Ultra Easy Freelensing (No extra gear)

[PowerPix]

Exif Data:
Camera: Canon EOS 50D
Lens: Canon 18-55mm
Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)
ISO: 1000

This really isn't a "tutorial", per se. It is more to make you aware of this technique. Freelensing is purely trial and error to see what you come up with. The possibilities are endless and I think this is something you will truly enjoy!

Freelensing is the act of shooting a photo with the lens detached from the camera body. By doing this you can get some pretty interesting results with bokeh because the aperture is 0 and your focus area is small! Other uses include the tilt-shift technique and super macro. If you hold the lens away from the body you can get some neat effects by light leaks (stray light hitting the sensor).

I do want to caution that freelensing potentially could let dust onto the sensor, by no means walk around with the lens detached. Wait until you choose your shot to detach the lens.

This photo is a macro and was taken with the lens reversed, simply holding it against the body.

Feel free to share your results!

Other tutorials that may be of interest which require no extra gear | Simple Water Drops | Smoke Photography | Action |

[atmenterprises]

That is a really gorgeous picture. Nice job!

[elimasmx]

It looks really nice!
But I'm pretty paranoid about dust getting into my sensor :/
I'll try that someday (:
Thanks!

[janakkpandya]

Originally Posted by PowerPix

[CENTER]
This really isn't a "tutorial", per se. It is more to make you aware of this technique. Freelensing is purely trial and error to see what you come up with. The possibilities are endless and I think this is something you will truly enjoy!

Freelensing is the act of shooting a photo with the lens detached from the camera body. By doing this you can get some pretty interesting results with bokeh because the aperture is 0 and your focus area is small! Other uses include the tilt-shift technique and super macro. If you hold the lens away from the body you can get some neat effects by light leaks (stray light hitting the sensor).

I do want to caution that freelensing potentially could let dust onto the sensor, by no means walk around with the lens detached. Wait until you choose your shot to detach the lens.

This photo is a macro and was taken with the lens reversed, simply holding it against the body.

Feel free to share your results!

Other tutorials that may be of interest which require no extra gear | Simple Water Drops | Smoke Photography | Action |

This is really a good technique. But the question arise in my mind sins 18-55 is a small lens to handle and also the same is not much heavy also but is it possible with the 18-200 this will affect scratch on the lens? As I am a beginner so the hand is not much steady. TFS for sharing the technique

[MKlem]

great shot! I found this link too for anyone who is interested in knowing a bit more. Freelensing! Turn any Lens into a Tilt-Shift or Macro | Photojojo

I'm gunna have to try this one! Thanks for the idea!

[PowerPix]

Originally Posted by janakkpandya

This is really a good technique. But the question arise in my mind sins 18-55 is a small lens to handle and also the same is not much heavy also but is it possible with the 18-200 this will affect scratch on the lens? As I am a beginner so the hand is not much steady. TFS for sharing the technique

I actually think you would be able to get some really nice shots with more of a telephoto lens like the 18-200mm. It will certainly be easier to handle. Be sure that you are using a faster shutter speed because the focus range is so small when freelensing that you need to snap as soon as you find that focus point.


The lens will not end up scratched.

[Rikluz]

That is a very nice picture!

[uben564]

Would it be best to have a fast lens like a 35mm 1.8 or a 55-200mm?

[PowerPix]

Originally Posted by uben564

Would it be best to have a fast lens like a 35mm 1.8 or a 55-200mm?

It does not matter how fast the lens is because when it is detached the aperture will be 0.

The only difference here would be the zoom that you can get.

[mattjordan]

Wow super cool picture, if I actually knew how to clean my sensor, I might be more prone to try this technique.