What is a macro? Macro lens?

[Peteris #310693]

Hi guys! I am ashamed to ask, but I don't know precisely what macro lens is? I see wonderful close ups of bugs and flowers etc, but can't you do that with a 18-200zoom? What does macro mean? What is it? What do those digits mean that sometimes i see in relation to macro like 1: 1,5 or something like that. If anyone has a good site I can go to or just a couple words of advice, then I would love to hear.

I am fixing to buy 18-200mm lens and I hope I will be able to take some nice bug close ups?

Thanks for all replies in advance!
I like this forum and I appreciate the collective knowledge that's shared here!

Peteris

 

[AndrewX55]

A macro lens lets you get even closer because the minimum focusing distance is really short, so you can make whatever you're photographing even bigger by getting closer.

 

[pdcsq]

Lot of information without too much reading here:

http://www.jimdoty.com/Tips/Closeup/closeup.html

As for your question about macro lens, it's a specialty lens (that can be also used as a conventional lens BTW) that allows you to focus much closer, hence increasing magnification.

The number you mention is the magnification ratio. It tells how big your subject will be at the sensor plane. A ratio of 1:1 means that say a 10mm subject will have a 10mm size at the sensor plane.

The Sigma 18-200 does not get you to a 1:1 ratio, but to 1:4,4 at best. So your subject is more than 4 times smaller than with a true macro lens.

--
Didier

We don't inherit Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. Antoine de St Exupery.

 

[Jovo]

Unfortunately the Sigma 18-200mm will only focus to 45cm and that gives around 1:4.4. For macros you need around 1:1.

Also if you use a short lens, the distance between the camera and the insect is very small, therefore it is easier to use a dedicated macro lens between 80-150mm. Instead of a macro you could use extension tubes or closeup filters but a dedicated lens should give a sharper photo.

BTW a macro lens can also be used as a general lens for portraits, etc.

Hi guys! I am ashamed to ask, but I don't know precisely what macro
lens is? I see wonderful close ups of bugs and flowers etc, but
can't you do that with a 18-200zoom? What does macro mean? What is
it? What do those digits mean that sometimes i see in relation to
macro like 1: 1,5 or something like that. If anyone has a good site
I can go to or just a couple words of advice, then I would love to
hear.

I am fixing to buy 18-200mm lens and I hope I will be able to take
some nice bug close ups?

Thanks for all replies in advance!
I like this forum and I appreciate the collective knowledge that's
shared here!

Peteris

 

[r0nbo]

I have the 18-200 and that figure for closeup focusing is using AF I assume as mine quits trying at around a foot and a half but if I switch it MF I can get within 6-7" of a subject. This still doesnt give a 1:1 but its better than what the specs say.

 

[Jovo]

Is that 6-7" from the front of the lens? The distance given is measured from the focal plane.

I have the 18-200 and that figure for closeup focusing is using AF
I assume as mine quits trying at around a foot and a half but if I
switch it MF I can get within 6-7" of a subject. This still doesnt
give a 1:1 but its better than what the specs say.

 

[r0nbo]

from the front of the lens. thats all that really matters, isnt it? Practical distance.

 

[Jovo]

Yes, that is the practical distance but it doesn't indicate the actual focussing distance. Some lenses have a much longer body than others and therefore may be much closer to the subject.

The front element of the Tamron 90mm can be focussed as close as 25mm but the actual distance is 290mm.

from the front of the lens. thats all that really matters, isnt it?
Practical distance.

 

[reinhard]

Hi !

A dedicated macro lens gives you an up to 1:1 ratio (means an objec which is in life 1 cm is also 1 cm on you picture, a.k.a. lifesize).

Now, the trick is that you get this ration at a decend distance. As further away as better it is.
For two reasons:

• you don't want to shy away your subject (try to capture a fly in 1cm distance - good luck, uless it is dead)
• shade: if you are too close with your lens, it is hard to keep the shade from the lens away from your subject.

Yes, long variable lenses say "Macro" but normally you can't get a ratio less than 1:4. Distance, however is pretty good.

If it comes down to real macro, there is nothing better than a fixed-length macro lens. And it does good portraits, too.

--
--
Cheers,
Reinhard
(FCAS Charter Member, PBase supporter
Canon 300D, Nikon CP5700, SB26)
http://www.pbase.com/reinhard
http://www.fotki.com/reinhard

 

[r0nbo]

This lens is far from being a good macro lens for sure but its not advertised as such and I didnt expect it to be one when I got it. I was suprised it actually focused as close as it does. I'm going to get a 105 macro lens I think to do the close-in stuff I want to do. Flora and fauna season is about done with here so need to find something else to do macros of.

 

[Peteris #310693]

Thanks guys for very helpful comments. I found out a useful information. Since I like to take portraits and also some bugs and stuff, it looks like I rather will get just a kit lens and canon 100mm macro.

Now I will have to look for places to order on line, but I am surprised most stores in USA are closed till Thursday. Do you all have a national strike or something? Thanksgiving is coming later in november, right?

Thanks guys,
Peteris

 

[John Tucker]

What stores have you found are closed until Thursday? I know B&H is due to Jewish holiday.

--
John
http://www.john-tucker.net

 

[Brian Crescimanno]

100mm is going to be VERY long as a portrait lens on a 350D; I think you'd do better with the 50mm f/1.8 prime as a portrait lens on a 1.6x sensor.

As far as camera shops being closed in the U.S....

As it happens, most privately owned camera shops (especially in the north eastern U.S.) are owned by Jewish people. According to the "Holiday Calendar" posted on B&H Photo's web site, this week is Rosh Hashanah which (as I understand it, correct me if I'm wrong) is the Jewish New Year.