Is there a converter to make an 85mm a macro?

[scoundrel1728]

For Canon at least, the better extension tubes have electrical connectors that pass the signals between the lens and the body. You need to do something special with the reversing coupler though. Novoflex has a set of rings that allow coupling the body electrically to the lens for Canon cameras, but they are expensive. Perhaps other third-party manufacturers have something less costly that does the same thing and works satisfactorily.

[TheFantasticG]

Originally Posted by trapman

Upon furthur review...extension tubes may only work with the older AF lenses with the aperture ring, or manual focus lenses. I don't think they work with the newer AF G-type lenses that don't have the aperture ring. Same problem for the reversal ring solution with a G-type lens. I'll do a bit more digging to find out for sure!

Kenko tubes have the electrical contacts.

[amirchen]

Originally Posted by trapman

Upon furthur review...extension tubes may only work with the older AF lenses with the aperture ring, or manual focus lenses. I don't think they work with the newer AF G-type lenses that don't have the aperture ring. Same problem for the reversal ring solution with a G-type lens. I'll do a bit more digging to find out for sure!

I have Nikon D3000 and i got those tube yesterday and the auto-focus and aperture control works fine

[TheBigOne]

Originally Posted by amirchen

I have Nikon D3000 and i got those tube yesterday and the auto-focus and aperture control works fine

I have a similar set (the difference is that mine have metal mounts; useful for larger lenses). They work fine with all AI / AI-S, AF, AF-D, and AF-S lenses. Pretty much the same as the Kenko ones (build quality may differ slightly).

For extension tubes, the smaller the focal length the more magnification you get (up until the focal plane starts to sit inside the lens itself!). I.e., you will get more magnification with a 36mm macro tube + a 50mm lens than you would with a 36mm macro tube + a 85mm lens. There are calculators which will tell you the maximum magnification you can achieve, given a certain focal length, minimum focus distance, and macro tube length.

[TheFantasticG]

Originally Posted by TheBigOne

I have a similar set (the difference is that mine have metal mounts; useful for larger lenses). They work fine with all AI / AI-S, AF, AF-D, and AF-S lenses. Pretty much the same as the Kenko ones (build quality may differ slightly).

What brand do you have? The only set I was aware that have the electrical contacts is Kenko.

[TheBigOne]

Originally Posted by TheFantasticG

What brand do you have? The only set I was aware that have the electrical contacts is Kenko.

It is some no-name eBay brand. Look for AF macro tubes and you should find them. They are in the neighborhood of $80 for the metal ones, $65 for the plastic ones.