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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Can someone explain the reverse 50mm macro...
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07/11/2005 03:51:33 AM · #1
Several people have mentioned using a 50mm lens reversed with another lens for macro shots - can someone explain how this works, let me know if I could do ir with my lenses and perhaps use your spare P&S to take a shot of your setup?
My Lenses:
Sigma 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical for Canon (Black)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro Super for Canon
07/11/2005 03:53:16 AM · #2
I've never heard of anyone reversing a 50mm onto a zoom lens.. from what I know, the other lens should ideally be a dedicated macro (50mm, 100/105mm, 200mm), or some other kind of prime lens (fixed focal length)

I supposed you *could* do it with a zoom.. but I'm not sure how well it would work.

*EDIT* btw, most of the people that do this use a coupling ring.. a dual-threaded ring of metal that screws into the filter threads of both lenses.

Message edited by author 2005-07-11 03:59:52.
07/11/2005 03:58:28 AM · #3
From reverse I understood that the lens held or mounted external to the camera almost as a magnifying glass. The shot is then taken effectivly on the "lens front" with your camera.

I do not have a 50mm lens but tried this method with binoculars and although difficult to manage, does work.

Message edited by author 2005-07-11 03:58:59.
07/11/2005 03:59:03 AM · #4
I do it quite a bit - you just need a macro coupler which screws in as a filter into both lenses, open up the 50mm as wide as it goes and set it to inifity focus, get about 1-2 inches from the subject and focus by moving the camera back and fourth.

I pair my 50mm with my 70-210, focus first at 70 then zoom in if required, there is no need for the 'main' lens to be macro capable (the reversed 50mm takes care of that)

Hope this helps :)

Darren
07/11/2005 03:59:31 AM · #5
Originally posted by kpriest:

Several people have mentioned using a 50mm lens reversed with another lens for macro shots - can someone explain how this works, let me know if I could do it with my lenses and perhaps use your spare P&S to take a shot of your setup?


As far as HOW it works, a lens in normal orinetation takes something big (the scene) and makes it small (the sensor size). Reverse the lens, it does the opposite; magnifies. So when you link 2 lenses this way, you are using the camera-mounted lens to focus an image that the reversed lens is magnifying and projecting. There are couplers that allow this.

But I've never done it, so I can't offer any practical information.

R.
07/11/2005 04:04:32 AM · #6
Originally posted by kpriest:

Several people have mentioned using a 50mm lens reversed with another lens for macro shots - can someone explain how this works, let me know if I could do ir with my lenses and perhaps use your spare P&S to take a shot of your setup?
My Lenses:
Sigma 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical for Canon (Black)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro Super for Canon


I used a macro coupler that I got from B&H Photo. Used a kit lens from my 20D and an old lens from my Rebel X. It works. I just need to perfect it. A cheap alternative in my opinion.

I'm looking at this macro lens as an alternative since the 50mm 2.8 Canon lens only takes 1:2. This takes 1:1. Does someone have any thoughts on this one?



Message edited by author 2005-07-11 04:08:17.
07/11/2005 04:05:49 AM · #7
One of my favorite bug guys has a real good article, so check out his set up.

Frank
07/11/2005 04:08:26 AM · #8
For more info look here (inc pic of set-up):

//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=221353

or

//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=235066

//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=232923

//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=71719&page=2
07/11/2005 04:47:09 AM · #9
Originally posted by colda:

For more info look here (inc pic of set-up)...

Thanks Darren! I wish the forum had some decent search capabilities. To be honest, i didn't look - I just assumed I wouldn't find anything, cuz I rarely do.

Appreciate all the help from everyone. Now I need to get an adapter and find something unique to shoot a macro of...
07/11/2005 05:07:28 AM · #10
As an alternative, I recommend the use of Macro filters - the dual element ones are best. Canon 500T and 500D are examples. Works extremely well.
07/11/2005 05:11:57 AM · #11
You can also reverse an SLR lens onto a point and shoot camera, with the same principle applying. Even some macro pros use this setup.

(More pics in my portfolio.)
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