Macro Lens

Macro Lens

"Now that's a close up!"

The macro lens is used for close-up photography. It allows the photographer to get very close to the subject and usually gives a 1:1 ratio of the subject’s image size focused onto the image sensor or film to its actual size. Most 35mm macros will achieve this, but lenses that offer a 1:4 ratio are still considered macro.

It is not the magnification that makes it macro but its ability to allow the camera to focus while being so close to the subject.

macro photography

Depth of Field

The macro lens has an extremely narrow depth of field; it is measured by the millimeter. Sometimes the photographer may have to decide what part of the subject is most important and focus directly on that surface. This characteristic may drastically limit the amount of the subject that can be in focus, but it allows an exact focal point for an exact clarification of subject. Also, it just really looks neat.

Lighting

This is where a bit of a problem comes in. You have to get pretty close to the subject with these lenses. Some of them will even let the subject touch the lens and still be in focus. Because of this, there is not much room for lighting between the camera and the subject. So even though you may want to get as close as you can, you may need to back off a bit to allow some light in. With the digital photography software that is out there nowadays, the photo can be cropped down later.

If you absolutely want to get as close as possible, I have seen some lighting rings made for this that attach outside the ring of the lens. They are usually LEDs that will give continuous light. These may not work well with live subjects though; it may scare them off.

Common Uses

Most of the photographers that I know that use these are nature photographers. Extreme close-ups of the most common day to day subjects can present some head turning photos. They are great for photographing insects, flower pedals, and even damp leaves.

I have also seen these used for product photography such as coins, stamps, and even pens.

Creating a Macro Assembly

There are many of these lenses out on the market that do a great job, but they can be a bit pricey. Creating an assembly out of lenses that you probably already have is not that difficult and can save you quite a bit of money. Attaching a normal lens backwards onto your camera will allow the subject to be projected onto the film or image sensor. Most manufacturers make reversing rings for their SLRs. This adapter attaches to the filter threads of a lens and allows the lens to be turned around. Even with a standard lens, the ratio is around 4:1. This means that the image projected onto the film or image sensor is 4 times larger than the actual subject.

Keep in mind that the image is now projected instead of being focused. This does not mean that the image will not be in focus, I am referring to the optics of the lens. This means that there will be a bit less light hitting the image sensor or film. You may need to leave the shutter open a bit longer.

If a bellow or extension tubes are used between the camera and reversed lens, it will make for a highly versatile macro lens system.

Note

Since the depth of field in a macro lens is so narrow, a tripod or some other camera stabilizing device must be used. The slightest movement will change what appears in focus.

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