Would someone please explaine (macro 1:3.9)

[learjet035]

I have a 75-300 Tamron(cheap) and it says (macro 1:3.9) on it. What does this mean? How can I use this? Do I not have to purchase a macro lens now? =) JK I know the answer to that! Thanks

[csnudelman]

1:3.9 means that it will focus as close as 1 inch on film (or sensor) equals 3.9 inches in real life.

[ddelallata]

I thought that the Tamron 75-300 came as close to 1:2 with the Macro feature turned on ???

[Sprout Crumble]

'Macro' is a pretty loose description of 1:3.9 as well. Maybe it does go closer.

[J Rabin]

As a poster above noted, those numbers represent the "reproduction ratio," the difference in size between what you see, and the size it is represented at the sensor/film plane.

1 / 3.9 = .26x. Thus, this lens can obtain 0.26x (about one quarter) life size reproduction. That's reasonable close-up focus, but certainly not macro, which is 1:1, or 1x life size reproduction.

Macro written on a lens means nothing. It is a marketing ploy basically telling the consumer, "Hey, within it's class, this lens focuses pretty close."

A 300mm lens with 0.26x will do very nicely for close-up if you buy a +2 Diopter for it.

Jack

[willg]

there are 2 tamrons with the macro...one is 1:3.9 and the other is 1:2...i hear the 1:2 is a better overall lens

[learjet035]

Thanks, so I guess I still need to buy a macro someday huh =)