Mandrake said

Bjørn (Madman) said

Great photos. You should try fokus stacking so you get more dof.

It would be nice.
I'm not sure an insect would hold still for this so a dead one would probably be best.

Here's a detailed video on the macro focus stacking process.
It uses both Lightroom and Photoshop.

Thanks Mandrake for the video, will try this next time. I may have to kill those poor bugs.

Bjørn (Madman) said

Great photos. You should try fokus stacking so you get more dof.

It would be nice.
I'm not sure an insect would hold still for this so a dead one would probably be best.

Here's a detailed video on the macro focus stacking process.
It uses both Lightroom and Photoshop.

I'll find a reversing ring (or super glue) and give it a try.
The little piece of paper is a great idea as it should not damage the lever.

I'm thinking, from what you say, that a focal length of 18mm is best for greater dof.
I assume you just keep the aperture wide open.

Yes... metering (equating to shutter duration) will be the problem,
as will be getting the bugs to stay still while I'm doing all of this?

Thanks again.

Mandrake said

Really fantastic shots....

Now... Let me get this right... a D5000, kit AF-S 18-55mm DX lens, reversed with a reversing ring.
ok... how do you adjust the aperture as the lens has no aperture ring and what reversing ring do you use?

I suppose you just have to hold the aperture control lever open with a steady hand for the duration. Tricky.

I have the D5100, so this should work as yours.
This looks like too much fun not to try.

Thanks.

Hey Mandrake and Brian.
Thanks for your comments. I used 52mm reversing ring to attach my kit lens to the body. As you said, controlling aperture is a challenge. I just used a piece of paper in the lever slot to hold it in place. The other challenge is metering. Since the lens is now reversed, it doesn't talk with camera body. So it involves lot of trial and error to get the proper exposure. Shooting it hand held will make you go crazy. The depth of field at 18mm focal length is very less; not even 1mm wide. So it is always better to use tripod and shutter release.

Now... Let me get this right... a D5000, and the AF-S 18-55mm DX lens, reversed with a reversing ring.
ok... how do you adjust the aperture, as the lens has no aperture ring, and what reversing ring do you use?

I suppose you just have to hold the aperture control lever open with a steady hand for the duration of the shot.
Or.... Do use a small wedge of some sort against the lever to have more control?
Very Tricky.

I have the D5100 and the same lens, so this should work as yours.
This looks like too much fun not to try.

Thanks.