A couple of people have asked me about how I do my reverse lens macro photos. Here are some examples of what I mean -
Basically, reverse lens macro is a way to use your normal zoom/prime lens (18-55mm is the one I use, but I think most lenses could achieve it) to achieve macro shots. (And the *true* definition of macro is when the lens sees more detail, can get closer, and can magnify the image more than what the human eye can.) It is VERY simple to do, but takes a lot of energy and trial and error and playing around to get the right shot. :)
This means that, if you're just starting out with macro, you don't need a macro lens!
Firstly, you need a DSLR. What you need to do is detach your lens from the camera body, and flip it around so that the end that is normally attached to the camera points outwards towards the subject, and vice versa. Since the lens can't attach to the camera body when it's like this, you have to manually hold it in place. You need to make sure that the lens *completely* covers the opening of the body of the camera when you're holding it.
To get a clear shot, you need to get extremely close to the subject. I'm talking anywhere between 1 and 5 cm. You also need a lot of good light (as usual :P) - natural daylight is best; if you use a flash, make sure it's pointed upwards because pointing it down/forward casts a big shadow on the subject. You should also switch your lens to manual focus and play with it to get the exact focus/effect you want.
While this method is awesome in that it's relatively simple and doesn't require you forking out extra cash for a macro lens, there are some drawbacks:
- because the lens is detached from the body, there is no autofocus mechanism. So it will all have to be done manually. So you'll need a lot of patience to get the shot you want.
- the image quality can suffer a bit - this can happen if light creeps into the gap between the lens and the camera body. But as long as you maintain a tight seal between lens and camera, it shouldn't be too much of an issue.
- it's time consuming, and a bit tiring (I find :D), because you're having to hold the lens in place for so long!
But it's still a lot of fun, and lets you get a bit more 'in touch' with your camera. So give it a shot, and if there are any questions, just ask, or alternatively google 'reverse lens macro' for some great tutorials.
thank you for the info teresa, I thought those photos you've taken are done with macro lenses, now i know that you just have to reverse it! Thanks teresa! A big help, at least now i've learned something new. =)
Hey Teresa, you mention that you use your normal prime lens (fixed focal length) but then say you use your 18-55, which is a zoom. Do you use a prime or a zoom?
Vikdaddy, guess I don't know my definitions. :D 18-55 is what I use. I merely thought 'prime' lens meant the basic one that comes with the camera body when you buy it. I shall amend my post :)
And to add, I don't have a prime lens (YET - looking to get a 50mm f/1.4 prime :D). But I can't see why it wouldn't work with a prime - give it a shot and let us know. :)
Thanks Teresa, might experiment with this method today. I have a prime so was wondering whether to use that. Primes have a simpler internal construction so it might work even better.
Thank you so much for the information!! I'm still learning so much about photography and techniques, so I actually had no idea how to do reverse lens macro. I'm definitely going to try this out!! Thanks again!!
I'm also tempted to try this. As Shannon has suggested there are adapters available to attach the lens to the camera body so you don't have to struggle with holding both and to reduce chances of dust getting to the sensor. It seems the adapters are reasonably priced too at around $10 - $20 depending on size, retailer, etc...
Hmmm interesting. Wish I had read about this today as I had time to mess about snapping things in the garden... will give it a go next weekend. Thanks for the info
Yeap! Reverse macro is fun. used to do it before buying the pseudo lens. Must try it again with the lens', thanks for bringing up the concept again. Oh I love looking at the talented macro photographers.
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