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I'm interested in experimenting with the reverse lens to shoot macro but as this is all an experiment, I don't want to spend that much money on it. I've been watching a Youtube video and they said you can buy a wide 28mm lens around $50. This was a prime lens with a manual aperture ring.

I've been searching online, but so far the cheapest I could find was at least a couple of hundred dollars which lacks an aperture ring.

Does anyone know a cheap 28mm prime lens with an aperture ring that I can mount on a Canon 6D?

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  • Which YouTube video would that be? There are only a few billion videos uploaded to YouTube, but I'm too lazy to watch all of them to find the one you are referencing.
    – Michael C
    May 15, 2019 at 9:51
  • @MichaelC I didn't mention the youtube video because I didn't want to promote them. And honestly, I didn't think it would matter. But if you are interested: youtube.com/watch?v=fT1fcwMu8jY
    – Mehran
    May 15, 2019 at 12:42

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Your best option is to get an old, manual focus lens. While new lenses are available, they are likely to cost more with little benefit for your purpose (experimentation with lens reversal).

The mount doesn't matter because you will be using it with a reversal ring. If you want a lens you can use normally on your camera with an adapter, look for PK, OM, M42, or Nikon F mount lenses. If you're willing to spend a bit more, consider Pentax SMC lenses. Also, consider other focal lengths. 50mm tends to cost less.

  1. Go to your favorite auction site.

  2. Search for "lens reversal ring EF". Order 52mm and 58mm rings. (~$10)

  3. Search for "28mm lens". Sort by price. Show "Buy It Now". Click on any that are of interest. Read descriptions to ensure there are no major problems. Try to find one that uses 52mm or 58mm filters. (~$25)

  4. You may need a step down ring from 58mm to 55mm, depending on the lens you chose.

  5. You may need a mount adapter, if you want to use the lens "normally".

Some lenses might be a bit more difficult to use.

  • EF/EF-S lenses. You're likely already avoiding these because they don't have aperture ring.
  • FD lenses. Aperture doesn't work unless certain mechanism are engaged. FL lenses should be okay though.

  • M42 lenses that are auto only. If you intend to also use them normally, the M42-EF adapter will engage the pin to keep the lens in stop-down mode.

  • PK/OM/Nikon-F lenses. The aperture won't close unless a linkage pin is engaged. If you intend to also use them normally, the adapter will keep the pin engaged so that the aperture will work in stop-down mode.

  • Other mounts may have similar aperture issues. On most, you should be able to engage the aperture pin with a spacer cut from cardboard.

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  • Does that mean there's no such thing as brand new one or the new ones are expensive?
    – Mehran
    May 15, 2019 at 12:40
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    @Mehran ... you’re looking for a lens with an aperture ring for cheap. Just about everything in this category was made in the 80’s or earlier - so, they’ll be used. Don’t let used gear scare you off, it’s a great way to save cash in this hobby
    – OnBreak.
    May 15, 2019 at 13:52
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    @Mehran New manual-focus lenses would cost more with little benefit for your purpose (experimentation with lens reversal).
    – xiota
    May 15, 2019 at 15:36
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    Avoid automatic-only M42 lenses. May 15, 2019 at 16:23
  • Also, avoid Canon FD lenses and Canon EF lenses especially - their aperture is the hardest to control off-camera! May 15, 2019 at 23:52

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