What makes a macro lens a macro lens?

mgrammas · 3rd of January 2006 (Tue)

I am relatively new to photography, and am making my wish list for accessory purchases. I know what a macro lens is used for, but what makes it different from a "regular" lens? What's the difference between a 60mm macro and a 60mm plain lens?

Thanks, and many more questions to come,

Mike

BTBeilke · 3rd of January 2006 (Tue)

The ability to focus on subjects very close (within inches) to the lens?

kaitanium · 3rd of January 2006 (Tue)

yea a regular 60mm lens will probably have a minimum focal distance of at least a foot or more.

a 60mm macro will have focus to maybe a couple cm or inches away from the subject but can also double up as a regular focus 60mm

Ronald S. Jr. · 3rd of January 2006 (Tue)

Real macro lenses can make an image in the 1:1 (lifesize) ratio. If something is 2cm long, then it appears 2cm long in the viewfinder.

Jon · 3rd of January 2006 (Tue)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronald S. Jr.

Real macro lenses can make an image in the 1:1 (lifesize) ratio. If something is 2cm long, then it appears 2cm long in the viewfinder.

Careful - there are degrees of viewfinder magnification as well. It'll project a 2 cm image on the sensor (or the focussing screen). But 1:2 to 1:1 is generally considered to be the start of the true macro range. Mind you, all^h^h^hsome marketing departments use "Macro" for any lens that focusses closer than a) the last lens they made of that focal length or b) their nearest rival's similar lens.

Ronald S. Jr. · 3rd of January 2006 (Tue)

PFt. I GENERALLY had it right!

SuzyView · 3rd of January 2006 (Tue)

Better than what I would have said. I just think "MACRO" - insects. "TELEPHOTO" - birds. Am I right?

SuzyView

Jon · 3rd of January 2006 (Tue)

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzyView

Better than what I would have said. I just think "MACRO" - insects. "TELEPHOTO" - birds. Am I right?

SuzyView

For small values of insects and large values of birds . . .

Ronald S. Jr. · 3rd of January 2006 (Tue)

Technically, you can take a picture of just about anything, with just about any lens. It's just a matter of how well you want it done.

SuzyView · 3rd of January 2006 (Tue)

You mean "small insects" and "small birds"?

SuzyView

Jon · 3rd of January 2006 (Tue)

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches and Ruby-throated hummingbirds, anyone?

SuzyView · 3rd of January 2006 (Tue)

Something like that. I don't have a macro lens, but I do like flowers and I've been using my 85 1.8 for those close ups. That's a nice lens for that. And I'm still irritated I didn't get my 10D in time to take a picture of the vulture outside my window last week. I'm going to have to strap that thing to my side.

SuzyView

3rd of January 2006 (Tue)	#1
mgrammas Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 1	What makes a macro lens a macro lens? I am relatively new to photography, and am making my wish list for accessory purchases. I know what a macro lens is used for, but what makes it different from a "regular" lens? What's the difference between a 60mm macro and a 60mm plain lens? Thanks, and many more questions to come, Mike

3rd of January 2006 (Tue)	#2
BTBeilke Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bettendorf, IA USA Posts: 827 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: What makes a macro lens a macro lens? The ability to focus on subjects very close (within inches) to the lens? __________________ Blane Gear List

3rd of January 2006 (Tue)	#3
kaitanium Goldmember Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sacramento/San Francisco USA Posts: 3,544 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: What makes a macro lens a macro lens? yea a regular 60mm lens will probably have a minimum focal distance of at least a foot or more. a 60mm macro will have focus to maybe a couple cm or inches away from the subject but can also double up as a regular focus 60mm

3rd of January 2006 (Tue)	#4
Ronald S. Jr. Prodigal "Brick" Layer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sayre, Pennsylvania Posts: 16,187	Re: What makes a macro lens a macro lens? Real macro lenses can make an image in the 1:1 (lifesize) ratio. If something is 2cm long, then it appears 2cm long in the viewfinder. __________________ Mac users swear by their computers. PC users swear at theirs.

3rd of January 2006 (Tue)	#6
Ronald S. Jr. Prodigal "Brick" Layer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sayre, Pennsylvania Posts: 16,187	Re: What makes a macro lens a macro lens? PFt. I GENERALLY had it right! __________________ Mac users swear by their computers. PC users swear at theirs.

3rd of January 2006 (Tue)	#7
SuzyView Ms Moderator and Grandma Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern VA Posts: 31,487 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: What makes a macro lens a macro lens? Better than what I would have said. I just think "MACRO" - insects. "TELEPHOTO" - birds. Am I right? SuzyView

3rd of January 2006 (Tue)	#11
Jon Moderator Cocker Spaniel Mod Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Kensington, MD USA Posts: 65,140	Re: What makes a macro lens a macro lens? Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches and Ruby-throated hummingbirds, anyone? __________________ Jon ---------- EOS, Powershot and Domke - it doesn't get any better than this! T90 and stuff \| F-1n, New F-1, FTb and more stuff out on loan Cocker Spaniels Maryland and Virginia activities *DC Cherry Blossoms* Image Posting Rules and Image Posting FAQ Report SPAM, Don't Answer It! (link) PERSONAL MESSAGING REGARDING SELLING OR BUYING ITEMS WITH MEMBERS WHO HAVE NO POSTS IN FORUMS AND/OR WHO YOU DO NOT KNOW FROM FORUMS IS HEREBY DECLARED STRICTLY STUPID AND YOU WILL GET BURNED.

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