Micro 4/3s, my next step Macro strategy.

Trevor, one thing that you may consider in this equation is that (according to my not very persistent attempts at macro, and to some very advanced shooters) for Macro, a larger FL is a bonus. That is not because of optical issues, but practical ones: the further you are from the subject, for the same magnification, the easier to work.

Of course, that is not very relevant with flowers, or dead flies, but change to live ones, and you will see the difference. That is the reason why there are several highly regarded Macro lenses, of today and yesterday: the Tamron 90 mm, the Canon 100 mm, for example, spring to mind. There are those who prefer even 150 mm for the job, when photographing bugs. That is also why so many like the ZD 70-300 with Macro capabilities.

And there is another aspect: working further away, illumination is easier. I used the ZD 35 mm, and much preferred the ZD 50 mm for that reason as well.

BTW: it may be a question of personal preference, but most of the specialized Macro shooters use MF.

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Antonio http://ferrer.smugmug.com/