Question on Macro Photography and Lenses

[chilli_vision]

Hi Forum,

I have curious about macro lenses and am wondering how focal length affects the macro function of the lens.

I understand the magnification, DoF, AoV and Perspective changes with a change in focal length, but with macro lenses what affect how close you can get to a subject?

I have seen some wonderful imaged of flys eyes etc, and wonder how lenses can get in so close with detail, quality etc.

Matt

 

[Lunaticsamurai]

From what i understand it really depends on the lens.
Take the Canon MP-E 65mm, your looking at a focal distance of 4inch for 1:1 magnification and around 1 inch for 5:1...

But you'll pay alot of money for it. Also the quailty of the lens allows you to crop to get in even closer, so you can pick up detail of insect eyes.

 

[wippers]

To get the flies eyes etc you'll need something like the Canon MPe-65 (if you have the cash!) or you may get away with something like the 105mm Sigma with extension tubes, although the quality is unlikely to be as good as the Canon.
You have to get extremely close and the DOF gets ridiciously small (fractions of a mm in some cases!).
This is the sort of thing you're looking for I assume?

You have to focus manually by rocking forwards and backwards. It's quite difficult to get right so lots of practice.

Gareth

 

[ziggy©]

To get the flies eyes etc you'll need something like the Canon MPe-65 (if you have the cash!) or you may get away with something like the 105mm Sigma with extension tubes, although the quality is unlikely to be as good as the Canon.
You have to get extremely close and the DOF gets ridiciously small (fractions of a mm in some cases!).
This is the sort of thing you're looking for I assume?

You have to focus manually by rocking forwards and backwards. It's quite difficult to get right so lots of practice.

Gareth

You dont always need the mpe-65. I have seen similar shots taken with a point and shoot. The canon S3 comes to mind - but you have to know what you are doing to achieve the same effect.