Macro photography without a macro lens

[lebanon]

I have used a magnifier in front of the 50 mm lens.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/06/584.jpg

What do you think of the result?

[Chucaro]

The problem with that is that is that the quality of the glass reduce the definition and sharpening of the image.
I do not know which lens are you using ( if it can take a diopter) but if you can fit a diopter on it then you will see that the quality of the image will be much better and sharp.

The photo HERE (http://www.plottier.net/albums/userpics/10002/Hover%20Fly.jpg) was taken using the 70-300VR Nikon lens with a T6 Nikon diopter on it. The insect is about 8 mm long.

Cheers

[Barefoot Dave]

Great result!
Now, don't be a tease, what sort of magnifier? Can't be a fresnel lense?!
Thanks, Dave.

[wrinklearthur]

That softens the image but really adds to the effect.

Can you post a picture of your lens setup?

.

[s7000]

The magnifiers are ok, as said above though, they detract from the overall quality. I do a lot of macro work, and having the right lens for the job is essential. :D

[blitz]

How about extension tubes that fit inbetween the lense and the camera? I have read a lot of good things about them but have never seen one in the flesh.

they are also only $150-00 or so on evilbay with auto focus ability

[tomalophicon]

I reverse my lens if I need to get really close.
You can get adapters for that screw to the filter thread.

[vnx205]

I reverse my lens if I need to get really close.
You can get adapters for that screw to the filter thread.

I found a reversing ring very convenient when hiking in the Snowy Mts in summer.

I just left it screwed to the front of the lens all the time for the landscape photos and whenever I saw a wildflower worthy of a photo, I just turned it around. There was no need to retrieve other lenses or attachments from a camera bag.

[lebanon]

That softens the image but really adds to the effect.

Can you post a picture of your lens setup?

.

Hello,

the lens setup is fairly simple a 50mm lens and a handheld glass magnifier in front, et voilà.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/06/289.jpg

[wrinklearthur]

I found a reversing ring very convenient when hiking in the Snowy Mts in summer.

I just left it screwed to the front of the lens all the time for the landscape photos and whenever I saw a wildflower worthy of a photo, I just turned it around. There was no need to retrieve other lenses or attachments from a camera bag.

With my Canon 400D, turning the lens around, doesn't work with the EOS lenses.
So I use a old FD Canon Lens with a reverse adaptor.
But do have issues with not enough light where I want it on the subject and haven't found myself a decent ring flash yet.
.

[Yorkshire_Jon]

How about extension tubes that fit inbetween the lense and the camera? I have read a lot of good things about them but have never seen one in the flesh.

they are also only $150-00 or so on evilbay with auto focus ability

Yep. I believe the Kenko 3 tube extension set is the set to have. The move the lens 12, 16, or 20mm from the sensor and effectively magnify the image on the sensor.

No glass in them so optics are not distorted.

AF and metering still work also.

R
J

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[33chinacars]

Have a read of the latest " Better Photography" magazine . Gives a good explenation of all options available

Gary