Questions tagged [macro]

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.

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What are the pros and cons of using macro rail vs lens focus?

I am interested in doing focus stacking for macro shots and from what I understand there are two techniques for doing this. One is to use a macro rail that adjusts the length to the subject (e.g ...
numan's user avatar
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Can my Nikkor 35mm f1.8 be used as a macro lens, with reversing ring?

Can the Nikkor 35mm 1.8G be used as a macro lens, if I use it with a reversing ring ?
ChamingaD's user avatar
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wide angle and macro lens converter or adapter

I'm new to the world of photography and also have a pretty tight budget, so I'm interested if anyone has tried using a wide angle + macro lens converter/adaptor such as this (Forum discussion about ...
Nazrul Muhaimin's user avatar
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2 answers
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Wider angle lens for indoor photography?

I'm an amateur photographer and only just picked up my first DSLR (went for a 50D with a basic 18-55mm Canon IS lens) and was considering purchasing a wider angle lens such as the Sigma 28mm f/1.8-22 ...
Nick Bedford's user avatar
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Will manual focus be available when reverse mounting a lens?

If I reverse mount a Canon 50mm F1.4 prime lens on Canon Rebel T3i/600d can I still use manual focus for macro?
Bill Connor's user avatar
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4 answers
923 views

How to take unreal looking flower shots?

I'm trying to take a shot like this: Here is my attempt. I have used a 100mm macro lens, with a ring flash. I've tried different lighting settings and manual control but they are not close to what I ...
erotsppa's user avatar
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How do I manually focus my macro in poor lighting conditions?

I'm using my Canon 100mm f/2.8L macro handheld all the time together with a flash rig and it works wonders. Most of the time I have an Eg-S focusing screen installed as well which makes it even easier ...
David Holm's user avatar
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4k views

How can I estimate the reproduction ratio of an unknown macro setup?

If I have a macro setup consisting of more than a normal 1:1 lens (tubes, reversal, or anything else), how can I measure the reproduction ratio (2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 3:1, etc.)? What process can I follow ...
rfusca's user avatar
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Which Nikon-mount Sigma macro zoom lens for a beginner?

I am a photography beginner. I have a Nikon D90 with the kit lens. I am planning to buy an additional lens. I started with a Canon S3IS, and shot some macro photos, which I think are good. I want ...
Nivas's user avatar
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How can I calculate the effect of a supplementary close-up lens (a.k.a macro filter)?

If I have a +1, +2, +4, or +10 close-up lens which attaches to the front of my regular lens, how can I calculate its effect on close focusing distance, figure out how much magnification I can get from ...
mattdm's user avatar
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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 ...
rob's user avatar
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2 answers
467 views

Extend working distance on macro lenses?

Is it possible to extend the working distance on macro lenses? I will be renting a 100mm 2.8L and Canon 1.4x III (for a different lens), but it sounds like I cannot use the extender on the 100mm. Is ...
AndyML's user avatar
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What kind of flash should I use for general macro photography?

I want to get started into general macro photography. I have been really stuck on which kind of flash to get because they all seem to come with their own share of pros and cons, and everyone ...
kira's user avatar
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Are there any alternatives to the look of the Laowa probe lens?

What I really like about macro photography is that it can be really affordable. Great images can be made with rather low budget gear. Most of the time I use a cheap 90mm macro lens for my images but I ...
Arji's user avatar
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How does blur radius change with distance from the point of focus at macro distances?

In a macro situation, is there a known function that maps the blur radius as a function of the physical distance from the plane of focus? I'd expect this function to give near zero (in pixels) at ...
Nathaniel Bubis's user avatar
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3 answers
545 views

How to estimate the minimum magnification to capture features of a certain size?

What is the correct way to estimate the minimum magnification (maximum subject distance) at which features of a certain size are resolved? My thinking is that given a system capable of resolving a ...
Richard Smith's user avatar
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How to photograph glitter and holographic glitter?

I need to take pictures of glittery items, and some of the items also have glitter that gives a rainbow holographic effect. When I take pictures using my DSLR the glitter always looks really flat and ...
Fiona - myaccessible.website's user avatar
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5 answers
292 views

Tricks to maintain constant range in macro photography panoramas

One of my biggest challenges is maintaining a constant range to the subject when taking a macro panorama. This comes up, for example, when photographing tree stumps for dendrochronology. There is a ...
Clickety Ricket's user avatar
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1 answer
1k views

When should I prefer 2-way or 4-way macro focusing rails?

I've been struggling with positioning camera in macro photography and have been thinking of getting a macro focusing rail. It seems there are at least two kinds, 2-way and 4-way adjustable. When ...
Imre's user avatar
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Technique for extreme depth of field in macro photography

Over thirty years ago I remember reading an article in a photography magazine which demonstrated a technique for getting extreme depth of field in a macro shot. The results which made such an ...
Chris Lukic's user avatar
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4 answers
3k views

Can screw-on macro lenses produce decent results?

I was browsing Amazon looking at a few items and came across this: 4-piece Close-Up Macro Lens Kit - Included are +1, +2, +4 and +10 Close- Up Lenses. High-Quality lenses are diopters for close ...
L84's user avatar
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Am I making a good camera/lens purchasing decision?

I'm about to purchase: Canon T2i with included EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Canon Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens This is for photography 2D artwork of different media and I've made this ...
kelly's user avatar
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3 answers
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What is the relationship between "macro" and "telephoto" lenses? [duplicate]

Can anyone explain the difference between "macro" and "telephoto"? I know that a macro lens will give you a magnification of 1:1 but how does it differ from a telephoto lens?
Mandar Patil's user avatar
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3 answers
3k 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 ...
Andrei Rînea's user avatar
4 votes
5 answers
311 views

Question about focusing in the lens? [duplicate]

I usually find, after blowing up my pic on the computer, that at one point (where I wished to focus) the image is very sharp, then as I inspect the picture I see that some more parts of the image, ...
sat's user avatar
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What aperture settings should I use for taking macro photos of artwork?

So I'm using the macro to photograph artwork with a T2i. I'm still just testing right now without studio lighting, but when I tried to zoom in (digitally) and focus with the camera display it seems to ...
kelly's user avatar
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4 votes
2 answers
18k 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?
Shahid Karimi's user avatar
4 votes
4 answers
654 views

Does a macro lens have a smaller DOF in 'real-world' distances at the same focal length and aperture as other primes, why?

This question IS about: Does a macro lens have a shallower DOF at the same settings and focal length as another prime? If so, what in the optics is responsible for this? Using a Macro lens as a ...
HelloWorld's user avatar
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428 views

What are those little hooks on extension tubes for?

Almost every extension tube with electronics has them. What are they for?
jean's user avatar
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2 answers
596 views

Will a Nikon D810 give me more fine detail than a D610 for macro enlarged shots?

I do a lot of photography that focuses on tiny details usually with marine animals such as coral. I am in need of a camera that produces a photo, that even when enlarged from a macro point, it retains ...
MixedFruitBasket's user avatar
4 votes
5 answers
1k views

Layman's guide to making distant things clearer - add on lenses/monoculars for mobile phones

I'm completely at sea with magnification, crop, zoom and telephoto, despite reading various info. I think it's because I'm not terribly scientific! All I would like to know is, if I am shooting ...
Sarah's user avatar
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4 votes
3 answers
348 views

What equipment should I use for up close shots?

I need some help and if anyone can guide me without making it too complicated I will be very appreciative. Background I have a Nikon D3100 and I am very much interested in close up shots and ...
hulya's user avatar
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4 votes
3 answers
194 views

Can I photograph flowers with macro lenses shorter than 70mm?

I have read (from photography e-articles) that macro lenses shorter than 70 mm give the photographer not so much working distance from its subject, because they block light sources. I am planning to ...
Jana s's user avatar
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4 votes
2 answers
1k 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 ...
Kintarō's user avatar
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3 answers
4k views

Is it feasible to use a Canon lens on Nikon body for extra macro ability?

I realize there's no way to mount a Canon lens on a Nikon body and get the full focus range, but is it possible to use an adapter to get a sort of extra macro, and get decent results? I'd imagine it ...
DHall's user avatar
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4 votes
5 answers
2k views

What is a good Nikon macro lens for medical use?

I'm an eye surgeon and take photos for patients with squint (crossed eyes) showing the eyes only. I also need to take photos of lid lesions which may be only 3-10mm I already have the 18-105mm lens. ...
Kais's user avatar
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4 votes
2 answers
3k views

Is AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G lens good for both macro and portrait photography?

I'm thinking of buying a macro lens am considering the Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR. Is this lens really good for portraits? Where can I find sample pictures taken with this lens? Is ...
Lena Dawood's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
373 views

Advices for a good studio lighting photography book?

I'm new to studio photography. I have at home a little studio to shoot macros and portraits. I'm equipped with strobes and a macro ring flash. I'm now looking for a beginner/intermediate studio ...
Goldorak84's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
745 views

Will a low-cost macro ring flash be useful for portraits?

A friend of mine wants a flash for her camera (Cannon 650D), and we want to buy her one for her birthday. She also said she wanted a ring flash (I think she was referring to the Orbis ring flash). ...
saarraz1's user avatar
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4 votes
3 answers
826 views

Why do my 100mm EF macro lens and my EF-S zoom set at 100mm appear to give a different field of view?

I have a Canon EF 100mm Macro and a Canon EF-S 18-200mm Lens, and using a Canon EOS 60D. I ...
gsharp's user avatar
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4 votes
4 answers
1k views

How to crop macro plant/flower photographs such that they look somewhat abstract, not "cropped"?

This is the original uncropped: After I cropped it: I was told that the cropped picture "looks cropped". I basically don't want any more "normal" viewpoints for plants and flowers. I cropped it ...
Aquarius_Girl's user avatar
4 votes
4 answers
2k views

Pentax-K 50mm lens, thread of 49mm or 50mm?

I really want to do some monkey macro photography. I am a student with almost no time and money, and want to take some hobby pictures in my spare time. I have the Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi/Kiss X2). ...
MOTIVECODEX's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
3k views

Is the Tamron 18-200 lens for Canon good for macro photography?

I have camera Canon 550d and a standard 18-55 lens. My question is: is the Tamron 18-200 lens for Canon good for macro photography?
Lera shumeiko's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
435 views

What are options for macro lighting?

What options are there for additional lighting with macro subjects? The subjects are often so close to the lens that leaving the flash in the hot shoe or just ambient light often gets blocked. ...
rfusca's user avatar
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1 answer
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What specifications does a macro lens need for a Thermal Seek CompactPro?

I'm getting into repairing electronics and would like to be able to look closer at failing components. The Zink Selenide lenses, that are being sold, are insanely overpriced. I can't find the focal ...
WhatAMesh's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
8k views

Difference between LG-1 and FD-1 ring light accessories for Olympus TG-4

I'm considering the Olympus TG-4 camera, because it could have a good combination of macro and ruggedness. One of its macro features is that it has got native accessories for ring illumination. ...
Nick Alexeev's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

50mm and 100mm macro lenses difference at the minimum focus distance?

So I bought a Kiron 105mm f2.8 1:1 lens recently to be used with my Sony a6000. I know that the difference between a 50mm macro and a 100mm macro is how close you can get to your subject, that is with ...
samsamara's user avatar
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4 votes
2 answers
289 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 ...
Chinmay Kanchi's user avatar
4 votes
5 answers
15k views

Need a list of good Macro/Super Macro digital cameras [closed]

I'm looking for a good Macro/Super macro digital camera for taking pictures of small objects like stamps,coins, and jewelry. I will be using it for selling items on Ebay. I'm looking for a camera that ...
LegendaryGamer's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
4k 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 ...
Fenton's user avatar
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