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I Use A Reversed Lens To Capture What The Naked Eye Can’t See, Here Are My 27 Best Nature Shots
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
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Dew On Grass, 2014
Final score:
36points
Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
Thank you! At last someone who sees the things I see and appreciates them! Beautiful, relaxing, calm.
RELATED:
#2
Honeybee Portrait, About 10mm, 2020
Final score:
32points
#3
Rolled Over; Butterfly On Lavender, 2019 (Sigma 70-300 Telephoto Lens)
Final score:
31points
#4
Damselfly, 50-60mm, 2019 (Olympus E-Pl1 With Reversed Manual Lens)
Final score:
29points
#5
Spider, 3-4mm, 2013
Final score:
27points
InstantRamenGuy 5 years ago
I think spiders and small bugs are cute. If I see one indoors, I put it in a cup and release it outside, and I'm genuinely sad when someone squishes one. I hope someone out there agrees with me.
Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
One bite me recently, it hurt, I was offended because like you I don't hurt them.
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b l a n c 5 years ago
EUGH this creeped me out. i hate the tiny little hairs blech. it's still super cool though! but.. not for me
Sandy Murphey 5 years ago
Yes, hair can be creepy. Even my own sometimes!
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#6
Stan And Pan, 2015
Final score:
27points
#7
Hajime!, Spider, About 5-8mm, 2020
Final score:
23points
MantisKeeper 5 years ago
Lynx spiders can be beautiful, but they can also spit acid, so don't bother them!
#8
Damselfly, 50-60mm, 2019 (Olympus E-Pl1 With Reversed Manual Lens)
Final score:
21points
#9
Tiny Wasp Mimicking A Fly, About 5-6mm, 2020
Final score:
20points
phoenix epsilon 5 years ago
Actually this is a fly i think. There is a species that have the same colors as wasp, as wasps have less natural predators.
Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
I don't undrstand how I can feel so tender toward something you can't pet.
#10
Honey Bee On Lavender, 2020 (Sigma 70-300 Telephoto Lens)
Final score:
20points
Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
People are amazed that I can gently guide bees anywhere . We aren't afraid of each other.
#11
Drops On A Small Leaf, 2013
Final score:
20points
#12
Fly, 8-10mm, 2020
Final score:
19points
Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago (edited)
I have never been able to bond with a fly and now having seen this close up I really don't like them.
Sandy Murphey 5 years ago
With eyes like that, no wonder they can see me with the fly swatter!
#13
Symmetry; Butterfly, 2013 (Canon 75-300 Telephoto Lens - Image Strongly Cropped)
Final score:
18points
#14
Veronica Officinalis, 2014
Final score:
18points
#15
Light Wings; Damselfly, 50-70mm, 2014 (Canon 75-300 Telephoto Lens)
Final score:
17points
⎝⎝GͥOͣDͫ⎠⎠ 5 years ago
I'm dying. You made my day. I'll just smile while I do hours off collage homework.
Load More Replies... Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
Cant help but think this is a challenge to any human who can try to match God's ability to perfect this flying super design.
Avery S Alberico 5 years ago
When damselflies mate, the shape of their conjoined bodies looks like a heart
#16
Locust, 15-20mm, 2020
Final score:
17points
⎝⎝GͥOͣDͫ⎠⎠ 5 years ago
My enemy in animal crossing. I CAN'T CATCH A DANG ONE!
Load More Replies... Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
I love grasshoppers as a child, the summer sounds they make in the weeds on a hot summer day.
#17
The Ugly; Green Fly, Around 9mm, 2013
Final score:
15points
Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
I apoogize for us hurting his little feelings but he's still not invited to the cook out.
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#18
The Catch; Spider, About 15mm, 2020
Final score:
15points
Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
Wish I could up vote that at least 50 times. I'm still laughing Tanner.
Load More Replies... Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
The spiders get together and laugh about how big humans scream and run away!
#19
UPS!; Worm, About 5-6mm, 2014
Final score:
15points
Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
That's true but I dare you to see it and not say , Look a worm.!"
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#20
Moss, 2013
Final score:
14points
#21
Hoverfly , 5-6mm, 2014
Final score:
13points
#22
Small Frog Hiding In Water (Sigma 70-300 Telephoto Lens)
Final score:
13points
Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago
I can't thank you enough. Your pictures took me to a time when the world was perfect, the summer nights had an orchastra of crickets, frogs and lightening bugs lit up the rippling water.
#23
Wild West Spider; Spider , ~10mm, 2014
Final score:
12points
#24
Ant, 5mm, 2015
Final score:
11points
Elaine Mattingly 5 years ago (edited)
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!
#25
Locust In The Morning Colors, 5mm, 2019 (Olympus E-Pl1 With Reversed Manual Lens)
Final score:
9points
#26
Whaaaat?; Mantis, 2013 (Normal Canon 18-55 With Extension Tubes)
Final score:
9points
#27
Giant Ant, 6-8mm, 2020
Final score:
5points
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