Poor Person's Macro

[SharkBait]

Ok since I was recently laid off and cannot afford the Canon EF 100mm f2.8 lens I would like to have, I thought about doing reverse macro photography as best I could with what I had.

For these photos I've used my EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS lens (kit) with a broken 50mm f1.8 reversed at the end. The reverse ring (58mm-52mm) is in the mail as I type this so it makes it easier for me to do.







So far I don't think it's that bad. It's kind of fun to see what I can take photos of actually. It's hard to get a sharp photo as I'm manually focusing. I don't think the auto-focus will work properly trying o auto-focus through a second lens. I also find the depth of field is pretty shallow even working at say f11 or f8. I guess without a dedicated macro lens, my DoF will be always really shallow huh?

[MaXiMuM]

I think the shallow DOF really works with the subject matter...The images are keepers and I would love to have that kind of ability...

Good Work.

[dan.will60]

these shots are great macros.
keep experimenting.

[Matthew James Norman]

Well I think that's worked out brilliantly, my friend. Liking your work. And you prove that macro photography, and photography in general, needn't be that expensive in order to achieve good results.

[SharkBait]

I just got a couple of what I think is a bee-fly?





Lucky shots!

[leonaashlee]

Well, you did pretty well, that's for sure. Sorry about the job.

[fstopMike]

Good job with those and excellent adaptation. thanks for sharing.

[sheltiesmama]

Very nice shots. I really like the water drop. So sorry about your job. Hope you find another soon.

[ausnap]

impressive! i'll give it a try.

[wulf]

Shallow DoF and the requirement for manual focusing are par for the course, even with a dedicated macro lens. I think you're getting great results with your set up.

Wulf