What sort of magnification/working distance with 100mm macro + reversed 50mm f/1.8

Hey awesome forums guys..

Quick question; what sort of magnification and working distance would I expect to get by combining 100mm macro + reverse coupler + 50mm f/1.8? Would this be a better alternative than using a 1.4x TC or one of the diopter rings? Perhaps cost vs. IQ? Looking to increase the magnification with the 100mm macro but not sure wich route to go.

Thanks guys and gals!

Hi- you should get about 3:1 with that combo I think. Much higher magnification than you would get with a TC or dioptres. My preferred route would be to get a set of Kenko or Jessops auto extension tubes- that will allow you to get to 2:1 magnification max with no effect on IQ.

Brian V.

a_dee,
Like LordV said you should get 3:1 macro with the Canon 100mm f/2.8 and a reversed mount 50mm lens.
Here on my web page I have photos of a ruler with different lens setups (100mm w/ reversed 50mm is one of them) to show the magnification with a FF DSLR (you will get 1.6 more with your 300D). I even show the difference between a 1.6 and FF DSLR <-- click to see

However I, also like LordV recommend a set of Kenko extension tubes first. It will give you 2:1 macro (double the magnification you presently get with the 100mm) and much more working distance to subject.

IQ with the combo is degraded. I have tried this several times. The working distance is hardly anything at all. As mentioned in the previous replies... the tubes with the 100mm and even the TC will work great. I shoot with the 100mm +1.4xII TC and the 20mm extension tube as my favorite combo. I find the IQ with the TC and tube/s works really well.

Hatch

Thanks for the input everyone!

So, if I add just the 1.4x TC, how does that affect my working distance to achieve 1:1, and then what becomes my magnification at the closest working distance.

I'm assuming that just by adding an extension tube, it just decreases my working distance hence increasing the magnification.