Since I've been uploading a few photos taken with this method, I thought I'd post up a bit of a how-to for people who aren't familiar with it.

Reverse lens macro is a method of taking extremely close macro photos WITHOUT a true macro lens! I have a tight budget and probably won't be able to afford a macro lens for quite a while. Being a big admirer of macro photography, I searched for ways to do it for cheap, and this is what I found.

The setup is simple: Camera + Fast Aperture Lens + Fast Aperture Lens (held FACING the attached lens, flush against the attached lens to prevent light from seeping in between the two). I use a Canon 40D with a 50mm F/1.4 attached, and I hold a 50mm F/1.8 against it.

The lenses must have very fast apertures because using this method, the apertures become apparent in the picture as sharp vignettes (even the attached lens's aperture is visible). Focusing is done by moving back and forth. Autofocus is no big help, and if focusing is not internal, the protruding barrel can be a huge hindrance so I turn it off.

Focusing distance is extremely close, and depth of field is mercilessly thin (depending on the lens it could be slightly thicker than a fingernail). Shoot wide open, and make sure to have plenty of light! A tripod is not a must (I shoot handheld) but I'm sure it could noticeably improve results.

Happy shooting!!!



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