DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Reverse Macro is GREAT!!!!
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 14 of 14, (reverse)
AuthorThread
08/10/2006 06:05:35 PM · #1
I got a reverse macro ring a few weeks ago to use with my old nikior 50mm 1.4 but wasn't too happy with the results.
But then I managed to grab a old sigma 35-70mm 2.8 from my brother, which also has a 52mm filter thread so I decided to use it for reverse macro last night - and WOW! I'm not sure how to work out the magnification ratio but it seems to give a lot of options than a prime lens.



Can someone give me some lighting tips for macro please? These were just lit by bouncing my flash off the roof but it still seems a bit harsh to me.

Message edited by author 2006-08-10 18:34:08.
08/10/2006 06:53:20 PM · #2
Put youir flash on a bracket, affix a bounce card like a Lumiquest 80/20 or pocket bouncer, and position it to the side (45 degrees off-axis from the left works well. Get it as close as practical, and aim the head so the reflection off the bouncer hits the distance requird for the magnification you are using. Then fire away, you'll get soft, natural shadows and retain TTL metering :-)
This works great on Canon and I'm sure it will with Nikon as well; the Nikon flash system is at least as versatile as Canon's, perhaps more so.
08/10/2006 06:53:54 PM · #3
BTW, are you just reversing a single lens, or reversing one on another?
08/10/2006 06:55:10 PM · #4
he reversed the 50 1.4 onto the 35-70 mounted normally.
08/10/2006 07:04:15 PM · #5
Originally posted by deapee:

he reversed the 50 1.4 onto the 35-70 mounted normally.


That sounds like a very workable combination.
08/10/2006 07:07:44 PM · #6
Yeah I messed with some reverse stuff before...I just can't seem to focus right...in all honesty, and if it's something you (not you particularly, you as in the reader of this message) really see yourself getting into...here's what you need...

105 2.8
1.4x teleconverter
kenko tube set

All for like $500 or so and can get you around 3:1 magnification...but macro is harder than it sounds...and takes time to really perfect your technique in both focusing and lighting.
08/10/2006 07:10:58 PM · #7
Originally posted by deapee:

he reversed the 50 1.4 onto the 35-70 mounted normally.

no actually I just reverse mounted the 35-75 straight onto the camera body. Neither of them meter so I didn't see the use. What sort of difference does it make?

I just did a shot of a ruler to measure the magnification - at the 75mm end I can fill the frame with 11mm - so if my sensor is 23.7mm wide then thats about a 2:1 magnification?
08/10/2006 07:32:43 PM · #8
You are achieving 2:1 if youi've got an 11mm field, and that sounds about right for that setup... I haven't done the math. With the two lenses (50mm reversed on 35-70) I don't think you would gain anything in magnification. The only advantage would be that you'd retain aperture control and metering through the 35-70. the camera would be unsware of the reverse-mounted 50mm. Might be something to play with.
08/10/2006 08:13:43 PM · #9
oh my bad
08/10/2006 11:50:48 PM · #10
Sounds like a good idea - I'll try and mount the 50mm on the zoom when I get home. But I seem to remember that the sigma doesn't meter, so that would remove the only advantage. I think can make a lot more improvement with the lighting quite easily.

Next step, find something more interesting than a lens cap to take photos of....

Any other suggestions?

Message edited by author 2006-08-10 23:51:53.
08/10/2006 11:54:33 PM · #11
Just waiting for my Pentax 50mm 1.4 and couplers to arrive and I will get to play too. Wednesday :)
08/10/2006 11:56:25 PM · #12
Tutorial for those that want to try it too.
08/11/2006 10:19:17 AM · #13
They should put some choice words in really tiny print on lens caps, seeing as everyone takes macros of them.

Something like: If you can read this you're too close or something.
08/11/2006 10:28:15 AM · #14
that is very funny !
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 02:50:19 PM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 02:50:19 PM EDT.