Get a chance and did this.
Thanks

This looks like a great vacation from all of the soccer/football teams I've been shooting this month. I'm going to try to dig out my old minolta and see what lenses I had for it.

Just received my fotodiox reversing ring today. Can't wait to try it out...


Does anyone know whether you can use the depth of field preview button trick on a 40D with an EFS lens. I don't want to take it off and damage the camera or lens. Otherwise, I guess I'll shoot wide open for now.

Thanks all.

I have a few questions regarding this reverse set-up. First of all it seems some properties have a inverse relation while others maintain the properties of a lens that is normally mounted.

For instance, focal length is inverse to magnification so the shorter the FL the greater hte magnification.

But aperture is still the same, so a high aperture f/8 still results in a greater dof than say f/1.4, correct?

Also, I noticed in the other thread comparing 50mm lenses that magnification differed quite significantly, why? Is it due to the lenses normal max magnification? Would a lens with a greater magnification also have greater magnification when reverse or would it be inversed? Or is this completely unrelated?

What would happen if I take my macro lens and reverse mount it? At 1:1 with a 60mm macro would the magnification remain unchanged? What if it is at 1:3, would this effect the magnification and how?

Essentially I want to move beyond 1:1 magnification. But with my Sigma 70mm it is already too long at 1:1 so I cannot use a hotshoe mounted flash or onboard as the lens casts a shadow thus requiring a off shoe bracket. But with an inverse 28mm or 35mm I get greater than 1:1 magnification and the lens is incredibly short so I can use my hotshoe mounted flash or even the onboard one.

So, now I'm looking at some 28 and 35mm primes and wondering how I can determine which 28 or 35mm lens will provide the most magnification. Essentially, if I have 4 35mm lenses can I use max magnification or min focus distace to determine which lens will have the greatest magnification when reversed.

Saw this thread in the main part of the forum and remembered these shots I fooled around with a couple days ago. These were made by stacking/reversing a 50mm f1.8 on my 105mm f2.8 macro lens. Not the most technically perfect shots but the first one, especially, illustrate to me the insanely thin DOF we macro folks work with.

#1 Video card component

I have a really dumb question (at least I suspect it's dumb). There are discussions of several sizes of lenses being reversed (the part that normally holds the filter is mounted on the camera, right?). Well - the external optics on lenses are all different sizes, so do you need size-specific reversing rings? And what goes on the part that normally mounts on the camera?

I told you - dumb question. But heck, while I'm at it - here's more . . .

I have two old manual Minolta lenses (boy, I loved that old camera). One is a 45mm prime (I think it's 45mm - not more than 50mm), and I have a zoom lens - probably something like 28-75 or whatever they made back then; I'd have to check. I currently use Canon bodies. Can those old manual lenses be used for reversing?

If anyone has read this far - thanks! I appreciate any info I can get!

Marcy

Marcy, I picked up a reversing mount on E-bay for just at $20 + S&H, $23 total. The native thread on the mount to reverse to is 58mm, will fit the 50mm f/1.4, several of the 28-XX lenses, the 18-55 family and others. I also have a couple of manual lenses that I picked up a 49-58mm step up ring to mount an Olympus Zukio manual 50mm f/1.8. I've found the 50mm to be very good on either a FF or wither crop, 1.3x, My 1D Classic and 1.6x, my 30D, depending on the subject. I'd like to find a very inexpensive 28-XX lens to get more magnification on the wide end. Very neat concept, and don't need a ton of money...

The manual lenses are a little more convenient to change the aperture in mid focus/shoot. With the auto focus lenses, you have to mount the lens normal, adjust the aperture and use the DOF Preview, and while holding that unmount the lens, and then reverse mount it. Poses another problem when using apertures stopped past f/5.6 cause the VF is very dark.

MarcyJillGood wrote:
I have a really dumb question (at least I suspect it's dumb). There are discussions of several sizes of lenses being reversed (the part that normally holds the filter is mounted on the camera, right?). Well - the external optics on lenses are all different sizes, so do you need size-specific reversing rings? And what goes on the part that normally mounts on the camera?

I told you - dumb question. But heck, while I'm at it - here's more . . .

I have two old manual Minolta lenses (boy, I loved that old camera). One is a 45mm prime (I think it's 45mm - not more than 50mm), and I have a zoom lens - probably something like 28-75 or whatever they made back then; I'd have to check. I currently use Canon bodies. Can those old manual lenses be used for reversing?

If anyone has read this far - thanks! I appreciate any info I can get!

Marcy


You can use those lenses. First you need to find the filter size and buy the appropriate reverse ring. Let's assume they have 58mm filter size, obviously you buy the 58mm reverse ring. Now suppose you want to use some Canon FD lenses. Well most are 55mm so you would need a 55mm to 58mm step up ring. Now, If you're like me and bought the 52mm reverse ring then you would need to buy a 55mm to 52mm step down ring. I find the step up or down rings are roughly half the cost of the reverse ring adapters but it might not be worth the hassle trying to figure out if you need a step up or step down ring so just buy the reverse rings in various sizes.

Thanks, Reno & Erstatz - this is very helpful. I've heard good things about reversing a lens to do macro, but it's seemed a bit intimidating to me, without understanding more about how it works. Gonna get my nerve up . . .



Marcy

I got a question about the effects of step up rings. They would act as mini extension tubes so would this increase maginifcation or decrease it, as some properties are inversed with reverse mount. I have several lenses with 49mm filter threads. I have a 58mm EOS reverse ring and will be using a 49-52 and a 52-58mm step up rings to attach the lens. This adds at least 3/8 extension as opposed to getting a 49mm EOS reverse ring. So, I want to know if this added "extension" will increase magnification or decrease. I realize it may only affect magnification slightly but I paid a bit extra for a 20mm lens as opposed to a 24mm so to utilize the magnification I would rahter spend a few bucks more to get the proper EOS reverse ring than use step up filters if they hurt magnification. Thanks.

ersatz wrote:
I got a question about the effects of step up rings. They would act as mini extension tubes so would this increase maginifcation or decrease it, as some properties are inversed with reverse mount. I have several lenses with 49mm filter threads. I have a 58mm EOS reverse ring and will be using a 49-52 and a 52-58mm step up rings to attach the lens. This adds at least 3/8 extension as opposed to getting a 49mm EOS reverse ring. So, I want to know if this added "extension" will increase magnification or decrease. I realize it may only affect magnification slightly but I paid a bit extra for a 20mm lens as opposed to a 24mm so to utilize the magnification I would rahter spend a few bucks more to get the proper EOS reverse ring than use step up filters if they hurt magnification. Thanks.


they will increase mag.

Great set, Tom!

Hi,

New to this so sorry if this was already answered. I've read the whole topic, very intersting.
First my hat to Tom, the detail and effort into this is magnificent. My sincere thanks.

Second, my question: I believe the easiest way to use a rev lens in macro is to have a EF lens attached say a EF 50mm, then adapter ring male to male , then the FD 50mm reversed ?

This way we can choose Aperture in camera and let the FD wide open?
If true...the FD could be an EF ?
I have a 70-210 EF and a 50 1.4 EF. Both 58mm diameter.
With the 70-210 mounted on camera+adapter+50mm rev , this should be quite a easy to use combo? Of course..the minimum mag would be 70mm so DOF can be shallow but the working distance would be bigger than a single 50 rev , correct?

Thank you for your comments,
Cheers

Tom,
I have purchased a reversing ring and I should have it today.
Why do you only use the 50mm etc , Why not a 200mm ?
I will post some new shots from the reverse ring.

Very nice!

stwphotography wrote:
Tom,
I have purchased a reversing ring and I should have it today.
Why do you only use the 50mm etc , Why not a 200mm ?
I will post some new shots from the reverse ring.

you can rev the 200 it just won't have much mag.
A 50 will give you close to 1to1 on a crop cam. 35 close to 2 to 1, 28 almost 3 to 1 .

Tom Hicks wrote:

A 50 will give you close to 1to1 on a crop cam.......


Hi Tom,

I'm a bit confused by this statement. Wouldn't it be just as close to "1 to 1" on a FF cam?

The way i understand it, the image of a 12mm long bug projected on the sensor (or film) by a macro lens at "1 to 1" (1x) magnification will be 12mm long (life size). Granted, a 12mm long image covers a bigger part of an APS-C (25.1 x 16.7mm) sensor than it does of a full frame (36 x 24mm) sensor, but it's still only 12mm long.

Ted

if i already own a 60mm macro is there nay benefit to getting the hardware ot reverse my 50/1.8?

I just got my first DSLR (Canon XSi) for Xmas and was wondering what the least expensive way to take shots like this... well, least expensive way to aquire the equipment to practice taking shots like this

I dont know what "rev lense" means. I was going to get a Canon EF 50mm 1.8; is this a good way to start?

I've got both a 50D and a 1ds2; I just ordered two rev mounts for the 50D (one for a 49mm lens and the other for a 52mm). I'd also like to be able to use the two manual lenses (a 50mm 1.8 and a 28mm 1.8) on my 1ds2--does anyone know of what kind of adapter (not reverse, but as regular lenses) I would need for them to mount on the ds2? They are Pentax K mount (I believe; they've got the three threads/bayonets that screw on). I read about one K to EF mount that it won't work because the aperature pin will hit the mirror.

Ted Sherman wrote:
I've got both a 50D and a 1ds2; I just ordered two rev mounts for the 50D (one for a 49mm lens and the other for a 52mm). I'd also like to be able to use the two manual lenses (a 50mm 1.8 and a 28mm 1.8) on my 1ds2--does anyone know of what kind of adapter (not reverse, but as regular lenses) I would need for them to mount on the ds2? They are Pentax K mount (I believe; they've got the three threads/bayonets that screw on). I read about one K to EF mount that it won't work because the aperature pin will hit the mirror.

Ted I use the PK to EOS on my crop cameras , but not sure on the big gun I know that the 5D's usually have to have the mirror shaved for a lot of the alternate lens's used.
Might make a post in the Alternate gear forum.

Thanks, Tom. I will.

I tried the trick of just holding the lens (a Sigma manual 28mm) up to the body last night (a 50D) and took a few shots. Fabulous! Thanks for the tip.

I have 2 Question :
1. Which is better Rev.Lens or CloseUp Filter ?
2. Can I use Rev Lens other than 50-55mm ? such as 100mm/135mm ?

Thanks

Recently started getting into aquascaping so of course I have photographed some of my tiny creatures.

This is one of my Harlequin Rasboras.



And here are some shrimpies as well.



These pond snails are reproducing like crazy.




Taken with a Canon 50mm f/1.4 as Reverse Macro at f/8. You can hold the depth of field preview button at higher f/stops to stop down the lens aperture electronically while simultaneously removing the lens. The aperture stays small and depth of field is much improved. Neat trick and cheap macro. The only way to focus is by moving your body closer or farther away from the subject. It is just about right for smaller flowers or detail shots.


-Peace

sky1174,

1. Which is better Rev.Lens or CloseUp Filter ?

If you are a photo enthusist you might want to start with Close up filters. Macro photography and working with very small depth of field is hard enough to learn without putting your equipment at risk.

a. The great advantage to close up filters is your camera stays sealed and you can still focus to some degree with your lens. You dont have to get down and dirty to get perfect focus you can resume normal photo taking.

b. Reverse lens combinations ( even older FD optics or third party lenses ) can provide very crisp images when used correctly. I would say they have a much higher learning curve than using Close up filters and might make someone more frustrated at having to move your tripod or body to the exact perfect spot to yield the photo you wanted while not spooking the subject. I prefer using this technique indoors in a non windy environment. Great for Ring Photos or animals alike






With my particular camera lens combination there is ONE spot that is in focus 6 inches from the lens. You would need to move your body to the perfect spot where the lens is 6 inches from your subject where with close up filters you could be a few feet away in some cases and still be able to focus. With the very powerful filters you would only be able to focus in a few inches space.

Close up filters allow you add diopter filters to the front of your lens to change the minimum focusing distance and increasing magnification. The quality of the filters you put in front of your lens always effects the photos you produce. Poor quality filters often introduce halo's, flare, loss of sharpness and contrast, among other aberrations. Good quality filters will make the above less noticeable.


2. Can I use Rev Lens other than 50-55mm ? such as 100mm/135mm ?

There are only a few lens types that work well to gather usable light in reverse. Lenses from 28-75 mm will work best. Outside of that range the quality and sharpness just arent there or the focal length of the reversed lens is almost inside your lens. Not very helpful

28 will feel tighter and 75 will feel wider I believe. 50mm works dandy for me.

Anyone else have thoughts?
Thanks