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9 Best Extension Tubes for Canon and Nikon Cameras

By Matthew Rivera
  • Last Updated: Apr 28, 2023
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Many people focus their attention to investing in expensive macro lenses to take better photos and shoot clearer videos. But, you don’t have to break the bank to indulge in professional photography. An excellent substitute for an expensive macro lens is an extension tube. 

Extension tubes help you get closer to your subject, experiment with new creative techniques, or capture more detail in your shots. Additionally, you can convert a regular zoom or prime lens into a macro lens with extension tubes. In an extension tube, there are no lens elements inside. Instead, it acts as a spacer between your camera and lens to allow you to get closer to a subject and still keep focus.

Our 9 Best Extension Tubes For Canon & Nikon

With so many great extension tubes available in the market right now, it can be confusing and difficult to decide which one is the best for you.

So, we’ll break down the different types of extension tubes and help you choose the right one for your needs.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, read on for the best extension tubes for Canon and Nikon cameras.

Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube Product Photo 1
Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube
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Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG Product Photo 1
Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG 
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Meike MK-RF-A1 Product Photo 1
Meike MK-RF-A1
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Meike MK-Z-AF1 Product Photo
Meike MK-Z-AF1
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Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set Product Photo
Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set 
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JJC Auto Focus Extension Tube Set Product Photo
JJC Auto Focus Extension Tube Set
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Vello Extension Tube Set for Canon EOS
Vello Extension Tube Set for Canon EOS
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SHOOT Aluminum Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set for Canon
SHOOT Aluminum Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set for Canon
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Xit Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set Product Photo
Xit Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set
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Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube Product Photo 1

1. Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube

5.0
5/5

The Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube belongs to the more expensive side of extension tubes, but its magnification power justifies it.

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The Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube belongs to the more expensive side of extension tubes, but its magnification power justifies it. It is compatible with EF, EF-S, and TF-S lenses.

Extension Tube Specs

Lens Mount: Canon EF

Mount Material: Metal

Focal Length: 25mm

Electrical Connection: Yes

Compatibility: Selected cameras with EF, EF-S, and TS-E lenses

Stack With Other Tubes

The tube has an electrical connection so you can stack it with other tubes, such as the Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube to achieve greater magnification. It also allows the use of autofocus while using the tube, so it’s capable of macro photography.

Excellent Build Quality & Flawless Compatibility

The Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube is perfect for photographers who are concerned about quality.

As it is built by Canon, you can expect excellent build quality and flawless compatibility with your camera and Canon lens.

Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube

5.0
5/5
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Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube Product Photo 2
Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube Product Photo 3
Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG Product Photo 1

2. Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG

4.9
5/5

This extension tube set was built by the popular third party extension tubes manufacturer, Kenko.

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This extension tube set was built by the popular third party extension tubes manufacturer, Kenko.

Extension Tube Specs

Lens Mount: Canon EF

Mount Material: Metal

Focal Length: 12mm, 20mm, 36mm

Electrical Connection: Yes

Compatibility: Most EF and EF-S lenses, 35mm film cameras

Cost, Versatility & Features

The Kenko Auto Extension Tube set dg has a great balance when it comes to cost, versatility, and features.

Considered to be a budget extension tube, it does not compromise its functionality.

Not only is it best for Canon, but it is also one of the best extension tubes for Nikon cameras.

Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG

4.9
5/5
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Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG Product Photo 2
Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG Product Photo 3
Meike MK-RF-A1 Product Photo 1

3. Meike MK-RF-A1

4.9
5/5

So, the Meike MK-RF-A1 is a good alternative to give a non-macro RF-mount lens close-up capabilities with extension tubes.

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The range of Canon’s native RF-mount macro lenses in the market is still very limited. So, it’s a good alternative to give a non-macro RF-mount lens close-up capabilities with extension tubes.

Extension Tube Specs

Lens Mount: Canon EF

Mount Material: Metal

Focal Length: 11mm & 18mm

Electrical Connection: Yes

Stack Both Tubes For Higher Magnification

Although it only has 2 tubes compared to most sets with 3 tubes, the focal length of 11mm & 18mm are a great compromise between high magnification and practical depth of field.

You can also stack both tubes to achieve 29mm for higher magnification.

Meike MK-RF-A1

4.9
5/5
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Meike MK-RF-A1 Product Photo 1
Meike MK-RF-A1 Product Photo 2
Meike MK-Z-AF1 Product Photo

4. Meike MK-Z-AF1

4.8
4.8/5

So, the Meike MK-RF-A1 is a good alternative to give a non-macro RF-mount lens close-up capabilities with extension tubes.

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Among the limited choices of macro extension tube set for Nikon Z Cameras, Meike’s MK-Z-AF1 extension tube set is a great substitute to add to your Nikon Z kit bag.

Extension Tube Specs

Lens Mount: Nikon Z

Mount Material: Metal

Focal Length: 11mm & 18mm

Electrical Connection: Yes

Compatibility: All Nikon Z mount cameras

Great Value For The Price

It’s a good value for Nikon Z-mount tubes, because despite its cheaper price, it’s highly-functional. The set also comes with metal rings to provide better durability for the tubes.

Meike MK-Z-AF1

4.8
4.8/5
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Meike MK-Z-AF1 Product Photo 3
Meike MK-Z-AF1 Product Photo 2
Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set Product Photo

5. Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set

4.7
4.7/5

The Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set is available for different camera mounts, including Canon and Nikon.

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The Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set is available for different camera mounts, including Canon and Nikon. Despite the specific designs for seamless attachment, the features are the same.

Extension Tube Specs

Lens Mount: Canon EOS, DSLR Lens (for Canon), Nikon Nikkor F D/SLR Lens (for Nikon)

Mount Material: Hardened Anodized Aluminum

Focal length: 7mm, 14mm, 28mm

Electrical Connection: Yes

Compatibility: Canon EF and EF-S mount, Nikon F Mount Digital SLR Cameras

Warranty: Limited 24-months

Great Choice If You're Tight On A Budget

This set is a great choice if you’re on a tight budget but still wants to achieve perfect quality images when taking photos. It is one of the more affordable sets than most tubes in the market. 

The extension kit also comes with a lens coupling ring and a body coupling ring, which allows you to connect two lenses with its filter mounts. The rings act as a powerful and well-corrected close-up lens.

Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set

4.7
4.7/5
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Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set Product Photo 3
Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set Product Photo 2
JJC Auto Focus Extension Tube Set Product Photo

6. JJC Auto Focus Extension Tube Set

4.7
4.7/5

JJC Auto Focus Extension Tube Set is available for Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony mounts.

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JJC Auto Focus Extension Tube Set is available for Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony mounts. It has durable quality and allows macro photography without hassle.

Extension Tube Specs

Lens Mount: Nikon Z

Mount Material: Brass

Focal length: 12mm, 20mm, 36mm (for Canon) & 11mm, 16mm (for Nikon)

Electrical Connection: Yes

Compatibility: Canon EOS DSLR Cameras, EF and EF-S Lenses, Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras and lenses, Nikon Z mount mirrorless camera and mirrorless lenses

JJC Auto Focus Extension Tube Set

4.7
4.7/5
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Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set Product Photo 3
Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set Product Photo 2
Vello Extension Tube Set for Canon EOS

7. Vello Extension Tube Set for Canon EOS

4.7
4.7/5

The Vello Extension Tube Set for Canon EOS lenses allows you to zoom to a subject closer than its normal minimum focusing distance.

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The Vello Extension Tube Set for Canon EOS lenses allows you to zoom to a subject closer than its normal minimum focusing distance.

Extension Tube Specs

Mount: Canon EF and EF-S

Mount Material: Aluminum

Focal Length: 13mm, 21mm, 31mm

Electrical Connection: Yes

Compatibility: Canon EF and EF-S mounts

Stack In 7 Distinct Combinations

The set comes in three sizes, which you can use individually or stack together in 7 distinct combinations, depending on your desired magnification. 

The tube set is stackable so it allows higher magnification and it shortens MFD, ensuring clear photos with finer details. It is also built by a well-known brand, Vello, so you can be assured of excellent quality upon usage.

Vello Extension Tube Set for Canon EOS

4.7
4.7/5
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Vello Extension Tube Set for Canon EOS Product Photo 2
Vello Extension Tube Set for Canon EOS Product Photo 3
SHOOT Aluminum Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set for Canon

8. SHOOT Aluminum Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set for Canon

4.6
4.6/5

This extension tube set has electrical connections to maintain autofocus and auto exposure when attached to Canon lenses.

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This extension tube set has electrical connections to maintain autofocus and auto exposure when attached to Canon lenses. The tubes can be used individually but can also be stackable. At only around $20, it’s definitely an affordable set for three tubes.

Extension Tube Specs

Focal length: 13mm, 21mm, 31mm

Electrical Connection: Yes

Compatibility: All Canon EF, EF-S, and IS series lenses

SHOOT Aluminum Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set for Canon

4.6
4.6/5
Check Price
SHOOT Aluminum Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set for Canon Product Photo 3
SHOOT Aluminum Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set for Canon Product Photo 2
Xit Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set Product Photo

9. Xit Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set

4.6
4.6/5

Another extension tube set on the list is the Xit Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set, which provides auto-focus features at an affordable price.

Check Price On Amazon

Another extension tube set on the list is the Xit Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set, which provides auto-focus features at an affordable price.

The Xit Extension Tube Set has an advanced design that makes it stand out among the rest. This is also one of the best extension tubes for Nikon and Canon, especially if you’re into taking photographs of flowers and animals.

In addition, it is an easy and affordable substitute to enable macro shooting.

Extension Tube Specs

Focal Length: 12mm, 20mm, 36mm

Electrical Connection: Yes

Compatibility: Canon SLR Cameras, Nikon SLR Cameras

Warranty: 24 months

Specific Design For Both Canon & Nikon

The extension tube set has specific designs for both Canon (XTETC) and Nikon (XTETN). 

The Xit Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set is easy to use for both professionals and beginners. The setting-up is not intimidating, so if you’re new to macro photography, this set is the one for you. 

Apart from that, when you buy this set, you’ll have access to a higher warranty period compared to other extension tubes on the list.

Xit Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set

4.6
4.6/5
Check Price
Xit Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set Product Photo 2
Xit Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set Product Photo 3

Extension Tubes for Macro Photography

Every lens has an MFD. The MFD of your lens is the distance of how close a subject can be from your camera’s digital sensor while still maintaining focus. If your subject is closer to the lens than your lens’ MFD, you can’t focus on that subject. 

When doing macro photography, you want to be as close as possible to your subject, especially when they’re tiny. But, using only your camera’s MFD, your focus on the subject becomes an issue. Here’s where the extension tubes come in. They help you shift the focus zone of your lens, which allows you to get closer to your subject and achieve macro photos.

How to Use Extension Tubes

To use an extension tube, you just have to attach it between your camera body and lens. You can also stack multiple extension tubes for optimum use. 

thisdFor easier attachment, you can first attach your tube to the lens and then attach the whole thing to your camera body. Once you’re done attaching the tubes to the lens and are in place, there are no more additional controls or mechanics you have to think about, you can use them immediately. 

When using it, the more you use your zoom lens, the more likely the camera shake will affect the photo quality. Just like when you’re using a longer lens focal lengths, you will also need a faster shutter speed, perhaps use a tripod, or activate flash to freeze motions and ensure sharper shots.

Extension Tube Buying Guide

When buying an extension tube, there are certain features that you would want to consider.

Brand

An extension tube is easy to make, so there are a lot of generic brands available in the market. Tubes made by known brands like Canon or Nikon are designed specifically for their cameras, unlike the generic type, which you can use with any brand.

Brand tubes are easier to use for specific cameras, but it also comes at an expensive price. Even though a generic macro extension tube is more affordable, a cheap tube might cause you more trouble in the long run.

If you’re opting to buy a generic type, make sure you read the reviews, particularly those with one star. Buying a cheaper tube is not worth damaging your camera.

Size

As mentioned, extension tubes come in different sizes, offering different magnification, which significantly affects the pixels and your photo quality.

So, it would be best if you choose the right extension tube to achieve the magnification you desire. You can use the formula we laid out above to know the magnification.

Electrical Components

Some ring flashes come with multiple flash modes, meaning they can be used as fill lights when shooting outdoors or as leading lights when shooting indoors.

It’s up to personal preference whether or not this feature is worth it to you. If you decide that it’s essential to have multiple modes, consider that models with more flash modes are typically more expensive.

Types of Extension Tubes

There are two types of extension tubes that you can choose from:

No Electric Components

The first type of a macro extension tube is the one that doesn’t have any electric components. It is basically a tube with connectors that allow you to attach the lens to one end and your camera body. This type of extension tube is cheaper than the other one, but by using it, you can’t do the following: 

  • Use your autofocus function
  • Control your aperture

Although, if you have aperture rings, you can still control your aperture. But, another downside is that your view through your viewfinder darkens and decreases when you close your aperture to extend your focus depth.

With Electric Components

The second type of a macro extension tube requires electrical components so your extension tube and camera body function harmoniously. The extension tube contains electrical connections on both sides of the tube, and the connection continues to move through when you stack them.

Unlike the one without an electrical component, you can still use your autofocus function. Although this is pricier, this type is usually sturdier too.

Sizes of Extension Tubes

Remember that not all extension tubes are equal. Make sure that you choose a tube that’s compatible with your camera. 

Canon and Nikon created extension tubes in different sizes:

As mentioned earlier, you can stack extension tubes. The longer it gets, you’ll have more extension, which results in more magnification power. Because of this, you also have to understand the size your camera needs to achieve an optimum photography experience. 

Here’s the formula for when you want to figure out the exact magnification ratio you’ll achieve with an extension tube: 

The length of your extension tube / the focal length of your lens

For example, your camera has a lens of 135mm, and you bought a 27.5mm extension tube. So, it’s 27.5 divided by 135. The answer is 0.20, which is the magnification ratio you’ll have with the extension tube.

Final Thoughts

Extension tubes allow you to achieve macro photography at a fraction of the price of a macro lens. Many tubes come in sets of 2 or 3, which you can use individually or combine to achieve a focal length you need on a subject you want to shoot. 

There are many more options of extension tubes to choose from in the market, but these are the models you’d want to check and consider to achieve greater image quality with more refined details to tiny subjects. 

Just remember that buying the cheapest one available may not be the best option for you because it might damage your camera in the long run and cost you even more. Keep in mind to consider the extension tube’s brand, size, and functionality when choosing one. 

Choose an extension tube that fits your needs and suits your style. Investing in your camera accessories is like investing in your memories!

Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube Product Photo 1

Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube

5.0
5/5

The Canon EF 25 II Extension Tube belongs to the more expensive side of extension tubes, but its magnification power justifies it.

Check Price On Amazon

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