Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I have a cheap set of extension tubes which provide no electrical connectivity to the lens, so no auto-focus, aperture control etc... and am looking to upgrade to a set that does.

Anyone had experience with either the Kenko
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3 ... e_Set.html

or Canon
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3 ... EF_25.html

I can SEE the contacts in the canon picture, so I expect that I get autofocus and aperture control, but want to confirm this, and I expect it in the Kenko, but the pictures don't show whether there is any of the contacts. The Kenko also talks about 'enhanced gate array IC'.

I have the kenkos and can confirm that they connect and you do get auto-focus, aperture control, etc.
PS - I shoot Canon as well.

The Kenko's are supposed to work just as well as the Canon's. Since there is no glass Kenko air is just as good as Canon air.

Have used Kenko, even Image stabilization is retained

I use the Kenko extension tubes on Canon and all electrical functions are maintained.

Tim

I'm told that there is no difference at all between the tubes. Since there are not optical elements (beyond air I guess). Buy the Kenkos as they are cheaper.

there is a slight difference apparently. The lock switches on Kenko are a bit less firm and easier to press accidentally when using some lenses (like 100 macro non L), I personally had an encounter with it coming off right into my hand as I was zooming it. I haven't had the Canon tube, so I don't know if it is the same, but people say it's better. Now, this isn't a big issue as it only affects some people, on the other hand, I've used Kenko with the macro L and it was no longer a problem

i bought the kenko extension tubes before. they are definately not substitutes for macro lenses.

they may reduce minimum focus distances of your existing lenses, but often the maximum focusing distance of the lens+ext tube is less than the minimum focus distance of the lens.

It may not sound like a big deal, but it makes framing extremely cumbersome to the point that it's just better to get a macro.

That won't stop pixelpeepers from claiming they can smell the difference

love love love my kenko tubes...

my favorite is the 12mm one as it complements my 85mm prime for really close macro food shots...

have no complaints whatsoever with this gadgets

oh i shoot with a Canon and shoot everything manual...there are random times that I use autofocus and in both scenarios, the communication works well