DPReview.com is closing April 10th - Find out more

Do I need a MACRO lens?

Started Jul 10, 2015 | Questions thread
bradevans
bradevans Senior Member • Posts: 1,029
Re: Do I need a MACRO lens?

Close focus ability is a consideration in the design of a macro lens, more so than other lenses. So, you might consider minimum focus distance if you want a non-macro lens to serve this way.

I have the Olympus 60mm macro and the AF is amazing, as is the detail it reveals. I don't think I've heard a single complaint although many want a longer working distance.

Other considerations: what are you shooting?  larger objects (entire flowers), smaller (pistil/stamens) or really small (insects).

All these have impacts on if you need a macro lens, and also what Focal Length, which translates to working distance:  I wouldn't recommend the 30 if you are after insects, bees, etc.

As a bit of a 'toe in the water' you might try the Raynox 150 for $70.  One thing you'll soon find is that Depth of Field can be very thin and focus very twitchy.

 bradevans's gear list:bradevans's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 Panasonic G85 Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 +14 more
Keyboard shortcuts:
FForum PPrevious NNext WNext unread UUpvote SSubscribe RReply QQuote BBookmark MMy threads
Color scheme? Blue / Yellow