Macro shots setup

Hi all,

I am interested in doing some really close up macro shots and I am wondering whether to go for a reversing ring for a 50mm 1:1.7 Pentax prime that I have or whether to get a set of extension tubes.

Any thoughts on what would be best?

I'd definitely go for either extension tubes or a stacking ring (for reversing one lens onto the front of another) rather than a reversing ring. The problem I've found with using a reversing ring is that you have to focus at full aperture then stop down to the taking aperture, making the viewfinder image dark (small apertures generally being required for macro work). Obviously this is fine for tripod mounted still life work, but I find it a bit limiting otherwise.

Jonathan

A good set of rings (e.g. the Kenko set) cost around £100, a reversing ring costs about £5 or less, so I'd suggest trying with the ring, then if you get bitten by the bug (rather than the bugs you are taking the photographs of) then buy the rings. But note the drawbacks mentoned by Jonathon.

You can also get a ring which allows you to reverse mount a lens onto a lens mounted conventionally on your camera body for only a few pounds too.

Well, I took your advice and got a reversing ring. Cost £10.99 from Jacobs, which I thought was a little expensive, though my local independent dealer quoted £20! Anyways, here are some initial test shots with an old 50mm 1.7 Pentax prime, the kit lens on my P30! I did notice the problem with the dark viewfinder at smaller apertures, though had to open fully and close down when I wanted to take the pic. Bit of a pain, but overall pleased with the results.

[quote="Gashley"]Well, I took your advice and got a reversing ring. Cost £10.99 from Jacobs, which I thought was a little expensive, though my local independent dealer quoted £20! Anyways, here are some initial test shots with an old 50mm 1.7 Pentax prime, the kit lens on my P30! I did notice the problem with the dark viewfinder at smaller apertures, though had to open fully and close down when I wanted to take the pic. Bit of a pain, but overall pleased with the results.


Excellent. Makes me wonder why I bothered to get a proper macro.

G

I guess its much easier to take these kind of shots with a proper macro lens. Setting up can be tricky and the focus ring on the lens doesn't seem to do anything at all! I found myself having to move in and out to get the focusing right! For £10.99 though I'm not complaining!

Any chance you could chop out the pics when you quote, George?

Just for you, Chris.

G

Fun isn't it? I forgot to mention that you end up focusiing by moving the camera. So when you want to start spending money on more kit you could buy one of these http://www.t4cameras.co.uk/index.asp?pname=/moreinfo.asp?id=1617 which makes it possible to move the camera fractions of a millimeter for that perfect shot. The problem then is, that the bugs run too fast!

Yeah, was pleased with the insect one. Later that evening I tried an old 28mm Vivitar lens, the close ups with that are amazing, much better than the 50mm. Will take a few over the weekend and post.

Yup, bugs close up can be a pain, was taking some pictures of ants and by the time I had focused wide open, closed the lens down and took the shot they had moved!!

As promised, some shots taken with the reversed Vivitar 28mm lens. All taken in the garden yesterday afternoon.

This can be quite addictive!

Great shots Gashley !

about what distance are you from the subjects ?
cheers
Pete

Right... Goes off to pice up a reverse ring and a stepping ring...


Oh, anyone know if the weight of an A50f1.7 on the front of a DA50-200f4-5.6 will damage the lens, AF system or misalign anything?

Distance was around 5-8cm (approx 2"-3" from the subjects. Lighting can be awkward with the built in flash, though with a bit of experimentation you get there in the end. As the focusing is done by moving the camera, the slightest movement gives an out of focus shot, so a tripod or a something solid to rest against is needed.

When I use a lens reversed onto another, I take care to support the combination lens!

By the way, we haven't heard from our macro padawan, Tom recently.