Extension tubes

Another indecisive day, so you have a collage of 4 flowers/leaves plus a feather.  My brother mentioned extension tubes to me, which I've never come across before.  So I had a play in the garden this afternoon (and got seriously over-heated).  He said you needed either a steady hand or a tripod and a remote release, and now I see what he means.  The depth of field is miniscule.  Although the lens still focuses when it is attached to the tubes, if you are hand-holding which I was, it is easier to put the camera on manual focus and rock backwards and forwards until what you want is in focus, and hold your breath while you press the shutter!  A 35mm lens isn't ideal either.  Next time I will try a longer lens and see just how close I can get.