Macro – Reversing Ring vs Tubes

[Yog]

Hi.
I was looking into experimenting a little with macro photography, and as I don’t have any previous experience I was looking to start off basic, i.e. either using a reversing ring or tubes on a 50mm lens.

I’ve found a chart that will give the relevant ratio settings for tubes (1:1 , 1:1.5, etc), but I have no idea what sort of macro ratio / magnification reversing the 50mm will give. Anyone have any ideas ?

Also I have read that holding in the DOF button whilst taking off the lens (to lock the aperture when reversing), “may” have a detrimental effect on the lens. Is this a serious concern, or more of a theoretical potential problem ?

Ta.

 

[BandyQuill]

it shouldnt cause any issue to the lens, i use my DOF button all the time with the 50mm 1.8 to get an idea of the image im going to get and its not fallen appart yet, where did you read this ?

 

[Yog]

Hi Chris.
Just to clarify. I wasn't refering to using the DOF button in normal use.
Obviously when you reverse a lens, you lose the ability to set the apature. The technique described was to have the lens mounted the right way round, set the apature, then whilst holding in the DOF button detatch the lens and reverse it in order to "lock" the apature at the required F-stop.

 

[squishy]

It's easier to pick up a cheap old manual 50mm with an aperture ring on ebay.
That way you can set the aperture with the aperture ring.

 

[Dave in Wales]

The reproduction ratio for a 50mm f1.8 Nikkor when reversed onto the camera body is 1/1.4x.

D in W

 

[Yog]

Thanks guys.

Good idea Squishy