Weeds are pretty!

[donlfaulkner]

Several weeks ago I read about reversing one lens in front of another so I tried it and like it.

This fits my budget since I can't afford a proper macro lens and have lenses for Princess's Minolta X700. I built a coupler with a paper roll made from a cereal box and black duct tape and radiator hose clamps (the only items I had to buy).

With this I mounted her 50mm lens, reversed, on the front of my kit lens (18-55mm). I think it works a bit better on my 75-300mm. There is not as much of that shadow thing around the subject.

The major drawback is I've only got an inch or two of working distance. I'm working on depth of field, which I haven't yet concurred.


1) Henbit is thriving in my lawn this winter so I shot it with my new setup. This is with the 18-55mm lens only.


2) These next two are with both lenses. I prefer this crop.


3) Princess prefers this crop with the shadow thing.


What to you think?

[John_A]

Interesting. I will try it...........

[jfoureyes]

Pretty cool for a homemade setup! I don't think reversing rings cost much and are made for this type of work...I've known several folks that use them successfully doing macro.

[MichaelW]

Like that second shot. I just got a true macro today. Looking forward to trying it out this weekend.

[donlfaulkner]

Johnny, Seems to be the cheapest way to see if one likes macro.

Jim, I didn't realize reversing rings were so inexpensive, I just ordered one from B&H for $11.30. Thanks!

Michael, Thanks! If you haven't already, you will find that macro is addicting.

[jfoureyes]

Originally Posted by donlfaulkner

Jim, I didn't realize reversing rings were so inexpensive, I just ordered one from B&H for $11.30. Thanks!

It will take some practice but you can get some nice results...

[auddii]

I've also just reversed my 50mm in front of my camera mount (don't need two lenses). It works well as a cheap fix, but to let in enough light, I had to have a wide aperture. This made my field of view incredibly thin. Stopping down helps, but then you need some extra light. It works well if you want to find out if you want macro, but you may find you quickly want extension tubes or a true macro lens (or both). I know I did!

As for the pictures, I like both of the macro shots. Looks like you'll be having lots of fun with your new adapter when it comes in!

[donlfaulkner]

Thanks for the comments.

I built a ground pod from plans I found on the internet that works pretty good to stabilize the camera when I belly flop for low POV shots. I used it on these shots. That helped a bunch.

I want Extension tubes, $$$ I want a real macro lens $$$ I want macro rails $$$

I'm researching DIY rails. I have some old dot-matrix printers that might supply some of the building supplies, but I lack the expertise and tools to build the thing. However, that has never stopped me, before, from trying.

Seems there is always some obstacle. But it does keep me occupied when not taking pictures.

[scottbuckel]

Don - a friend of mine purchased this macro rail: 4-Way Macro Focusing Rail Slider for D-SLR Camera it looks pretty good and it is only about $37, they have another one on the site that I have not seen as well and it costs less.

Scott

[donlfaulkner]

Scott, These look good and definitely affordable, thanks!

[donlfaulkner]

Originally Posted by scottbuckel

Don - a friend of mine purchased this macro rail: 4-Way Macro Focusing Rail Slider for D-SLR Camera it looks pretty good and it is only about $37, they have another one on the site that I have not seen as well and it costs less.

Scott

In addition to the rails, I found a Minolta MD to Canon EOS Lens Adapter with Glass to add to my wish list.

Princess has, with her Minolta X700 camera, a 35-200mm f/3, a 50mm f/2 lens and a 28mmf/2.8, a set of cheap macro tubes and two x2 teleconverters.

That should give me a few macro possibilities.