PROJECT 3
Dan Mold shows you how to capture detail without breaking the bank
Macro is an amazing genre to get stuck into that allows you to magnify your subject for super-detailed close-ups, revealing a brand-new world, otherwise hidden to the naked eye.
But, if you’ve ever tried to take a close-up using a standard lens, such as an 18-55mm kit lens, you might be a bit underwhelmed.
A dedicated macro lens is usually required to take close-ups. These special optics come with reproduction ratios of at least 1:1, also called lifesize, because you can capture your subject at the same size as if it was laid across your Canon camera’s sensor.
However, macro lenses can be pricey and won’t be in budget for many in the current cost of living crisis. Luckily, in this project we take a look at a cheap and cheerful lens hack that will let you experiment with macro magic without breaking the bank. Here’s how you can reverse an old film lens for terrific close-ups.
TOP TIPS YOUR CANON CAMERA GEAR SETUP
Discover camera and photo kit needed for top macro shots with this cheap lens hack
Tiny movements in your camera and lens will be exaggerated when shooting macro close-ups. Therefore, a sturdy tripod is a good idea to eliminate camera-shake. A tripod also makes it possible to take a batch of photos for focus stacking.
Reversing rings are inexpensive (£12.95) and screw into the front filter thread allowing it to be mounted to your camera in reverse. Just be sure to order the correct Canon camera mount and the right lens filter thread size for your setup.
An old film lens such as a 50mm f/1.8 with a physical aperture ring is ideal for this technique as the apertures on modern digital lenses tend to close down or open fully unmounted. You should be able to pick up an old prime lens for less than £20.
REVERSED 50mm
STANDARD 50mm
FINDING AN OLD PRIME LENS
There are loads of places to pick up old film photography equipment such as SLRs and lenses, from online auction sites like eBay to camera shop websites. The Disabled Photography Society also usually has a brilliant assortment of secondhand bargains at The Photography & Video Show, so you may be able to pick up a bargain there if you’re attending – it’s between 16-19 March at the NEC in Birmingham (www.photographyshow. com). Be sure to have a good look through old lenses for internal dust or fungus that could make them unusable.
You’ll need an old prime lens from a film SLR with a physical aperture ring, as this m
