Is this classed as a Macro Lens?

O

onikami

Suspended / Banned
Messages
1,916
Name
Sir Oni
Edit My Images
Yes
Sony Minolta 50mm Af f1.7 Prime Lens

Is this what we would call a Macro lens?

If not, then what is the main purpose of such a lens?
 
Not a macro lens

It's purpose is to be good optics that lets plenty of light in while being small and fairly cheap.
 
A macro lens is designed to focus extra closely. Technically a macro lens should be able to fill the frame with an object the same physical size as the camera's sensor (or film), 1:1 reproduction. However, some lenses call themselves macro while only reproducing 1:2.

That prime lens can be 'converted' to a macro lens by use of extension tubes.

HTH :)
 
Damn. Was hoping it was a macro lens.

Considering I have 18-70, 55-200 and 70-300 lens already, cant really justify spending £100 on this lens.

Cheers
 
Joe T said:
A macro lens is designed to focus extra closely. Technically a macro lens should be able to fill the frame with an object the same physical size as the camera's sensor (or film), 1:1 reproduction. However, some lenses call themselves macro while only reproducing 1:2.

That prime lens can be 'converted' to a macro lens by use of extension tubes.

HTH :)
Click to expand...

Interesting. might look into extension tubes.
 
Joe T said:
Its a good lens as its very wide aperture lets in lots of light. Its therefore very good in low light conditions. It's probably sharper than any lens you currently have too.
Click to expand...

Would you say £100 is a fair price for it?
 
Out of interest, my current fav lens is the 55-200 Sony lens. If I buy an extension tube for it, would it make a good macro lens? I have a sony a300, so what size extension tube would I need? Are they expensive?
 
onikami said:
Out of interest, my current fav lens is the 55-200 Sony lens. If I buy an extension tube for it, would it make a good macro lens? I have a sony a300, so what size extension tube would I need? Are they expensive?
Click to expand...

Extension tubes dont tend to work well on zoom lenses I'm afraid.

Extension tubes in Sony fit
 
well the 18-77 is a zoom too,

extension tubes tend to be used on fixed focal length lenses like the 50mm above.

I'd get it for the f1.7 but I am very fond of fixed focal lengths and wide apertures
 
Ah. didn't realise that!

I've learned awesome amount from this thread!

Cheers chaps!!!! :thumbs:
 
you could also use a reversing ring with it for macro.

You used to be able to pick these up for £50 not too long ago but the price has been driven up by the swelling nos. of Sony Alpha users with £100 now seeming the norm.
No doubt that's why Sony is intoducing a 50mm f1.8 prime.
 
heidfirst said:
you could also use a reversing ring with it for macro.

You used to be able to pick these up for £50 not too long ago but the price has been driven up by the swelling nos. of Sony Alpha users with £100 now seeming the norm.
No doubt that's why Sony is intoducing a 50mm f1.8 prime.
Click to expand...

Yes, noticed the price increase. Looking at the Dyam or dxam sony review website, lot of the reviews mention picking this lens up for £50 or so. Shame I missed the boat there!
 
Joe T said:
A macro lens is designed to focus extra closely. Technically a macro lens should be able to fill the frame with an object the same physical size as the camera's sensor (or film), 1:1 reproduction. However, some lenses call themselves macro while only reproducing 1:2.

That prime lens can be 'converted' to a macro lens by use of extension tubes.

HTH :)
Click to expand...

I don't want to pick a fight, but this has to be said.

A macro lens is designed to take photographs of small objects. There's nothing that says that it has to do 1:1 or higher.

Macro photography (photomacrography!) doesn't need to use a macro lens though, there are other ways. Extension tubes, dioptres, reversing the lens, reversing one lens onto another etc.
 
onikami said:
LOL. Things are never simple are they?!

Hmm. Might have to consider the item on your link. Which I assume will work best with the standard 18-77 lens that came with the Sony a500?
Click to expand...

You have the A500 already - I heard it was just a rumour?
 
Joe T said:
Extension tubes dont tend to work well on zoom lenses I'm afraid.

Extension tubes in Sony fit
Click to expand...

I disagree entirely, a good, sharp zoom lens will work brilliantly with extension tubes, you just need to remember it won't be 1/1 throughout the range. onikami I would suggest you buy a cheap set of manual extension tubes one ebay and stick them in front of your 70-300. Although it probably won't do true 1/1 it will get you plenty close to bugs and whatnot,and you can use the zoom as another (larger) focusing mechanism.
 
Amp34 said:
I disagree entirely, a good, sharp zoom lens will work brilliantly with extension tubes, you just need to remember it won't be 1/1 throughout the range. onikami I would suggest you buy a cheap set of manual extension tubes one ebay and stick them in front of your 70-300. Although it probably won't do true 1/1 it will get you plenty close to bugs and whatnot,and you can use the zoom as another (larger) focusing mechanism.
Click to expand...

Man, I love this forum. Many diverse opinions and you learn so much!

Just went to ebay. Man, the items are practically all in Hong Kong or China! Will see if I can google a cheap set. I think I will defo go for this option and just try it out. If it doesn't work, then what the hell. Trial and error!
 
Well, the extension tubes arrived and i've tried with the zoom lens. It doesn't focus properly and doesn't allow me to take pics.

Looks like it works for Prime fixed lens only as most recommended here.
 
Why not try Manual Focus? It shouldn't be that difficult. Remember that a wide open lens will, in general, have a very shallow depth of field when focussing close in so use a tripod to avoid the inevitable camera motion and subsequent loss of focus. That may actually be your problem with the tubes... just a guess.

B.
 
Edit: double post deleted
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top