The Poor Mans Macro – Reverse Rings

We all want to have a go at macro photography at some point, but the cost of a dedicated macro lens can be somewhat overwelmming with prices rangin over $500. There is a cheep alternatives to buying a macro lens.

The Reverse Ring

A reverse ring screws into the front of your lens like as a filter would. You then mount the other side of the ring to the camera body, Thus mounting the lens on your camera backwards. This may sound like a weird setup but you can get some decent extreme close up shots. With this setup you have to manual configure the shutter speed and aperture, due to the camera not being able to register the lens you will have to shoot in manual mode.

I recommend using a 50mm lens with an aperture ring when doing this, the aperture ring will be the only way you can adjust the aperture. If your lens does

not have an aperture ring you can gently wedge a piece of paper were the aperture leaver is to keep it open.

I have found that the depth of field when shooting with this method is extremely thin. You will definitely want to use a tripod and remote shutter, or the self timer feature on your camera. Even pushing the shutter can move your subject out of focus.

Find some reverse rings Here

There are other methods of acheaving extream macro, some of which include, using extension tubes and close up lenses. But I will cover thous in a latter post.

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