Macro photography is a specialized area typically dealing with very small subjects. There are also "Macro Lenses" which are designed with macro photography in mind, and lower cost alternatives such as close up filters and extension tubes.
19
votes
2answers
518 views
How to shoot extreme macro shot of an image formed on a water droplet?
I recently came up with this macro shot and I was curious how to take photos like this where everything is blurred out and extreme macro is in focus. I am assuming there is a lot of post processing ...
13
votes
2answers
4k views
What's the difference between a regular lens and a macro lens? [duplicate]
What is the difference between a 100mm lens and 100mm macro, or 50mm and 50mm macro?
Can we use a macro lens to shot portraits? If yes, what focal length is the best? Please suggest a Canon macro ...
10
votes
5answers
398 views
What are the different focal lengths of macro lenses and their advantages?
I am interested in macro-photography. I see there are macro telephoto (zoom?) lenses (e.g. 200mm), or smaller macro lenses (e.g. 40mm) ...
What are the different types of macro lenses and their ...
2
votes
1answer
91 views
multiple pictures give different shades for same scene and lighting
I am photographing an object 4 cm away from the camera using 5MP phone camera. It is being used in macro mode with fixed ISO 100 setting. Automatic White balance is being used along with ...
3
votes
4answers
281 views
How is it possible to have shallow depth of field with a small aperture? (The tele-macro paradox.)
Some longer tele lenses have a macro mode that allows for really shallow depth of field that have a lot of background melting when using relatively narrow apertures; like f/4.5-6. I have tried and ...
1
vote
2answers
84 views
Anyone suggests Zeiss 100mm f2 macro planar?
I seriously consider Zeiss 100mm f2 ZF.2 macro planar for my Nikon D800. I want to use it for portraits, macros and tight landscapes. Macro ability is a plus but it's not weather sealed so there may ...
2
votes
2answers
148 views
For blogging about nail art: Should I buy a superzoom bridge camera or a DSLR?
Just what the title says really!
I want to be able to take good product photos, close up pictures of nail art and also make nail art videos that look great. In case you hadn't guessed, I'm a blogger, ...
3
votes
2answers
4k views
How To Take Better Macro Shots with Nikon 1?
I recently bought myself a Nikon 1 during a roadshow. When the sales rep demoed the functionality of the camera to me which includes taking macro shots, the pictures were crisp and bright. Convinced ...
4
votes
2answers
89 views
Are older macro lenses soft at long focus distances?
I have an old (20+ years old) Nikon mount Sigma 50mm f/2.8 macro lens with a 2X Tamron teleconverter that I use on my Canon body. When taking macro (1:1) or general close-up shots, the lens is very ...
8
votes
1answer
165 views
What time of day provides the best Natural lighting for Macro Photography?
When using natural lighting in macro photography, what times of day provide the light? Specifically for photographing flowers (but they are not my only subject).
Also how is natural lighting used ...
13
votes
3answers
621 views
How do cheap macro ring flashes perform?
When I last checked years ago, the price of a typical Ring flash unit was approximately $500. Nowadays there are still ring flashes for approx. $500 like Pentax AF160FC, Pentax AF-140C, Canon MR-14EX, ...
5
votes
8answers
641 views
What macro techniques offer an alternative to expensive optics?
I was wondering what are the alternative macro techniques people use instead of buying expensive macro optics. I know about single lens reverse macro technique; what other alternative techniques allow ...
0
votes
1answer
261 views
How do I take outdoor macro photography with the Canon twin lens kit? [closed]
Newbie here - I am seeking some tips for outdoor photography using my Canon 60D (twin lens kit). The lenses I have are EFS 18-55mm IS macro 0.25m/0.8ft and EFS 55-250mm IS macro 1.1m/3.6ft.
I would ...
2
votes
2answers
112 views
Can I use macro extension tubes with a non-manual lens?
I am new to macro extension tubes and I want to buy one but I don't have a manual lens (one where I could change the aperture manually) so I don't know if an extension tube would work with my lenses ...
13
votes
9answers
17k views
Which prime lens for Pentax?
My girlfriend is buying a Pentax K-5 (I already have a Pentax DSLR so we thought it made sense for us to be able to share lenses), and she's not sure about which lens to get with it, so I've been ...
6
votes
7answers
2k views
Which lenses are best for macro and for birdwatching (both Canon and Nikon)?
Now I have old Sony A100 DSLR + Minolta AF 24-50/4, Minolta AF 50/1.6, Tokina ATX 80-400/4.5-5.6, ...
My camera is old.
In near future I am going to buy new DSLR.
I think it will be Canon or Nikon. I ...
1
vote
1answer
142 views
Can we shoot normal pictures using a macro lens?
I am confused about macro lenses (or micro as Nikon calls them). Can we shoot normal (Nature) scenes using the macro lens?
2
votes
1answer
138 views
What's the magnification of a full frame macro lens on a MFT camera?
I think I've got this right but I would like to be positive before I buy a lens.
If I were to use a Nikkor 55mm full frame macro lens with a 1:2 magnification and a 9inch min focus on a micro four ...
1
vote
6answers
678 views
Which tripod should I get for macro photography?
I'm currently looking for a good tripod for (mostly) macro photography and other kind of photography as well. I own a Canon EOS DSLR. Which tripod should I consider?
There are many on sale, but I'm ...
1
vote
2answers
345 views
Nikon D3200 18-105mm VR Lense and macro photography
I have decided to buy Nikon D3200 18-105mm VR Lens camera, finally!
My question is would I be able to shoot insects and photos with great resolution?
Distance is not a problem, I can go close to the ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
What macro extensions tubes are compatible with Nikon AF-S?
I am looking for a set of macro extension tubes for a Nikon D40 that will work with the AF-S system (i.e. will send all the relevant stuff between lens and body for full auto operation).
I have found ...
12
votes
6answers
1k views
Is a macro lens suitable for distant subjects - wildlife, sports, portraiture?
Some macro lenses have a really nice focal length that would make them a nice prime-telephoto lens, but are there any downsides of using a macro lens when shooting distant subjects (besides the lack ...
10
votes
4answers
242 views
Does it make sense to get a non-macro and a macro of similar focal lengths?
I recently asked a question on which prime lens to get after the kit lenses, and in my shortlist of lenses there was quite a lot of overlap of focal lengths along with macro & non-macro versions ...
0
votes
0answers
22 views
What is the difference between Canon macro extenders for a 50mm prime? [duplicate]
I see Canon offers a 12 and 25mm macro extension, is there a way to calculate the difference in what these will offer for a 50mm prime? How much closer will they allow focusing? Will one hurt long ...
14
votes
11answers
3k views
Which macro lens would you recommend for a full frame Nikon camera?
I use a full frame Nikon camera and would love to play with macro photography. Is the Nikon 105 macro strong enough or would you rather recommend some bigger third party lens?
1
vote
1answer
134 views
How to attach Zeikos extension tube to D5100?
How to attach the Zeikos macro extension tube to Nikon D 5100 and to the kit lens 18-55mm?
Neither side of the tube seems to fit the body of the camera nor the lens. Perhaps I bought the wrong item ...
0
votes
2answers
191 views
What to buy for macro and portraits? (D5100) [duplicate]
I have a Nikon D5100 with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens.
I am an amateur interested in:
1. macro - insects, flowers, objects.
2. portraits- love blurry backgrounds, focused and unfocused body ...
1
vote
1answer
169 views
Force picture in continuous autofocus mode - Canon Rebel T3
I have a Canon Rebel T3, and I'm very new to photography. I recently got a new close up filter that goes on top of my 18-55 lens (this question also applies with any lens I have). I hold the shutter ...
1
vote
0answers
137 views
Does anyone make a flash diffuser for the Canon Macro Twin?
I'm currently looking for a flash diffuser for the Canon Macro Twin MT-24EX. I see that many people make their own. However, I'm not very good about building stuff. Is there anything available in the ...
6
votes
5answers
278 views
Does crop factor increase the minimum focus distance?
I currently have a Canon 100mm 2.8L mounted on a cropped sensor camera, which makes it 160mm equivalent. I have two questions.
Since the equivalent focal length is 160mm, does that mean that the ...
2
votes
1answer
89 views
Are Raynox magnifiers compatible with Canon macro lenses?
Are Raynox magnifiers (125, 250, 5320) compatible with Canon 100mm f/2.8L? In particular, are they going to be compatible with the Canon Macro Twin Flash?
6
votes
2answers
168 views
What are the constructional differences between a macro and a regular lens?
I understand that to reduce minimum focusing distances, macro lens design must focus on maintaining certain distances between the lens and the sensor.
However, is the placement of the lens and its ...
4
votes
2answers
176 views
Is it necessary to have a macro ring flash to take macro photos?
I just got a macro lens but it turns out the subject is not bright enough. I am wondering if I need to buy a macro flash for macro photography?
The flash seems expensive and I am wondering if it is ...
3
votes
3answers
943 views
How do I best take pictures of paintings?
I am thinking of purchasing a AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm F2.8 for my Nikon D5000 in order to shoot food and paintings.
Regarding paintings I am unsure how this should be done :
Lighting : pro'lly no ...
4
votes
2answers
130 views
Why do the Nikkor non-AI 135mm vs 50mm f/1.8 work differently when I look directly through the lens?
I recently purchased an old Nikkor 135 f/2.8 non-AI lens. Beautiful lens, but the closest focal distance is about five feet.
I noticed that it will 'focus' at about 4 inches as well. If I hold the ...
4
votes
1answer
105 views
Is Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5X macro lens good for photos other than close-up macro shots?
Does this lens do a good job for photos other than close-up macro shots? For example, does it make sense to use this lens for outdoor family portrait photography? What are some other common uses for ...
3
votes
2answers
379 views
How does Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM compare to Canon 180mm f/3.5L and Canon 100mm f/2.8?
I am interested in both lenses. I think they are great lenses but cannot decide between the two. The 100mm can go down to f2.8. However, the 180mm has got more focal lenth. On the other hand, I could ...
1
vote
3answers
183 views
How do I choose an extension tube for macro photography?
I'm looking for an extension tube for my DSLR. Any suggestions? I see a lot on the internet, but I cannot figure out which is the best.
6
votes
3answers
254 views
I want to make a macro photo of an ant. What equipment should I have?
I have the camera Nikon D90 and I don't want to buy Nikkor 105 mm Micro lens at this moment(even it may be the best solution: I hope it's not the only solution!).
I have tripod and remote shutter ...
2
votes
1answer
178 views
Optimal flash settings for macro photography (Nikon SB-900 + softbox)
I'm using a Nikon SB-900 along with a softbox when photographing macro (1:1).
What I would like to know is what flash mode that would fit this setup best. Should i simply set it to "M" and adjust it ...
3
votes
1answer
174 views
What determines the reproduction ratio when lens stacking for macro shots?
When stacking one lens on another for macro shots (often a normal or wide angle on a telephoto ), what determines the maximum reproduction ratio that the combination can do?
3
votes
3answers
106 views
What impact do long macro lenses have on DOF?
When using any 1:1 macro lens, my understanding is that the framing or field of view remains the same at 1:1 magnification and all that changes with the focal length is the distance at which the you ...
1
vote
2answers
156 views
Will an add-on mini macro lens for my mobile phone help get a blurry-background effect?
I am new to photography. I am really interested in taking close up photos (macro photography) of objects with a blurry background. But my mobile phone (a Sony Xperia Ion ) does not have the facility ...
1
vote
1answer
197 views
What magnification would I get with extension tubes?
I have a Nikon 60mm f/2.8 Micro lens (DX sensor) and I haven't been able to exactly determine what magnification I can get with Kenko 12mm, 20mm, 36mm extension tubes. Suppose I would use all of them ...
1
vote
3answers
453 views
Is there a better macro lens for the Canon EOS system than the MP-E 65mm?
I'm looking to buy my first macro lens to use with a full frame body. I started with Canon 100mm f/2.8L, over Zeis 100mm f/2 into Canon MP-E 65mm, which at this moment I like the best of the lot (I ...
6
votes
5answers
565 views
Is Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 stabilized, can it be used for handheld shots?
Has a Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 got an Image Stabiliser?
Following an answer to a previous question re my wifes Canon EOS 450D in which Jrista suggested the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 lens rather than the ...
6
votes
1answer
388 views
Does Nikon or anybody else have an equivalent on the Canon MP-E 65?
The Canon MP-E 65 can do macro shots up to 5:1. I've not been able to find anything like this for my Nikon system and you can't mount a Canon on a Nikon at all. Do Nikon or any third party make a ...
7
votes
1answer
357 views
Why is the Canon MP-E 65mm F/2.8 Macro Lens not called a zoom?
The Canon MP-E 65mm works differently than my other macro lenses. Compare:
With a standard 35mm macro, I can frame first and then adjust focus which only changes framing very slightly with.
With the ...
1
vote
3answers
280 views
Which camera/lens combination achieves the highest possible image quality for macro?
Doing lots and lots of research I have a hard time time finding the ultimate answer to this question. I would like to shoot macro and products and aim for maximum sharpness and reproduction. Maximum ...
3
votes
2answers
159 views
Nikon Lenses: what is the difference between Micro/Macro vs non-Micro/Macro of the same focal length? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is a macro lens?
What is the difference between a Nikon “Micro” lens and a “Macro” lens?
I know what macro photography is, but what makes a macro (or in Nikon's ...
