Photography Stack Exchange
Photography Stack Exchange

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.

Macro photography is a specialized area typically dealing with very small subjects. Macro photography is often defined as photography when the image focussed onto the sensor plane is life-size or larger. Macro lenses are lenses which are designed with macro photography in mind by allowing for closer focussing distances. There are also lower cost alternatives such as close up filters, extension tubes and reverse lens mounts.

FAQ

Macro lenses

Other alternatives

Techniques

522 questions
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Can I control the aperture of my lens off the camera body?

I'd like to try my micro 4/3, 25mm f1.4 Leica lens in the reverse direction for macro photographs. When it's off the body the aperture appears to be wide open. Ideally I'd like to stop it down to say f5.6 for optical performance and depth of field…
Stuart444
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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 should I prefer one to another?
Imre
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Do macro lens alternatives have lower IQ than an actual lens?

I am considering moving to Canon for the canon mpe 65mm lens. This is the only macro lens that allows 5x magnification without extension tubes, bellows etc. However this is a big decision and i would like to know if it is worth it. Would Raynox…
HelloWorld
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Upgrade from a 5D to shoot video

I want to be able to shoot video footage in the best quality I can of vibrating grains on membranes (cymatics). I'm wondering if I should I swap my Canon 5D for a 5DmkII, buy the cheaper 7D, buy a different dSLR with video capabilities, or buy a…
user3870
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I'm trying to record a water droplet on a glass slide from the side and underneath angles simultaneously. How can this be achieved?

I'm trying to record water droplet impacts with a high speed camera. I would like to record the impact from the side and below (through the glass slide that the droplet hits). Due to lab constraints, only one camera is available. In my current setup…
Sam
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How to improve these macro shots

I recently bought a shiny new dSLR, mainly because my old camera was annoying me so much! Needless to say, the new camera is a massive stride forward in image quality. In particular, my old camera utterly point-blank refuses to photograph small…
MathematicalOrchid
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Does sharpness decrease with higher F-stop numbers?

Im quoting a paragraph that I read from where my questions arises:................... "Macro photography often has an extremely shallow depth of field, so sacrificing some resolution is usually acceptable. With digital SLR cameras, aperture…
angel rojas
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I'm trying to take a close up of a camcorder LCD

I'm trying to a picture of an image I have paused on a Sony camcorder. The LCD is 6.2cm and has a pixel of 560x220. I'm using a Canon PowerShot SX40HS. I have the Canon on a tripod, micro setting, and have tried ISO 200,400,800,different light…
Robert
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Is DOF in macro dependent on lens setup?

I know that the closer the distance to your subject is, the smaller the DOF is. This is true for macro lenses, diopters, extension tubes, reverse lenses etc. But suppose I have a magnification of 1:1, either with a macro lens, diopters, extension…
Henry
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Does the order of stacked magnification pieces matter?

I recently took a photo of a Monarch caterpillar eating the egg shell... https://www.flickr.com/photos/wildlife_photography/37596735224/in/dateposted-public/ This is the first time I have ever tried anything of this magnification, and have no idea…
user69825
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What are the benefits of using a dedicated macro lens over a zoom with macro abilities

I'm interested to know what benefits there are from using a dedicated macro lens as opposed to a zoom lens with macro ability. Will a zoom lens be capable of close focus when zoomed in fully? Will a zoom lens be capable of similar magnification…
Matthew Dresser
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Reverse macro with 2 lenses

I'm wanting to shoot macro using 2 lenses as described various places. My lenses are a 50mm, 30mm and a 75-300mm. Lens sizes are 49mm, 62mm and 55mm. I did think Id just use the 50 and 75-300, but my 30mm is a superior lens. So thought might be…
Simon
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Do short focal length macro lenses have wider field of view at the same magnification?

I am considering moving to a shorter macro lens for it's better optics- Nikkor 40mm micro. I currently own a 70mm Macro lens. At the same magnification(eg 1:3), does the 40mm grant a greater field of view? I'm aware of the impact on minimum focus…
HelloWorld
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Why set lens initially to infinity when doing macro?

Michael C, as well as others, have said when using extension tubes to set your focus ring to infinity (and leave it there), then focus on the subject by moving only the camera (or subject), not the focusing ring. I've some questions: What is the…
Mike R
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macro photography with rings and reverse lens

For macro photos I try to use extension rings or reverse lens with my Panasonic gx9 camera. I have a 12-60 lens. When I try with either method to take a photo I succeed to get focus only when I use the narrowest ring(7mm) and only when the lens…
Shlomo Amir
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