Reverse EFS 18-55 Kit lens for Macro

[grandadraymond]

I vaguely remember being told a while back that you can use some contraption to reverse the kit lens to make a very good macro lens, was i dreaming or is there a way and how good is it thank you...Ray:)

[FelixP]

I think the idea is to use two stepping rings, intended for filters to instead mount the kit lens on backwards.

[dpds68]

I heard about this also but thought that you mount it reversed on another lens , I would like to know how this is done and are the results worth it .

[grandadraymond]

I heard about this also but thought that you mount it reversed on another lens , I would like to know how this is done and are the results worth it .
Yes i would like to know too:)

[mbellot]

I vaguely remember being told a while back that you can use some contraption to reverse the kit lens to make a very good macro lens, was i dreaming or is there a way and how good is it thank you...Ray:)

Two ways actually.

1. You can buy a reversing filter ring (and step up/down if needed) and attach the 18-55 to another lens. The magnification (IIRC) is the ratio of the two focal lengths.

2. (What I use) You can buy a reverse mount adapter that threads on to the filter end of the 18-55 and has an EOS mount (non-electrical) on the back side. You have no aperture control with this setup, so DOF is very thin or you are focusing already stopped down.

Either one will set you back 10-20 bucks on fleabay.

With #2 the EF-S 18-55 works great on the 1DMkIII. ;)

[TeamSpeed]

I have used #2 in the past with success, once you learn the trick on how to step down the aperture before reversing the lens.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=3932756&postcount=31
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=3600087&postcount=10
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=360526&highlight=kit+lens

http://snapintime.smugmug.com/photos/182131032-L-LB.jpg

[grandadraymond]

That seems like a lot of messing about, where will i get the cheapest 100f2.8 from

[TeamSpeed]

That seems like a lot of messing about, where will i get the cheapest 100f2.8 from

It is, but if you had a kit lens and wanted to get some really close macro shots (better than 1:1, I believe), for $15 it is fun and cheap to try. ;)

The nice thing about macro lenses, that most of the aftermarket ones are all very good performers, you really just have to decide how much reach you would like, then look at the offerings at that FL.

BTW, there is one for sale on POTN for $425 right now.

[pjfrad]

Is this the correct filter for reversing a lens with the 400D?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/58mm-Macro-reverse-reversing-ring-for-canon-lens-UK_W0QQitemZ220243995058QQihZ012QQcategoryZ64345QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

thanks
Peter

[TeamSpeed]

Is this the correct filter for reversing a lens with the 400D?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/58mm-Macro-reverse-reversing-ring-for-canon-lens-UK_W0QQitemZ220243995058QQihZ012QQcategoryZ64345QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

thanks
Peter

Appears to be, but it doesn't say whether EOS Canon or not. Maybe just contact the seller and ask whether this fits the EOS digital bodies. Also, be sure to get the ones that are metal. I think there are plastic ones out there, but I think getting the metal one is more sensible.

[grandadraymond]

It is, but if you had a kit lens and wanted to get some really close macro shots (better than 1:1, I believe), for $15 it is fun and cheap to try. ;)

The nice thing about macro lenses, that most of the aftermarket ones are all very good performers, you really just have to decide how much reach you would like, then look at the offerings at that FL.

BTW, there is one for sale on POTN for $425 right now.Im in the UK i dont want to be buying from USA

[TeamSpeed]

Im in the UK i dont want to be buying from USA

How about the Sigma 150mm macro which gets rave reviews? This person is in Kent, UK.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=516457&highlight=uk+macro

In any case, no need for a reply, just a heads up, and good luck in your search. I am sure others will be able provide online retailers for the UK for the 100mm.