focusing distance is much much shorter in teh micro lens
k so you mean the 50mm lens can't focus objects that are closer than, let's say, 2 feet away from the lens. In contrast, a 50mm micro lens can focus objects that are only 6 inches away from it?
While there is the "true macro" definition of 1:1, where the image size at the image plane matches the subject size, there is also a "marketing macro", commonly used in zoom lens descriptions as just "macro", which infers an image that is "printed" to lifesize at a 4" x 6" print size (roughly A6). In this case the image is obviously enlarged when printed and about 1:4, or 1/4 lifesize (or less).
It would also appear that around 6:1 or so the terminology switches to "micro", except for Nikon who regularly use the term "Micro" to describe their "macro" series lenses.
In the other direction, starting at about 1:2 it appears more correct to use the term "close focus" (unless you are a lens manufacturer using the "marketing" form of the word "macro".)
Yes, it's very irritating. When I see the word "macro" in a lens description, I always look for "1:1" near it (or even higher values, like the 5:1 Canon MP-E 65 super-macro -- point is, the number on the left should be equal to or greater than the number on the right). Otherwise I don't consider it a macro lens.
k so you mean the 50mm lens can't focus objects that are closer than, let's say, 2 feet away from the lens. In contrast, a 50mm micro lens can focus objects that are only 6 inches away from it?
This is why one should always visit the lens manufacturers site for the official specs on the lens......all that I have checked always state .... 1:1....1:2......1:4 and so on.....
Generically Macro/Micro means closer than normal focusing.......on my 70-210 I have a focus distance of ~6 feet.....the newer 70-200 macro focus at around 39 inches for a 1:3.5 image.......I like my lens to keep a decent working distance from 18-40 inches for macro work as some things I do not want to be nose to nose with....this includes some plants that I am extremely allergic to but they have beautiful leaves and flowers......
Comments
focusing distance is much much shorter in teh micro lens
14-24 24-70 70-200mm (vr2)
85 and 50 1.4
45 PC and sb910 x2
http://www.danielkimphotography.com
k so you mean the 50mm lens can't focus objects that are closer than, let's say, 2 feet away from the lens. In contrast, a 50mm micro lens can focus objects that are only 6 inches away from it?
It would also appear that around 6:1 or so the terminology switches to "micro", except for Nikon who regularly use the term "Micro" to describe their "macro" series lenses.
In the other direction, starting at about 1:2 it appears more correct to use the term "close focus" (unless you are a lens manufacturer using the "marketing" form of the word "macro".)
Confused? I am.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Yes, it's very irritating. When I see the word "macro" in a lens description, I always look for "1:1" near it (or even higher values, like the 5:1 Canon MP-E 65 super-macro -- point is, the number on the left should be equal to or greater than the number on the right). Otherwise I don't consider it a macro lens.
Got bored with digital and went back to film.
correct
14-24 24-70 70-200mm (vr2)
85 and 50 1.4
45 PC and sb910 x2
http://www.danielkimphotography.com
Generically Macro/Micro means closer than normal focusing.......on my 70-210 I have a focus distance of ~6 feet.....the newer 70-200 macro focus at around 39 inches for a 1:3.5 image.......I like my lens to keep a decent working distance from 18-40 inches for macro work as some things I do not want to be nose to nose with....this includes some plants that I am extremely allergic to but they have beautiful leaves and flowers......
A Hazmat suit may be something you should think about adding to your equipmemt for those "extremely allergic" conditions you get into....:D
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