Using reversed lens

[Nod]

I tried my first attempt at macro using my minolta 50mm reversed on my Sigma 70-300. I'm not sure I like it because you have to use such a shallow dof to get a shot. Impossible to shoot a skittish insect. This is a (dead) hornets wing. I used my 70-300 because the gears are stripped and I can only use it in manual anyway. There's something rattleing around inside the lens too.

Here's the lens

 

[Edsport]

You can use just one lens reversed...

 

[Nod]

Yes that's true, but you don't get the same magnification. By using the 50 on the end of the 70-300 you get around 6:1. Without it, you get at best 1:1.

 

[Overread36]

Welcome to the world of razor depth of field! Chances are you also can't stop down more than one stop on the lens either to get more depth since at this magnification diffraction sets in very early (and the effective aperture you're working at is likely already far smaller than f22).

You can do live bugs with it - but it tends to favour a certain size of bug. Turn over a few rocks or wood in some moist areas and see if you can find any springtails (tiny 1-2mm long bugs) 6:1 is more than enough to get good shots of them.

 

[Nod]

I've drilled out the center of a rear lens cap on the 50mm and by doing that you can control the aperture by turning the cap. With the cap on all the way, it opens the lens wide open. I think I can find the link to the process if you're interested.

 

[Edsport]

I get more than 1:1 using my 18-55mm lens. Use your zoom. Here's a couple examples of an ordinary housefly...

 

[Nod]

You're right, I've done that with my other lens. Those are very nice by the way, thanks.

 

[Destin]

How are you guys attaching the reversed lens to the camera. Do they make an adapter?

 

[NikonME]

Yup, check ebay for 'reverse macro adapter ring'. You want one that will fit your camera and the lens (your lens filter size)

 

[molested_cow]

I tried it with my 20mm prime. The depth of field is so narrow that even just my hand shake can't keep things in range. I had to rig something up to keep it still, so there's no way I can take a decent shot with it outside. The magnification is pretty awesome though, but sharpness suffers.

 

[NikonME]

I tried it with my 20mm prime. The depth of field is so narrow that even just my hand shake can't keep things in range. I had to rig something up to keep it still, so there's no way I can take a decent shot with it outside. The magnification is pretty awesome though, but sharpness suffers.

Did you try something like the gorillapod?

 

[Arkanjel Imaging]

Trying to shoot handheld at 6:1 is futile. At those mags you need a good tripod, a lot of light, cable(less) shutter release and mirror lock-up to get anything good.

 

[Edsport]

I tried it with my 20mm prime. The depth of field is so narrow that even just my hand shake can't keep things in range. I had to rig something up to keep it still, so there's no way I can take a decent shot with it outside. The magnification is pretty awesome though, but sharpness suffers.

With my canon 18-55mm on my camera the normal way i set the aperture, hold in the DOF button and remove the lens while holding in the button. Now when i reverse the lens it has the aperture set. If you don't do this then you will have a very narrow depth of field...

 

[molested_cow]

The 20mm prime is a manual lens, so no issue with setting the aperture, but still gives very narrow depth of field. Basically, I was shooting a piece of paper straight on, and just the little unevenness of the paper was enough to get it to be way out of focus.

I was using a tripod. The problem isn't about using tripod or not, it's being able to set it up at where you need it outside. The margin is so small, it's much easier to bring the subject to the focus zone than to move the camera/tripod. You cannot do that with bugs.

 

[Arkanjel Imaging]

Tripods are a tool for removing any minute vibrations that might cause blur. They dont increase dof. The only way to get really deep dof at high magnifications is stacking. Unless you have a scanning electron microscope, of course.