As many readers will know I did a review on the Econo Vello Extension Tubes for Nikon 1 some time ago. While the auto-focusing with the tubes worked without any issues, the Econo tubes have a plastic lens mount which was prone to cracking and breaking. I recently had the chance to test the Vello Deluxe Extension Tubes for Nikon 1.

NOTE: click on images to enlarge.

The Vello Deluxe Extension Tubes for Nikon 1 come in a set of two: 10 mm and 16 mm. They appear to be much better constructed than the Econo version of the extension tubes. They feature metal lens mounts as you can see in the image above. Thus far the metal mounts have been much robust and also fit tighter and more securely on my Nikon 1 bodies than do the Vello Econo Extension Tubes for Nikon 1.

Let’s have a close-up look at the problem with the original Vello Extension Tubes for Nikon 1.

You can see in the image above that the flange has started to crack and a portion is lifting away. If this tube was continued to be used a portion of the flange would eventually snap off. This could potentially cause issues with your camera’s lens mount and/or cause your lens to disengage from your camera body unexpectedly.

After examining the Deluxe Vello Extension Tubes for Nikon 1, they appear to made of machined metal as you can see in the image above. I don’t think there is any question that the Deluxe Vello Extension Tubes for Nikon 1 will be far more durable and long lasting than the Econo version of the tubes.

In terms of potential impact on camera-to-lens communication I had no issues whatsoever with the new Deluxe Vello Extension Tubes for Nikon 1.

When using the zoom on my 1 Nikon 30-110 mm f/3.8-5.6 to adjust approximate focus I found the Deluxe Vello tubes felt pretty solid and tight. I would certainly recommend these tubes over the Vello Econo version.

I recently had an opportunity to use the Deluxe Vello tubes at the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory. All images were taken hand-held in available light. I used single point auto-focus for all of the images.

The Deluxe Vello Extension Tubes for Nikon 1 are a significant improvement over the Vello Econo tubes. Anyone looking for durable tubes that provide good camera-to-lens communication should certainly consider these tubes for their Nikon 1 system.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to learn more about the Nikon 1 system, you may want to have a look at our eBook, The Little Camera That Could. It illustrates the capability of the Nikon 1 system through hundreds of original photographs. There is also commentary and tips about the Nikon 1 system.

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