Reversed Lens vs Close-Up Lens

[Loekito]

Hi I'm newbie here... I'm using drebel with 100mm f2.8 Macro USM lens for doing my macro photography. Using that lens, I can achive 1x (lifesize) image (about 13-15cm distance from the object), but actually more than 1x, (is it because of 1.6 factor of drebel sensor???).

I try to achieve more than 1x magnification by lend my friend's old 50mm manual lens, reversed on front of my 100mm, the result is quite stunning, that I can achieve for approximately 3.5x magnification.

Did somebody ever try to use close-up lens (dioptre) before? what is the meaning of +1, +2, +4 on the dioptre? what is the magnification factor/effect when applied into my 100mm?

can close-up lens achieve same (+/- 3.5x) magnification or maybe more? since using reversed lens are more troublesome, since it add more length to my 100mm lens, and extermely shorten my focusing range, and exposing it's rear lens will makes me affraid to damage the lens.

How about the Canon 250D/500D close-up lens? what is the magnification factor will be affected on my 100mm? and what will be the new distance to the object (the closest, to get maximum magnification)

Please advise.

Many thanks,

Loekito

[BDM]

Hi I'm newbie here... I'm using drebel with 100mm f2.8 Macro USM lens for doing my macro photography. Using that lens, I can achive 1x (lifesize) image (about 13-15cm distance from the object), but actually more than 1x, (is it because of 1.6 factor of drebel sensor???).

I try to achieve more than 1x magnification by lend my friend's old 50mm manual lens, reversed on front of my 100mm, the result is quite stunning, that I can achieve for approximately 3.5x magnification.

Did somebody ever try to use close-up lens (dioptre) before? what is the meaning of +1, +2, +4 on the dioptre? what is the magnification factor/effect when applied into my 100mm?

can close-up lens achieve same (+/- 3.5x) magnification or maybe more? since using reversed lens are more troublesome, since it add more length to my 100mm lens, and extermely shorten my focusing range, and exposing it's rear lens will makes me affraid to damage the lens.

How about the Canon 250D/500D close-up lens? what is the magnification factor will be affected on my 100mm? and what will be the new distance to the object (the closest, to get maximum magnification)

Please advise.

Many thanks,

Loekito

I suggest you get the Clseups in Nature Book by John Shaw or his field practice Book. John is a master of closeup photography in the field. Although he is a Nikon user, his discussions and advice will directly translate to Canon practice.

Generally, multi-element closeup lenses have their uses but I would not ordinarily recommend anything over a +2. There is a quality degradation as you get stronger. There are other ways of achieving good results.

Reversed lenses are discussed at length by John. They can be quite useful for higher magnification work, particularly in conjunction with flash. Some combinations of prime and reversed focal lengths work better than others. I think you will find John Shaw's discussions quite illuminating and his photography is gorgeous. For a small sample, take a look at his web site.

Bruce

[Loekito]

Thanks Bruce, actually I already heard about that books, but don't have any chance to buy it, since that kind of books are rare here, must wait from my friend on overseas to buy it for me :wink:

[L A Mac]

Hi I have George Lepp's books. He is a dedicated Canon user. I have learned so much from him and have no use for them any longer.
(they are autographed copies) contact me if interested.

I own a 50mm 2.5 macro with a life size converter for my macros when I feel the urge. Back in the 80's I read about lens reversals and it looked to complicated for me.
mac

[Loekito]

Hi mac, thanks for your offer.

But because of the distance, I think it's not the right offer for me.

I try to order from amazon before, but cancel it, since the shipping fee are cost more than the book it self.

So better I be patient, to wait for my friend return to our country. :)

thanks any way,

regards,

Loekito