Camera accessory that turns ordinary primes into high-magnification macro tools, ideal for close-up detail and texture work. Photographers gain satisfying creative control and affordable experimentation with vintage lenses. How well does Ares Foto Macro Reverse Ring perform in real-world shooting conditions?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Image Quality: High magnification captures fine detail with strong subject separation
- • Best for: Hobbyist macro photographers and creative shooters on a budget
- • Not ideal for: Users who require electronic aperture control or through-camera exposure changes
Reverse-mount adapter for attaching lenses backwards to Sony E-mount cameras. Requires manual-aperture prime lenses and produces far greater magnification than normal mounting.
High-magnification close-ups – with reversed lens mounting
The reverse lens technique involves mounting a compatible prime lens backwards on an adapter attached to a Sony E-mount body. Wider-angle primes give greater enlargement because the shorter focal length yields higher magnification when reversed.
Much larger-than-life close-ups become achievable without specialised macro lenses, making tiny subjects like flowers, textures and small insects fill the frame with detail.
Precise depth control – with manual-aperture primes
Reversed lenses lose electronic contact with the camera, so aperture must be set on lenses that include a manual aperture ring. Stopping down increases depth of field, while wide apertures create strong subject separation.
Deliberate control over shallow depth or extended focus is easy to achieve, letting photographers choose dramatic isolation or fuller subject detail depending on aperture choice.
Wide Sony E-mount compatibility – with a simple adapter interface
Adapter threads match the lens filter diameter and convert that to a Sony E-mount connection, enabling upside-down attachment. Compatibility spans many NEX and Alpha mirrorless bodies listed by the manufacturer.
Owners of Sony mirrorless cameras can add macro capability quickly, using older manual primes they may already have, offering a low-cost route to effective macro work.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Ares Foto Macro Reverse Ring
- Reverse-mount technique – Greater magnification than standard lens mounting for close-up detail
- 58mm filter thread compatibility – Works with common prime lenses that have a 58mm front thread
- Manual aperture workflow – Precise depth-of-field control using the lens aperture ring
- Broad Sony E-mount fit – Compatible with many NEX and Alpha mirrorless bodies for easy use
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Macro reverse ring adapter
- Mount: Sony E-mount
- Filter thread: 58mm
- Compatible cameras: Sony NEX series and Alpha series including a6500, a6400, a6300, a6000, a5100, a5000, a3500, a3000, a9, a7 series
- Compatible camcorders: VG900, VG30, NEX-VG20, NEX-VG10, NEX-FS700, NEX-FS100
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I retain aperture control from the camera body?
A: No, there is no electrical connectivity between lens and camera when the lens is mounted backwards, so aperture must be adjusted using the lens' manual aperture ring.
Q: Which lenses work best with the adapter?
A: 50mm or 28mm prime lenses with a manual aperture ring are recommended, and wider-angle primes typically deliver greater magnification when reversed.
Q: Which Sony cameras are compatible?
A: Compatible models include a wide range of Sony NEX and Alpha mirrorless bodies listed by the manufacturer, such as the a6500, a6400, a6300, a6000 and several a7 and a9 series cameras.
🏆 Our Verdict
Photographers who want dramatic close-ups without investing in a dedicated macro lens will find the adapter highly practical. Reversing vintage or manual primes produces strong magnification and precise depth control, making small subjects stand out. While the solution relies on manual technique rather than automation, it delivers long-term creative value through versatility and low-cost experimentation.
