Super Macro with (coupling) step down ring

[scarletlion]

Hello, I'm a novice photographer with an interest in Macro photography. I've been doing some research into it and have heard of he super macro technique whereby you reverse mount a lens using a coupling ring. I have a few questions:

1) Can I use my 105mm sigma macro lens with a canon 50mm prime f/1.8 lens to do this?
2) Is it worth the hassle?
3) Is there any risk to the equipment?
4) If so, does anyone know the exact coupling rign I would need?

Many thanks for any advice.

 

[480sparky]

Using a nifty fifty reversed on a105 macro will work just peachy keen.

The only risk is the exposed 'back' side to the 50mm. You just need to be careful.

I don't know what size filters either lens takes, but that's all you would need to find out. Look inside the caps of both, it should be there. Then just order a macro coupling ring that has both of those sizes.

You'll also need to make sure the aperture on the 50 is open to maximum.

 

[scarletlion]

Wow, that was quick. Thanks. So let me get this straight. I go:

Camera > Sigma 105mm > coupling ring > 50mm

Any idea what the difference in magnification would be as opposed to using the sigma 105mm on it's own?

 

[480sparky]

No clue.

 

[scarletlion]

No problem. Would there be any drawbacks with focusing /aperture etc with this technique? Or does everythign work as it would if it just had the sigma 105mm on?

 

[480sparky]

You'll pretty much have to focus by moving the camera as opposed to using the focus ring. This is SOP in the realm of super-close imaging.

 

[scarletlion]

I'd just like to say thanks for the advice. Took my first macro shot using this technique last night and it ended up beign explored on Flickr!!!

Housefly [Explored] by Small Clone, on Flickr

 

[BrickHouse]

Awesome! Great colors between the red of the eye, the blue of the body, and the green background!

 

[Derrel]

105mm/50mm = 2.1, so you ought to be able to get about 2.1x life-size with that combo. Other good ones are 200mm/24 for 8.33~ x magnification. Nikon and a number of other companies made affordable, yet solidly-made 200mm lenses for much of ther 1970's and 1980's and they adapt well to Canons. A 200mm and 35mm wide angle produces almost 6x magny!