Why Reverse-Mounting a Nikon G Lens Needs an Aperture Enabler
Reverse-mounting a lens—attaching it backward to your camera body—is a popular way to shoot extreme macro images. On a Nikon G-type lens, the aperture ring is absent; the aperture is normally controlled electronically by the camera. When you reverse-mount the lens, that electronic connection is broken, so the lens defaults to its smallest aperture (often f/22 or f/32), leaving you with a very dim viewfinder and limited creative control.
The Fotodiox Aperture Enabler & Filter Adapter solves this by letting you manually adjust the aperture on any Nikon G-type (or G/DX) lens while it is reverse-mounted. It also adds standard 52mm filter threads, so you can attach filters, lens caps, or hoods for even more control over your macro shots.
Fotodiox Aperture Enabler & Filter Adapter at a Glance
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Fotodiox Aperture Enabler & Filter Adapter to fit Nikon G-Type (G/DX) Reverse Mounted Lens - Aperture Control w/ 52mm Filter Threads: Enables aperture control on reverse-mounted G-type lenses. Provides 52mm threads for filters, caps, and hoods. Without this adapter, a reversed G lens stays at its smallest aperture. With it, you can open up the aperture for a brighter viewfinder and shallower depth of field.
Fotodiox Aperture Enabler & Filter Adapter to fit Nikon G-Type (G/DX) Reverse Mounted Lens - Aperture Control w/ 52mm Filter Threads
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Fotodiox Aperture Enabler & Filter Adapter to fit Nikon G-Type (G/DX) Reverse Mounted Lens - Aperture Control w/ 52mm Filter Threads: All-metal construction for a secure, solid fit. Identical lens mount construction as all Fotodiox adapters. Metal build ensures the adapter holds the lens firmly without flex, which is important when working close to your subject.
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Fotodiox Aperture Enabler & Filter Adapter to fit Nikon G-Type (G/DX) Reverse Mounted Lens - Aperture Control w/ 52mm Filter Threads: Limited 2-year manufacturer warranty. Provides peace of mind for a small accessory that sees frequent handling.
Setting Up the Reverse-Mount Aperture Control
The adapter works between the reversed lens and the camera body. Follow these steps to get started.
- Attach the adapter to your camera body: Mount the Fotodiox Aperture Enabler onto your camera's lens mount just like a normal lens adapter. It uses a Nikon F mount on the camera side.
- Set the desired aperture on the adapter: Turn the aperture control ring on the adapter to your chosen f-stop. This mechanically stops down the lens to that aperture.
- Reverse-mount your Nikon G lens onto the adapter: Screw the rear of the lens (normally the mount side) onto the adapter's 52mm filter threads. The lens is now facing backward, ready for macro work.
- Adjust exposure manually: Because electronic communication is disrupted, set your camera to manual exposure mode or use Aperture Priority (stop-down) metering. Compose and focus by moving the camera or subject.
Compatibility and Lens Choice Considerations
The adapter works with any Nikon F-mount G-type or G/DX lens. However, 'focus-by-wire' lenses (such as Nikon's AF-P series) require power to engage the manual focus ring. Since manual adapters do not supply power, those lenses will not be able to focus when reverse-mounted. Stick to older G-type lenses with mechanical manual focus rings for reliable operation.
Also note that autofocus, AE metering, and image stabilization are disrupted when using this manual adapter. You will need to set exposure manually—either with full manual mode or by using your camera's stop-down metering. The trade-off is a lightweight, low-cost way to get true macro magnification without buying a dedicated macro lens.
Using the 52mm Filter Threads for Creative Control
The adapter's 52mm female threads let you attach filters (such as UV, polarizer, or close-up diopters), lens caps, or hoods to the reversed lens. This is especially useful because the front element of a reversed lens is normally exposed and vulnerable. A clear filter can protect it, and a polarizer can reduce reflections in shiny subjects like insects or water droplets.
Because the threads are standard 52mm, you can reuse filters you may already own for other lenses. Just screw them onto the adapter before mounting the lens.
