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02/18/2009 05:14:28 PM · #1 |
Hi All!
I recently bought a reversing ring for my 18-55 and 70-300mm lenses. I would like to try some super macro photography. However, when I set up a simple simple shot, I was unable to focus into just about anything. I tried MF and AF but neither produced anything of significance. What am I doing wrong?
Thx,
Brandon |
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02/18/2009 05:19:22 PM · #2 |
| I haven't ever reversed a single lens, but I have mounted a reversed 50mm on another lens. I would imagine we're talking similar results. In my experience, the best way to focus is to move the camera+lens closer/farther from the subject as needed. The end of the lens will probably be within a few centimeters of the subject, and the DOF will be a few millimeters (if that). So, easy to not find anything in focus if you aren't getting everything in the right place. |
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02/22/2009 10:58:01 AM · #3 |
| Sounds like you need a focusing rail. See Adorama and KirkPhoto.com for examples. Rather a pricey toy, and adds bulk to your kit, but an invaluable tool for macro work. |
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02/22/2009 11:38:04 AM · #4 |
Part of what you may be experiencing may be more of a depth of field thing than about the inability to focus. The focus ring on the lens is almost useless at the distances that you would be using them reversed on the camera. Like F H said, moving the camera or the subject is the way to focus with that setup.
To set the aperture to get more depth of field, you may want to try this technique. I shoot with Nikon, so I have no way to confirm this.
I think that I read somewhere that the Canon AF lenses will hold an aperture setting if you put them on the camera, set to "aperture priority", hold the stop down button in while you turn off the camera. As I understood the procedure, the aperture will stay set when you take the lens off the camera. You can then put it on backward with the adapter and shoot.
Focusing will take some effort, as the viewfinder may be pretty dark with the aperture closed down. A sports cap with a piece of dark cloth draped over the bill makes a good hood to shade the back of the camera so that you can see the dark image in the viewfinder.
With that procedure, if it works, you will be able to shoot at the smaller apertures and get better DOF.
An older Canon FD lens would be good for this application. You can use a couple of rubber bands, one around the barrel, and the other under that one and around the stop down lever to hold it will make the aperture ring functional. An even better option would be a 52mm reversing ring, and a Nikon 50/1.8, as the aperture ring works, even with the lens off the camera.
Show us some pix when you get it working.
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02/23/2009 09:02:35 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:
...
I think that I read somewhere that the Canon AF lenses will hold an aperture setting if you put them on the camera, set to "aperture priority", hold the stop down button in while you turn off the camera. As I understood the procedure, the aperture will stay set when you take the lens off the camera. You can then put it on backward with the adapter and shoot. |
I believe it would be the depth of field preview that you would press and hold before disconnecting. I would venture to guess this is a "do at your own peril" approach (though if you look it up, people do say they've done it for years without any ill effects... so you be the judge). Also, do Canon lenses have an aperture tab on the end of the lens? If so, you can move that with your finger to open up the aperture to compose and then close it back down, or you can figure a way to keep it from closing completely in order to decrease the effects of diffusion on sharpness. |
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02/24/2009 01:05:16 PM · #6 |
| oh wow! I tried this weekend and thought that I got it. But after re-reading this tonight, I was WAYY off. How fantastic that I re-reread this! I took my 18-55mm on my Cannon and set it to aperture priority, then I put my 70-300mm on the camera and opened up the aperture all the way (I missed that before, opps!). You are right! The focus point is sooo small, I cant even get the tip of a Lavender flower in focus! Thanks everybody! |
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