68degrees
Well-known
The Nikon PK-11 extension tube is 8mm. Can I use this on my 24mm nikkor to make the minimum focus distance closer? Is this the right one to use with the 24mm ? Thanks
Can I use the 8mm PK-11 ext tube on my 24mm nikkor
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Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
You should be able to but you may notice that your 24mm doesn't perform that well at close distances. If it is a lens with CRC, you may get some wierd look to the out of focus areas because CRC lenses are optimized specifically for one flange distance from the lens. Taking a CRC lens and moving it out is completely changing the formulation essentially so you will get something but it may not be spectacular.
Extension tubes usually work best on lenses with focal lengths longer than 50mm.
Phil Forrest
Extension tubes usually work best on lenses with focal lengths longer than 50mm.
Phil Forrest
68degrees
Well-known
thanks. Do you know if the Nikkor 24mm is CRC?
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Depends upon which version of the lens you have. You can look at the lens' front element and focus it from near to far. look to see if the glass element rotates. It probably doesn't as I think the only Close Range Correction lens with a turning front element is the 28mm f/2.8. Turn the lens around and focus from near to far again. Watch the rear element for turning and moving at a slightly different rate from the rest of the lens barrel. If this happens, then it has CRC.
I've owned both the 24mm f/2 and the 24mm f/2.8. The f/2.8 is a much better lens but has significant field curvature at close range as does the f/2 variant. Sticking these lenses on the extension tube would only make field curvature worse so your plane of focus is going to be a hemispherical section, not a flat plane. The f/2 lens just isn't as sharp at any range. It's fast but it's not a shining star of Nikon production. It also has a good amount of distortion which makes it a lens for someone who really loves it. They are still expensive used these days simply because they have that f/2 aperture, in spite of the less than awesome performance.
Check out Bjorn Rorslett's lens reviews.
I owned my 24mm f/2.8 one for only a few hours, completely overhauled it then it was stolen in a burglary with the rest of my gear I used for work. I had only taken one real photo with that lens and I still wish I had the opportunity to familiarize myself with it better.
Phil Forrest
