Running Lens Inverted For Macros?

[BodiBuilt]

I am just getting into photography and I would love to try and get some nice macros but I just cant afford to drop enough cash to buy a nice lens (yet). While doing some reading, I ran across the mention of running a lens backwards with the use of an adaptor which can produce good results... I found someone selling one of these adaptors including the apropriate lense for $80. Is this a decent deal, or should I just save up my $ and buy a $300 lense?
By the way, this is for a Sony Alpha DSLR which can use Minolta "A" mount lenses if that matters.
Thanks for the advise! - Dave.

 

[jksteele010]

why not try to find an adapter for you current lens. My 18-55mm canon reversed does just fine with the $10 reverse adapter. The only thing is you may not be able to shoot your aquarium with it. From my experimenting with it, I have to be just inches from the object to focus in on it.

 

[sscherin]

I've tried it.. It's fun but the the focal length is about 1".
Maye if you enjoy shooting snail feet on the glass

You can get a Phoenix 100mm Macro lens for $120 from B&H
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/186638-REG/Phoenix_P09035_Telephoto_100mm_f_3_5_Macro.html

or $109 from AdoRama
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010CI4DM...e=380337&creativeASIN=B0010CI4DM&linkCode=asn

It's not the best built lens in the world but the optics are respectable.

Here's a review of the Nikon mount version
http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/phoenix/100f35-1.html

I have the Pentax mount version.

 

[JeffReef]

Re: Running Lens Inverted For Macros?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14086813#post14086813 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BodiBuilt
I am just getting into photography and I would love to try and get some nice macros but I just cant afford to drop enough cash to buy a nice lens (yet). While doing some reading, I ran across the mention of running a lens backwards with the use of an adaptor which can produce good results... I found someone selling one of these adaptors including the apropriate lense for $80. Is this a decent deal, or should I just save up my $ and buy a $300 lense?
By the way, this is for a Sony Alpha DSLR which can use Minolta "A" mount lenses if that matters.
Thanks for the advise! - Dave.

This will work fine for flowers and small stationary objects but not for corals. The lens will have to be really close to the subject for this to work.

 

[xtm]

or you can use a reverse coupler for $7.95 at B&H (you have to have two lens though)

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1543556

 

[BodiBuilt]

Thanks everyone for your reply's. I think I would like to pick something like this up for now to experiment with while I save for a nice primary lens. The reverse coupler idea is right up my alley too, I already have (1) 50 f1.7 which would work with that...
I ran across some adaptors also, that go from Minolta "MD" mount to "A" mount which would allow me to use any MD type lens on my Sony. I often see (cheap!) MD lenses for sale used... Is that a good option for me? I would rather spend $100 now and start getting some practice than wait several months to save up $3-400 for a nice lens (and I am a reefer by the way, so Im already broke!) lol