What do I need for reversed-lens macro photography with an entry-level Nikon DSLR?

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

I am totally new in the photography field and I need an expert help. I need to take very close-up pictures at school lab (counting the hairs on ant's head, I know its strange) for insect and ants classification. I do not have any experience and the more I read the less I know.

I have a Nikon D3200 camera with AF-S NIKKOR 18-105mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED lens. I was told I could reverse the lens I could get decent close-up pictures, however when I tried (just holding the lens reversed manually without connecting it) I had to keep the aperture open with my finger which does not feel right. So, is there actually a way this could be solved? Also, I am very lost in all the rings and part I need to connect all the puzzle together. Could someone please please give me a "list" of things I would need to get to make this work?

Also, a friend told me about getting El-Nikkor 50mm 2.8N and put it in reverse, which seems like a good solution, but again, how can I connect it to the camera? Or would it be better / easier to use both these lenses at the same time and connect them somehow?