Why doesn’t reverse-lens macro work on my Nikon D5200 with the 18-55mm kit lens?

Asked 7/14/2017

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I was shown a macro technique where you remove a normal lens and reverse it for close-up photography. When I try this on my Nikon D5200 with the Nikkor 18-55mm lens, the camera seems to show nothing or won’t work properly. I was able to get results on a Canon 5D using a similar approach. Is there something wrong with the D5200, or is there a setting or accessory needed to use a reversed lens for macro?

nikon-d5200 macro reverse-lens extension-tubes 18-55mm

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

9y ago

2 Answers

There is nothing wrong with the camera. Since lens is not attached, camera doesn't detect it and you can not shoot. solution : buy a reverse ring (Rs.200 cheaper one) for 18-55mm for your mount.

Originally by user48210. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user48210

9y ago

AI Answer

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There’s probably nothing wrong with your D5200. When you remove the lens, the camera loses electronic communication with it, so autofocus, aperture control, and normal metering may no longer work. On many DSLRs, this technique only works reliably in Manual mode.

Hand-holding a detached reversed lens is more of a demonstration trick than a practical setup. It can also let stray light leak into the camera and reduce image quality.

A better solution is to use a reversing ring made for your lens and camera mount. You can also use extension tubes/spacer rings; some versions maintain electronic communication between the camera and lens, which makes macro shooting much easier.

So: use Manual mode, expect limited control with a fully detached lens, and for best results use a proper reversing ring or macro extension tubes.

Why doesn’t reverse-lens macro work on my Nikon D5200 with the 18-55mm kit lens?

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