Macro Lens

[Bubby]

I'm just wondering what constitutes a macro lens.

Just take for example this one on ebay.

It is 105mm (is that fixed?) & there is a minimum aperture of F32. Real noob question here, but for example my kit lens will do 105mm & F32, right? So what's the difference? I thought macro was for ECU's?

 

[Dogfish_magnet]

A true macro lens will give you 1:1 magnification and they are usually primes (fixed focal length), the one you linked to is a true macro lens.

if you take a photo of a ruler at 1:1 the resulting image will be the same size as the sensor in your camera

Nikon crop sensor

and at 1:2 half life size something like a Sigma 70-300mm lens, you would get twice the size of the sensor

Your kit lens will have a lot smaller magnification.

 

[hungrymark]

What separates a macro lens from other primes is the distance at which it's capable of focusing. A macro will be able to focus a lot closer, meaning that it will be able to produce a larger image of your subject on the sensor. You can still use the macro as a 'normal' prime as well. Double trouble.

 

[Bubby]

Ah, That explains it better

Very helpful guys, thank you very much.