T4i with 50mm f1.4 + Extension Tubes

[dgtron]

I got a T4i & have a Telescopic 50mm f1.4 lens.
In order to take macro shots I purchased extension tubes with AF. I'm unable to focus to my corals. I have a 30" wide tank & the corals are about 12-15" from front glass.
If I were to get a true Macro lens will I be able to focus better 12-15" away & does it focus different than the lens with extensions?

 

[tommyhrs]

First off macro is better shot in manual focus. Ext. tubes have a very tight focal distance and require a great deal more light or higher ISO. I haven't shot macro in a long time but I believe the focal distance is better than ext. tubes.

 

[noy]

Turn off your autofocus and see whether you can focus manually.
The problem with extension tubes is that they don't focus out to infinity - that is there is minimum distance you have to be from your subject in order to focus. I have extension tubes and a canon 100mm f2.8 macro (highly recommended). The macro lens will generally focus out to infinity so you have a lot of latitude in how far you are back. The only problem is if you want an extreme closeup - you will need the tubes to allow you to get really close to the subject.

You can do macro with a 50mm lens and tubes (not sure what tubes you have) but you may be limited to more close up shots.

Are you sure the corals are 12-15" inches from your glass most 30" tanks are only 12" wide (except cubes). Because, if you working with 6-8 inches - you may be just fine with your 50mm.

Having said that, the 100mm f2.8 is an outstanding lens and if you plan on taking a lot of shots of your tank, I would say its a good (but expensive) investment.

For example the shot below is done with extension tubes

IMG_4772 by

Whereas you won't be able to focus and get the right framing using tubes for this type of shot.
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/93072545@N02/8603335199/]
IMG_5556 by http://www.flickr.com/people/93072545@N02/

 

[dgtron]

I did try Auto as well as Manual Focus. I just can't focus on the subject. Also I have a 30" deep (wide) tank. Tank Dimensions 90"X30"X24" (LXWXH) the corals are about 12-15" from the front glass.

If not a Macro photography, just some regular shots, is there a write up available on the initial settings to take decent pictures?