Pros/Cons of a true macro vs. reverse macro lens
Nov 5, 2013 17:01:37 #
I searched the site but did not find a discussion of the pros and cons of using a true macro lens (Canon 100mm, e.g.) verses the a reverse lens shown in so many UHH macro setups. I know that the reverse lens forces manual setting of aperture, manual focus, etc., but are there advantages? Just from looking at pix on the site, it appears that a reverse lens of short focal length can give greater magnification than a 100mm macro. Is that true?
Are there other advantages to the reverse lens that a newbie would not come up with on his own?
Thanks. William
Are there other advantages to the reverse lens that a newbie would not come up with on his own?
Thanks. William
Nov 5, 2013 17:56:27 #
LiamRowan wrote:
William, can you post a link to that article, I'd like to read it.JUST FOUND THE ARTICLE ON THE TRUE MACRO FORUM SITE THAT DISCUSSED THIS. I WOULD HAVE DELETED THE THREAD BUT IT APPEARS I CAN'T. SORRY!! IGNORE . . .
As far as I'm concerned, being new to macro, I like it when other ask question like this. It always introduces me to new topics ideas and methods.... that can be beneficial to my development.
Nov 5, 2013 18:55:01 #
You will find that a true macro will be a lot easier and for the most part get a lot better results than put-together rigs. Just focusing with the lens wide open and then stopping down is a real chore. But if you cant afford a macro or want to see if you like macro photography it is fun to put something together. One time I made a "macro" lens out of a Nikon t-mount, two cardboard toilet paper tubes and a 75mm enlarger lenses. With a lot of work I got some good shots with this set up. - Dave
Nov 5, 2013 19:06:05 #
This thread will address several questions:
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers Concerning Macro-Photography
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-36372-1.html
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers Concerning Macro-Photography
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-36372-1.html
Nov 5, 2013 19:21:36 #
wilsondl2 wrote:
Hmmmm, I had just the opposite experience, I stopped using my macro lenses after I finally got good with reversed lenses, my macro lenses just could not produce the same results.You will find that a true macro will be a lot easi... (show quote)
Nov 5, 2013 19:37:26 #
Glen H wrote:
When you go to the UHH True Macro-Photo Forum home page, there are a number of links under "Topics." The second from the top is William, can you post a link to that article, I'd like to read it.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers Concerning Macro-Photography
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-36372-1.html
On this page are a good dozen discussion topics. Very helpful. Wm
Nov 5, 2013 19:58:44 #
Blurryeyed wrote:
Actually, Blurryeyed's photos were what led me to pose the question about advantages of true macro lenses vs. reverse lenses. I think perhaps the disclaimer I added after the initial post was premature (I'm deleting it). Below is a photo of a bee on globe thistle shot with a Canon 100mm macro IS. It was shot in natural light and no flash assist. HOWEVER, when I compare it to the photos on Blurryeyed's flicker pages (see his post for link) and see the stunning closeups of bee's faces and other wonders, I'm not sure I could get those results with my 100mm. Hence I was wondering if more experienced macro photographers might actually prefer using reverse lenses. Of course experience and knowledge may be a factor (I'm very green), but the comparison certainly got me to wondering.Hmmmm, I had just the opposite experience, I stopped using my macro lenses after I finally got good with reversed lenses, my macro lenses just could not produce the same results.
Nov 5, 2013 20:08:44 #
LiamRowan wrote:
William, your not alone!!! I Have the same feeling and wonder, "why do other peoples photographs always look better then the ones I take?" :? For me I think part or most of it is inexperience and needing more practice. I'm trying to figure out lighting and how to use it to my best advantage. Whether it be natural or flash. That is the journey I am just about to embark on, playing with lighting and using it at different angles and levels. HOWEVER, when I compare it to the photos on Blurryeyed's flicker pages (see his post for link) and see the stunning closeups of bee's faces and other wonders, I'm not sure I could get those results with my 100mm.
Nov 5, 2013 20:18:43 #
Glen H wrote:
The best macro photographers on this site (and elsewhere) do indeed use flash, although the flash is always used with diffusers. Be sure to check out the macro setups on this forum. UHH macro photographers appear to be resourceful, mechanical engineering, creative types and as well as photographers.William, your not alone!!! I Have the same feeling and wonder, I'm trying to figure out lighting and how to use it to my best advantage. Whether it be natural or flash.
Nov 5, 2013 20:39:41 #
LiamRowan wrote:
If you already own a 100mm IS keep it use it and enjoy it, you will take a lot of macro shots that you will definitely miss with a reversed lens, but you can also do reversed for not a lot more investment. A 28mm lens will give you 2X magnification without the use of tubes or any other add ons and that is a good place to start, add the tubes later after you learn how to use the simple reversed lens. Flare will be a problem, try not to shoot towards bright light sources and always keep the flash head behind the front of your lens. Actually, Blurryeyed's photos were what led me to pose the question about advantages of true macro lenses vs. reverse lenses. I'm not sure I could get those results with my 100mm.
Macro lenses are some of the best lenses made, but you can't capture something like I am posting here with a regular macro lens unless you step up to something like a MP-E65.
The image below was done with a 35mm lens reverse-mounted onto an old set of M42 extension tubes. If you download it you can see the barbs on the pollen, I have seen that with a macro lens on these hibiscus flowers, but not like this.
35mm reversed on tubes.
Nov 5, 2013 21:37:47 #
LiamRowan wrote:
Thanks I have and there are lots of great setups. I have added my current setup to it. Be sure to check out the macro setups on this forum. UHH macro photographers appear to be resourceful, mechanical engineering, creative types and as well as photographers.
Nov 5, 2013 21:38:38 #
Here is my TP tube macro and pic taken with 50mm nikor enlarging lens. - Dave
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Nov 5, 2013 23:27:31 #
Here is another guy who likes a prime lens reverse-mounted onto extension tubes. He has a bit of a reputation:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-76013-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-76013-1.html
Nov 6, 2013 04:16:16 #
I think when you use a reverse lens set-up you are actually turning that lens into more of a microscope and the IQ is generally much better that a macro lens. How do reversed macros work as compared to a reversed standard lens? Has anyone ever compared the differences between the two?
Nov 6, 2013 05:01:05 #
magicray wrote:
The problem with this is the wider the lens the greater the Magnification. Widest macro is the Nikon 40mm that I know. Your better choice for reverse is in the 28mm range. I do have some 60mm macro lens reversed shots and will post if I can find them.I think when you use a reverse lens set-up you are actually turning that lens into more of a microscope and the IQ is generally much better that a macro lens. How do reversed macros work as compared to a reversed standard lens? Has anyone ever compared the differences between the two?
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