"It's for you", Bhavna yelled nonchalantly from the kitchen. She had opened the Amazon.com package that had arrived earlier in the day.
When I looked inside the Amazon.com box and saw the Fujinon MCEX-16 macro extension tube, I had mixed emotions. I was upset. Had I checked the Amazon.com package before the previous day's hike, I could have used it to photograph the fall berries and wildflowers I saw during the hike. But I was excited too. At last, I could scratch my macro photography itch with my Fuji X-T3.
A macro lens is the best option for photographing tiny creatures' intricate details. It's designed to focus from infinity to a 1:1 magnification ratio. What does that mean? It means that the image you see through the lens will be reproduced on your camera sensor at the same size as in real life. Pretty cool, right?
Macro lenses offer another great feature—they allow me to get close to your subject. I can capture the tiniest details and bring them to life in my photographs. Just imagine getting up close and personal with a flower petal or insect.
Macro extension tubes are fantastic tools for photographers exploring the world of close-up and macro photography without breaking the bank. These nifty gadgets are perfect for photographers who want to experiment with macro photography but have yet to be ready to invest in a dedicated macro lens. Extension tubes are affordable alternatives that can help you achieve that close-up magic.
How do they work? Well, it's simple. You attach an extension tube between your camera body and your regular lens. This extra bit of distance allows you to focus much closer than you would with your lens alone.
With extension tubes, I can explore the world of macro photography using my Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 lens or Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR lens. The table below lays out the details of the Fujinon MCEX-16.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Fujinon MCEX-16 |
| Type | Macro Extension Tube |
| Length | 16mm |
| Diameter | 10.7mm |
| Weight | 59g |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount |
| Compatibility | X-Series interchangeable lenses |
| Autofocus Support | Yes |
| Electronic Contacts | Yes |
| Construction | Metal |
| Communication | Supports Electronic Communication |
| Weather Resistance | No |
Without the Fujinon MCEX-16 macro extension tube, the XF27mmF.8 lens has a Working Distance of 299mm (distance from the top of the lens barrel to the subject) and a Shortest Shooting Distance of 340mm (distance from the image sensor to the subject). However, when the Fujinon MCEX-16 is attached to the XF27mmF.8, these distances are reduced to 60mm and 118mm, respectively. This extension tube allows for a maximum magnification of 0.66. Although it falls short of 1:1 magnification, it is still practical for various applications.
The Fujinon MCEX-16 has electronic connections that seamlessly transmit data between Fujinon X Mount lenses and Fujifilm X Series camera bodies. Even with the tubes attached, I retain the convenience of autofocus and aperture control. Given the typically narrow depth of field (DOF) of macro lenses, it is necessary to use smaller apertures to enhance the depth of field. It’s also essential to ensure adequate lighting for the subject to avoid capturing images at excessively high ISO levels.
With a lens like the Fujinon XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro lens, I have close-up capabilities while retaining the ability to focus at a distance. However, the Fujinon XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro lens is expensive. Using these extension tubes benefits someone like me, who isn't heavily into macro photography but still desires the flexibility to engage in it when the opportunity presents itself.
It rained last night, and the air was thick with moisture. The backyard sassafras tree had turned yellow, red, and orange earlier in the week. The rain and wind from last night had defoliated most of the tree, scattering wet leaves on the lawn and the small deck. Moisture glistened off some leaves and collected in small pools on others.
October's fall-coloured leaves were ordinary and commonplace but full of potential. With a spark of creativity, I wondered if I could capture them in a way that would transform their beauty into something truly extraordinary. I attached the Fujinon MCEX-16 to my Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 lens and my FujiFilm X-T3 and went outside.
The morning sun rose above the trees and warmly lit the backyard. The bright sunlight helped provide sufficient light to illuminate the leaves, even at f/8. I am happy with these results.
