Reverse lens vs extension tube?

12 years 5 months ago #175015 by Dan Dangerfield
Would you get the same results? I have not tried to mount a lens backwards but was told that you can get closer by doing it this way vs extension tubes?


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12 years 5 months ago #175018 by Baydream
Check this thread for a lengthy discussion.
www.photographytalk.com/forum/tips-and-t...-macro-lenses#174043

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
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12 years 5 months ago #175022 by Screamin Scott
Reversing a lens will get you higher magnification, depending on the focal length of the lens you reverse, but it is trickier to work with in terms of lighting. Plus you have to be careful not to damage the exposed rear element of the reversed lens (you will be right on top of your subject )

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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12 years 5 months ago #175064 by Janos

Screamin Scott wrote: Reversing a lens will get you higher magnification, depending on the focal length of the lens you reverse, but it is trickier to work with in terms of lighting. Plus you have to be careful not to damage the exposed rear element of the reversed lens (you will be right on top of your subject )


What's the largest lens you can mount in reverse?


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12 years 5 months ago #175157 by Screamin Scott
You don't want to use longer focal length lens as the longer the length, the less magnification.The older manual focus lenses are good for doing this as well as many are 52mm filter thread size which is what the BR2 reversing ring accommodates.

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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12 years 5 months ago #175184 by chasrich
I've used both extension rings and a reversed 50mm. The lens I prefer with the rings zooms out to 270mm and allows me to get close while still maintaining some distance (1 inch) from the subject. I need to experiment with the 50mm and rings to get a comparison of the two methods. Rings cost a bit more than a reversing adapter and in my book is worth it.

“Amateurs worry about equipment, professionals worry about money, masters worry about light, I just make pictures… ” ~ Vernon Trent
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12 years 5 months ago #175187 by Sea Lite
In the end you can't beat an actual macro lens for close up work, but if you can not afford that, use extension tubes.


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12 years 5 months ago #175284 by effron

Sea Lite wrote: In the end you can't beat an actual macro lens for close up work, but if you can not afford that, use extension tubes.


This is good advice, but if you want a good lens to reverse, an older 24mm or 28mm, f2.8 manual aperture would be very good....;)

Why so serious?
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12 years 5 months ago #175488 by Joves
When reversing a lens you dont have as much control over your depth of field, as where the tubes allow you full control.


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12 years 5 months ago #175566 by Todd Knight
I have extension tubes, but have never tried reverse mounting a lens


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12 years 5 months ago #175839 by Farestad

Todd Knight wrote: I have extension tubes, but have never tried reverse mounting a lens


:agree: same here. I have a friend who reverse mounts lenses and has some incredible macro shots. I should get him to post here.

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