Macro is an amazing genre to get stuck into that allows you to magnify your subject for super-detailed close-ups, revealing a brand-new world, otherwise hidden to the naked eye.
But, if you've ever tried to take a close-up using a standard lens, such as an 18-55mm kit lens, you might be a bit underwhelmed.
A dedicated macro lens is usually required to take close-ups. These special optics come with reproduction ratios of at least 1:1, also called lifesize, because you can capture your subject at the same size as if it was laid across your Canon camera's sensor.
However, macro lenses can be pricey and won't be in budget for many in the current cost of living crisis. Luckily, in this project we take a look at a cheap and cheerful lens hack that will let you experiment with macro magic without breaking the bank. Here's how you can reverse an old film lens for terrific close-ups.
TOP TIPS YOUR CANON CAMERA GEAR SETUP
Discover camera and photo kit needed for top macro shots with this cheap lens hack
01 TRIPOD
Tiny movements in your camera and lens will be exaggerated when shooting macro close-ups. Therefore, a sturdy tripod is a good idea to eliminate camera-shake. A tripod also makes it possible to take a batch of photos for focus stacking.
02 REVERSING RING
Reversing rings are inexpensive (£12.95) and screw into the front filter thread allowing it to be mounted to your camera in reverse. Just be sure to order the correct Canon camera mount and the right lens filter thread size for your setup.
03 OLD PRIME LENS
Esta historia es de la edición April 2024 de PhotoPlus : The Canon Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 2024 de PhotoPlus : The Canon Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
CANON Speedlite EL-5
With a touch of gold, it's the first Speedlite to feature Canon's new 'multi-function foot' £499/$399
Newo Ikkin
Professional portrait photographer Newo reveals the Canon gear and lighting equipment she can't live without when creating her fantastical photos
EXPOSURES MADE EASY
Learn all you need to know to take better exposures
INSPIRATIONS
STUNNING IMAGERY FROM THE WORLD OF CANON PHOTOGRAPHY
Manhattan makeover
James Paterson shows you how to transform cityscapes into eye-catching artwork with a combination of blending and selection skills in Affinity
Generate AI backdrops in Photoshop Beta
James Paterson demonstrates the new filter that creates backgrounds based on a few words
Enhance portraits with panel sliders
Sean McCormack shows how to combine these controls to great effect in Lightroom Classic
Macro on a budget
Dan Mold shows you how to capture detail without breaking the bank
Clear the streets
Dan Mold shows you how to remove people from tourist hotspots
Flash fungi in forests
Elevate your macro skills with off-camera flash as James Paterson teaches you to capture stunning mushroom photos on the forest floor