Both can be cost-savvy ways to enter the world of macrophotography.

Introduction

Using lens extenders increases the distance between the lens' rear and the camera sensor. In effect, it magnifies the image since the sensor only 'sees' the middle of the image projected by the lens. The farther the lens is from your sensor, the smaller the part of the image it sees and the greater the magnification (although it works only up to some extent since each lens has a limited focusing capability).

On the other hand, reverse rings allow you to mount the lens in reverse, as the name implies. Reversing the lens makes the image incredibly larger. It's hard to explain how this works but it really depends on how the optical elements are arranged inside the lens.

Let me share with you why I chose to go for a set of lens extender rings and not a reverse-ring.

I took this image of the lens cap while essentially 'free-lensing' (holding the lens unmounted in front of the camera while it's reversed). It's incredibly difficult to focus not because the lens was unmounted, and I was holding it, but because I had to get very close to the subject (with the lens almost touching it). If it were an insect, I would've spooked it!

Another big issue with a reverse ring is not being able to utilize the lenses autofocus mechanism.

Image Source

As you can see, it doesn't have any way of connecting the autofocus because the lens is reversed first of all.

Image Source

Lastly, with a reverse-ring, you're going to have to use the thread that's supposed to hold the lens cap or a filter to hold the weight of the lens, which can be scary. You might wear the thread out and risk the lens falling from the camera if you're not careful. Mounting it can be a delicate process.

On the other hand, the extender rings allow me to use the autofocus. They provide great magnification too, with narrow depth of field. I don't have to get too close to the subject since I can zoom in easily. In fact, it only works while zoomed in near maximum, or maximum with the 18-55mm lens that came with my camera.

So far, I have used the shortest (13mm) of the lens extender set for a majority of my macro shots. It works great for still life and food photography.

But there's another way to go 'macro' which I've been enjoying. If you want to see how it works, along with its pros and cons, please stay tuned for my next post.

Thanks for reading/viewing!

[Credits to the Author of Life]

Please stay tuned for my favorite everyday photos and the lessons I learned behind the scenes.