandering away from my abode but cannot afford to buy a macro lens.I found the solution with the use of these Kenko AF Extension tubes. Now I can photograph tiny critters and insect! These Kenko Extension Tubes allows me to use my prime lenses to function as macro lens and enables me to take photos of tiny creatures in great details, pretty amazing!Some of my sample photos are posted in www.flickr.com/photos/froilansdollente/I sourced these gadgets from bhphotovideo as they are the most reliable distributor and I can't afford the risk of receiving a counterfeit stuff.My order arrived one day earlier than the estimated date and delivered to my doorstep here in Brisbane, Australia (Shipped from the USA).Shopping with bhphotovideo is absolutely risk and stress-free experience and am sure will use their services again from time to time. I have also recommended their website to my relatives, colleagues and friends.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                  (1 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Great product

                  By Eugene

                  from Wilmington NC

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Durable
                  • Easily Interchangeable
                  • Lightweight
                  • SmallCompact
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Macro Photography

                    Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                    These tubes are quality items made in Japan. The package may seem a little pricy but...
                    I searched for this item under Canon brand. They dont make one. I think I know why. With these extension tubes, you dont need expensive macro lenses. They work great on your lens of choice. Mine is the 28-135 IS. Also works on the 70-300 IS. Zoomed to 300 with the 36mm ext, you can fill the frame with a 3/4" object on the ground w/o bending over. At that distance the IS, AF & pop-up flash work as designed.
                    For an enthusiast, the price is a write-off compared to a lens near 1K.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Very good value

                    By Zamacona

                    from Overland Park, KS

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Durable
                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Nice Bokeh
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                    • Poor in Low Light

                    Best Uses

                    • Macro Photography

                    Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                    This is a great way for Macro without buying a macro lens, you will save a lot of money and this is very good quality. There is no glass, it is literally just a space so the camera is able to focus closer, so you don't have to buy the canon version which is much more expensive. This is an amazing deal!

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    Excellent value for Money

                    By Krish

                    from Thimphu, Bhutan

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output

                    Cons

                    • Weak Casing

                    Best Uses

                    • Macro Photography

                    Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                    The set of extension tubes by kenko is really worth shelling out the $$. This is my first move towards Macro Photography and i am really not disappointed. I decided to go for the product after i read the review which stated that it doesn't contain any glass element, so the picture quality all depends on your lens. it is so true...totally happy with the productOn the bit of the cons side, the built material looks a little cheap, but hey you cant expect more for [$]

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • Yes

                    Share this review

                    (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    GOOD VALUE BENEFIT

                    By LICCI

                    from SÃO PAULO

                    About Me Pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Lightweight

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Macro Photography

                      Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                      IT'S NICE FOR MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY USING THE SAME LENS

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                      (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      The Kind of Service You Want!

                      By tstop

                      from Nashville, TN

                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Durable
                      • Easily Interchangeable

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Macro Photography
                        • Wildlife Photos

                        Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                        Regardless of what I buy, I know that the Manufacturer is responsible for the quality. However, what truly makes a purchase enjoyable is the hassle free service I know that I will always get at B&H Camera. From Tracking notification to Prompt delivery and Follow-up.....there is a reason why I shop at B&H. They provide the kind of Service I want. Excellent in every aspect!!!!

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        4.0

                        Serves its purpose nicely

                        By Troy Robinson Photography

                        from Visalia, CA

                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Consistent Output
                        • Durable
                        • Easily Interchangeable
                        • Lightweight

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Macro Photography

                          Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                          Overall, the extension tubes serve their purpose as I expected. I do, however, wish that I could still focus on the long end - the really change how close and HOW FAR the lens will focus.
                          I have used with my 7D; 70-200 2.8L IS; 400 5.6L; 28-135. Mostly with the 70-200 for close shots and the 28-135 for more macro type stuff.
                          Still, I have semi-limited use of them so far, but overall I found found them to be very useful.
                          I always use manual focus when attached. The focal plane really changes and it's just better for me to use manual.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                          (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          4.0

                          So far so good

                          By Flyboy

                          from Vancouver, Canada

                          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Macro Photography

                              Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                              Build quality quite good. Not seen the Canon, so cannot compare. Would have liked a storage case or bag.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              Good Value

                              By Paul

                              from Wickenburg, Arizona

                              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Durable
                              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                              • Nice Bokeh

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Macro Photography

                                Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                                This a reasonable way of taking your normal lenses and getting very acceptable macro photography results. So far I extremely happy with the results I get that while using them. I can wholeheartedly recommend buying and using this set of tubes. The tubes appear to be built well enough for the normal wear and tear that is typically given by advanced photographers.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                (6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                5.0

                                Good investment for an amateur/hobbyist

                                By Merry Mesmer

                                from Michigan, USA

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Pros

                                • Easily Interchangeable
                                • Good value
                                • Strong Construction

                                Cons

                                • Poor in Low Light

                                Best Uses

                                • Macro Photography
                                • Portraits
                                • Wildlife Photos

                                Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                                I use these extention tubes to add macro capability to the Canon 18-55mm kit lens and the 75-300mm f/4-5.6 zoom lens, mainly for hand-held insect and flower shooting but also for some occasional home 'studio' tripod-based photography and was--quite frankly--very surprised at how well they work with both of these admittedly entry-level lenses (in the right situations of course).

                                The tubes can be a little challenging to work with, especially in regards to the loss of light at the increased focal lengths and the very shallow depth of field, and for hand-held work sometimes requires some creativity with additional lighting/flash and tight apertures to achieve acceptable exposures. Also, don't expect to be able to rely on auto-focus in many cases, especially in hand-held situations. But I tend to look on these 'limitations' as somewhat of a positive in that they have helped me think about lighting and composition more and challenged me to become a more proficient photographer. Exposure metering, however, seems to continue to work well even when using all three tubes together.

                                That said, people who just want to be able to take macro photos without the added challenges of working around light loss and flaky auto-focus would probably be better off saving a little more and investing in a dedicated macro lens. But for those on a limited budget with a couple or three longer lenses already in their collection and with the motivation to work a touch harder for their photos, these extension tubes are a great, cost-effective way of essentially doubling or tripling your existing lens collection with macro versions of each lens that produce very acceptable results.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                5.0

                                Great product

                                By Verdon

                                from Boulder, CO

                                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Consistent Output
                                • Easily Interchangeable
                                • Lightweight
                                • Nice Bokeh

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Macro Photography
                                  • Wildlife Photos

                                  Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                                  I used the tubes (in one or in combination) with my MarkIII with 70-200 F/2.8
                                  and 100-400 F/4.5-5.6 . The tubes fits snug and easy to install them, auto focus works just perfect. If you don't want to spend money for macro lens (which they are works with macro lens just perfect!) and you still interested do some close up is must have... I shoot mostly wildlife and is it very good edition to my camera bag. I can wait to try use the extension with my 600 F/4 lens when I will have chance to be closer to object.... Would be nice if tubes come with some case but other that I am 100% satisfied.... Work as promised again it is un expensive edition what help you with the close up photography.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                  (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  4.0

                                  I would recommend this product.

                                  By bartman

                                  from PA

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                      • Macro Photography

                                      Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                                      I use this with my Canon 7-200 lens for close up shots in lieu of a macro lens. It was recommended by a friend and seems to work fine.

                                      Share this review

                                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                       
                                      4.0

                                      Works Fine

                                      By mSum

                                      from SLC, UT

                                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Works

                                      Cons

                                      • Release switches weak

                                      Best Uses

                                      • Macro Photography
                                      • Wildlife Photos

                                      Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                                      These work fine with all my Canon lenses. AF is a little slower but not too bad at all. I haven't used the canon version, but I'm willing to bet they slow AF a little as well.

                                      I've mostly used the 36mm tube only on my Canon 400 f5.6. It nearly cuts my MFD in half...perfect for shooting little birds from a blind.

                                      I try to stick with Canon gear because I've had bad experiences with Sigma and others in the past, but I went with the Kenko set because there is no glass. It was a good decision. A single Canon tube is nearly the price of this entire set.

                                      Share this review

                                       
                                      5.0

                                      Outstanding tube set

                                      By one more time

                                      from Redding, California

                                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Consistent Output
                                      • Durable
                                      • Easily Interchangeable
                                      • Lightweight
                                      • Strong Construction

                                      Cons

                                        Best Uses

                                        • Macro Photography

                                        Comments about Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras:

                                        I just use it for Macro photography and the set works ourstanding with both my canons.

                                        • Was this a gift?:
                                        • No

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                                        What's in the Box

                                        Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (12, 20 & 36mm Tubes) for Canon EOS Digital and Film Cameras
                                        • Front & Rear Caps
                                        • 1-Year Warranty
                                         
                                         
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