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Reverse-Lens Macro
2
BBbuilder467 wrote:
After getting the reverse ring, I found that I had to add 25mm of extension to the adapter to reach 1:1. Only got 1:2 without the extension tubes and the PK to m4/3 adapter using the same Pentax 50mm f/2 SMC-M.
It's about 50mm from the body itself to the lens. I didn't expect that.
Some interesting facts about Reverse Macro, and what the different focal lengths provide in terms of magnification when reversed.
I originally wrote the article before Laowa came out with all their cool lenses, but it is still applicable today.
If you're on of severe budget, and can't afford even Laowa glass, probably the best budget optic you can buy for reverse-macro is the Zoom Nikkor AI-S 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 AI-S:
Zoom Nikkor AI-S 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 AI-S
It's only about $125, and oriented correctly, you obviously get between 28 and 85mm — and up to .25x magnification. Reversing it, you can get from .25x to 2.9x magnification.
- Unlike the Canon MPE-65, and Laowa 25mm 2.5x-5x macros, this lens can focus to infinity. Unlike either, it's also a zoom lens oriented correctly.
- Unlike the Laowa 100 1-2x Macro, this lens goes almost up to 3x magnification, and it also zooms, from 28-85, so you can take wide-angle shots of habitat if you like.
It's one of the single most versatile field lenses you can select, it's dirt cheap, and it takes fairly decent macro images too. (Note: these are with a flash, and the EXIF is wrong).

That's the bad thing about reverse-macro (and most Laowas): No EXIF info.
You have to manually change the settings in your camera, and if you forget to do so, like I did, the camera just remembers the last lens that you used.
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Please forgive: I use voice text, so there may be typos. Hopefully it still makes sense
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