Reversing Rings (Cheap Macro Photography)

I've written a new eBook called "A Concise Introduction to Photography": http://ethanwilding.com/photobook

Welcome to another session of Photography in 90 seconds. In this episode I will introduce you to a cheap method for doing macro photography, the practice of taking close-up photographs of small objects, like insects, coins, flower petals, or any number of things.

The standard practice is to use something called a ``macro lens'', which allows you to focus at close distances, and achieves a magnification of at least 1:1 or greater (i.e., the object photographed is projected as life-size on the sensor). Such lenses, however, are very expensive.

Fortunately, there are some much cheaper options. One such option is to use what is called a "reversing ring." A reversing ring does what it sounds like, it allows you to attach a lens in reverse, by screwing the lens onto to the camera using the filter ring, instead of the standard mount. For this to work, however, you will need two things:

1. A 50mm (or similar focal length) lens with a manual aperture ring. Almost any 50mm lens from the 35mm film days will work (except for a Canon EOS mount).
2. A reversing ring which matches the filter size of the 50mm lens. This will normally be 52mm or 49mm. Make sure you buy an adapter with the same filter size as your lens, and one that fits your camera type (i.e., for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, etc).

To use this setup, simply (a) attach the lens to the camera in reverse, i.e., using the filter ring; and then (b) move the camera closer or further relative to your subject to achieve proper focus. This is manual focussing at its purest. Voila! You have a cheap but effective macro lens. Now go have fun. Just be mindful of the shallow depth of field. Stopping down the aperture somewhat is essential.

You can purchase reversing rings and old 50mm lenses on ebay.

Thanks to Wen Z. for some help with this video.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Reversing Ring
• Macro
• Photography
• Cheap
• Aperture
• Focus
• Manual
• Introduction
• Photography in 90 Seconds
• tips & tricks
• Depth of Field

[pfeilgasse46]

What is the name of lense you are using in this video. I have Nikon D40x. What would be the cheapest i should purchase which let me do this trick...?

Thanks...

[ulufilms]

@pfeilgasse46 I used a Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (screwmount) lens. You can pick these up on eBay or classifieds for about $50 to $100, although you could probably find a similar 50mm f/2 or f/1.8 for a bit cheaper (and equally good for this purpose). Best of luck.

[martenfisher1]

Tamron 90mm macro $450 super lense and not $700. Also great for portraits.

Nikon 60mm $450 great lense and good for portraits. NOt $700.

Tamron also makes the 90 for Canon. The Tamron 90mm is constantly growing in popularity because it is affordable and super sharp.

[ulufilms]

@martenfisher1 Thank you for calling attention to those cheaper options. Annotation added to video to reflect the cheaper lenses.

[orangeguy81]

You dont actually need a dedicated aperture ring. My Canon XS has a button which lets me lock the aperture to whatever I set it and I can just take the lens off.

[ulufilms]

@orangeguy81 I wasn't aware of that feature, although that is not ideal if you want to change the aperture when you are composing your shot. When the aperture is stopped down using that method you will lose a lot of light for composition purposes; on a lens with a manually adjustable aperture, you can compose at the widest aperture and stop down when you're ready to take the shot.

[MicroShift73]

Ive only ever used canon EOS lenses,

however you can still take photos using this method with them despite the lack of aperture ring.

it might be harder but still possible and rather effective.

have a look at my devaint art account

search:

pandax7

[ulufilms]

@syedahmedrazaabidi Yes, you can use a range of different focal lengths for this purpose, but I just mentioned 50mm because that focal length works particularly well. As for manually holding the lens in front of the camera, that is always an option, but extended use is liable to invite more dust into the sensor housing. Cheers!