Light Weight Close Ups - reverse mount vs extension tubes
Apr 22, 2015 12:52:24 #
I'm planning a trip into the Rockies and I don't want to carry the weight of my 105mm macro lens in my backpack.
My question is what is my best bet for a close up rig: a reverse mounted 50mm 1.8D, or that same lens on extension tubes, or, I guess, that lens reverse mounted on extension tubes. I'll be carrying a D810 and a tripod. I'm not interested in "true" macro (1:1 or closer), just wildflower "portraits".
I'm guessing the issues are convenience and image quality, but I've never really used either approach, so I can believe there are other issues to consider as well.
My question is what is my best bet for a close up rig: a reverse mounted 50mm 1.8D, or that same lens on extension tubes, or, I guess, that lens reverse mounted on extension tubes. I'll be carrying a D810 and a tripod. I'm not interested in "true" macro (1:1 or closer), just wildflower "portraits".
I'm guessing the issues are convenience and image quality, but I've never really used either approach, so I can believe there are other issues to consider as well.
Apr 22, 2015 13:17:20 #
Reversing the lens works should work okay. My only concern would be f/stop control. A set of extension tubes will give you more flexibility and f/stop control.
Apr 22, 2015 13:51:50 #
nicksr1125 wrote:
Reversing the lens works should work okay. My only concern would be f/stop control. A set of extension tubes will give you more flexibility and f/stop control.
Can't I control the f/stop via the ring on the lens if it is reversed?
Apr 22, 2015 15:51:17 #
Cost wise reversing ring V flexability set of extension tubes.
How often can you get to the Rockies ? If its a one off I would get the tubes with the electrics so all camera functions are available (not the cheap ebay sets which are manual only)
enjoy
How often can you get to the Rockies ? If its a one off I would get the tubes with the electrics so all camera functions are available (not the cheap ebay sets which are manual only)
enjoy
Apr 22, 2015 16:10:41 #
You lose infinity focus when reversing the lens. Your working distance will only be a couple of inches from the subject. I recommend carrying the 100mm if you want wild flower shots.. Not to mention if you take the 50mm with set of tubes you also lose infinity and your about the same weight minus the aperture control unless you've purchased the good tubes with electronics. I normally leave my extra lens in the car when out shooting as well. A good styrofoam cooler keeps them from the heat and doesn't look inviting to any criminals. With one lens you can concentrate on that specific type of photography. Less weight more fun and better photographs..
Apr 22, 2015 16:44:12 #
Have a look at the 60mm macro lens...or a good zoom lens with a MFD of 18 inch's or so for close up work. With that camera....you should be able to shoot a little wide with no problem at all for cropping what you want.
Apr 22, 2015 18:12:34 #
A set of manufacturer-produced automatic extension tubes will be much preferable to reversing a lens for macro. Of course, these will cost more, but like everything else you aren't likely to get more than what you pay for. A ringlite and focusing rail are also much-desired additions to a macro set-up.
Apr 22, 2015 18:39:51 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
cbtsam wrote:
I'm planning a trip into the Rockies and I don't w... (show quote)
Reversing the 50mm lens will give quite a bit more magnification than you need for most wildflower pictures. If the D810 will meter AI lenses, you'll do well with a PK-11a and/or PK-12 extension tube with the 50 D lens. My personal favorite when hiking is my Df, AF ED 80~200 f/2.8D, tripod and a set of PK tubes, including the PN-11. I carry a 55 Micro-Nikkor or 50 Summicron, but find them too short for most close-up work in the field.
Apr 22, 2015 21:09:15 #
cbtsam wrote:
Can't I control the f/stop via the ring on the lens if it is reversed?
Yes you can. I've used that very lens reversed many times.
Apr 22, 2015 21:16:29 #
cbtsam wrote:
Can't I control the f/stop via the ring on the lens if it is reversed?
Only if your lens has an aperture ring. Most DSLR's control the aperture via electronic connection between the body & lens. There is no manual control.
The Vello extension tubes I have cost $80.00 at B&H. The set consists of 13mm, 20mm, & 36mm tubes. I spent a couple of hours this morning shooting flowers with the 13mm tube behind my Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. It was just enough to fill the frame with a tulip blossom that hadn't opened yet.
Apr 23, 2015 00:14:27 #
If you have never attempted reverse-mounted or stacked lenses, you should know that it is nowhere near as easy as wannabe macro-photographers tout. Very few photographers on UHH have posted macro-photographs actually captured with either set-up. Read this thread by a well-experienced reverse-mounted UHH macro-photographer:
FAQ: Differences between Reverse-Mounted and Stacked-Lenses for Macro-Photography?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-90623-1.html
FAQ: Differences between Reverse-Mounted and Stacked-Lenses for Macro-Photography?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-90623-1.html
Apr 23, 2015 00:15:55 #
I invite you to view the UHH True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html . This is the forum to ask questions or discuss macro equipment and macro techniques, as well as share macro images.
Before posting macro images to the Macro Forum, please read Introduction to True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-22447-1.html . Each & every thread must contain at least one true macro-photograph.
To place Macro Forum on your UHH home page, you can subscribe here: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/section_list.jsp .
Before posting macro images to the Macro Forum, please read Introduction to True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-22447-1.html . Each & every thread must contain at least one true macro-photograph.
To place Macro Forum on your UHH home page, you can subscribe here: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/section_list.jsp .
Apr 23, 2015 03:43:21 #
I would opt for a set of extension tubes.
I find using a reversing ring can be a bit fiddly and if you are on holiday you need to enjoy your photography a little more than fiddling with reversing rings.
Just my thoughts though.
I find using a reversing ring can be a bit fiddly and if you are on holiday you need to enjoy your photography a little more than fiddling with reversing rings.
Just my thoughts though.
Apr 23, 2015 05:58:37 #
nicksr1125 wrote:
Reversing the lens works should work okay. My only concern would be f/stop control. A set of extension tubes will give you more flexibility and f/stop control.
You can get a reversing adapter that offers aperture control. Fotodiox has them.
Apr 23, 2015 08:23:18 #
Since you are shooting with a Nikon 810, which supports manual focus lenses . I'd say get the older Vivitar 2X macro converter. You will have to shoot in manual or aperture priority & focus manually, but those flowers are not going to leave and you will still get metering as well. This unit was made to be used with a 50mm lens. Unlike tubes or reversing a lens, you will not lose infinity focus & you can change the magnification/composition simply by turning the focus ring. I have a couple of these & used to use them prior to getting a true macro lens.... Here is a link to one on eBay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vivitar-Nikon-2x-Teleconverter-1-1-MC-Macro-Focusing-Nikon-AI-Fit-DSLR-Adaptable-/221744266480?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33a0fcfcf0
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vivitar-Nikon-2x-Teleconverter-1-1-MC-Macro-Focusing-Nikon-AI-Fit-DSLR-Adaptable-/221744266480?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33a0fcfcf0
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.