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I wondered, when did I first hear about "reversed lens"? Back in 2012? 2013? I learned that this is one of the cheapest options among "real" macro gear. Not like using a telephoto lens as a macro lens for 1:2 magnification ratios (which is also awesome), but really, 1:1 or over.

This is called extreme macro, and if you want to create really stunning pictures of the things you cannot see with the naked eye, you must go over a 1:1 ratio. For this, lens reversing is the cheapest solution, and I never had a lot of money for gear.

From the first look through the viewfinder, the bugs, flowers, anything looks as if you are really close (a reversed Canon kit lens can do 2:1.) Well, a microscope can show more, but macro for me is about capturing the animals and flowers out there, in their natural habitat, without harming them—it is important.

As time passed, I got a cheap manual lens for using reversed, and then, in around 2014, I built my own reversed Canon 18-55 kit lens which I've been using ever since. You can find out how I made it here.

Now, I've collected some of my best, nature-themed macros here to show what most people don't see every day. I hope you will enjoy them! There will be some macro shots with a simple telephoto lens among the pictures.

More info: Facebook | kilatasgaleria.blog.hu

#2

Honeybee Portrait, About 10mm, 2020

Honeybee Portrait, About 10mm, 2020

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lsoo avatar
Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww, I love bees. I'm glad that their population numbers are improving ever so slightly. There is still much work to do.

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#3

Rolled Over; Butterfly On Lavender, 2019 (Sigma 70-300 Telephoto Lens)

Rolled Over; Butterfly On Lavender, 2019 (Sigma 70-300 Telephoto Lens)

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#4

Damselfly, 50-60mm, 2019 (Olympus E-Pl1 With Reversed Manual Lens)

Damselfly, 50-60mm, 2019 (Olympus E-Pl1 With Reversed Manual Lens)

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#7

Hajime!, Spider, About 5-8mm, 2020

Hajime!, Spider, About 5-8mm, 2020

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#8

Damselfly, 50-60mm, 2019 (Olympus E-Pl1 With Reversed Manual Lens)

Damselfly, 50-60mm, 2019 (Olympus E-Pl1 With Reversed Manual Lens)

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#10

Honey Bee On Lavender, 2020 (Sigma 70-300 Telephoto Lens)

Honey Bee On Lavender, 2020 (Sigma 70-300 Telephoto Lens)

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#13

Symmetry; Butterfly, 2013 (Canon 75-300 Telephoto Lens - Image Strongly Cropped)

Symmetry; Butterfly, 2013 (Canon 75-300 Telephoto Lens - Image Strongly Cropped)

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#15

Light Wings; Damselfly, 50-70mm, 2014 (Canon 75-300 Telephoto Lens)

Light Wings; Damselfly, 50-70mm, 2014 (Canon 75-300 Telephoto Lens)

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#18

The Catch; Spider, About 15mm, 2020

The Catch; Spider, About 15mm, 2020

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#22

Small Frog Hiding In Water (Sigma 70-300 Telephoto Lens)

Small Frog Hiding In Water (Sigma 70-300 Telephoto Lens)

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#24

Ant, 5mm, 2015

Ant, 5mm, 2015

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Elaine Mattingly
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Know your territory. The lady, my husband and I was laughing so hard AFTER we got all the bitting ants off of him . Don't go down the bank in Louisiana to get water to rescue the Lady with car trouble! We looked like a hitting, screaming cartoon! He wasn't permanantly damaged but looked funny with so many dots!

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#25

Locust In The Morning Colors, 5mm, 2019 (Olympus E-Pl1 With Reversed Manual Lens)

Locust In The Morning Colors, 5mm, 2019 (Olympus E-Pl1 With Reversed Manual Lens)

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#26

Whaaaat?; Mantis, 2013 (Normal Canon 18-55 With Extension Tubes)

Whaaaat?; Mantis, 2013 (Normal Canon 18-55 With Extension Tubes)

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#27

Giant Ant, 6-8mm, 2020

Giant Ant, 6-8mm, 2020

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