Difference between

[TinaC]

OK, if you know the answer and think this question stupid I don't care.

Would someone please explain the difference between a macro lens and another of apparently the same size but without that description?

For example there are many 50mm lens and a few are described as 50mm Macro

 

[Cris_L]

I believe that a true macro lens gives a 1:1 image size....i think!

 

[joescrivens]

also the macro lens will have a closer minimum focus distance.

 

[TCR4x4]

A true macro lens can focus very close (i.e, the lens can be very close to the subject and still focus) and also provides a magnification of 1.1.
A standard 50mm lens wont focus as close and will provide a much less magnification ratio.

 

[jamiek]

A macro lens can focus a lot closer to the subject than a normal lens can.

So although both are 50mm lenses with the macro you can stand 5cm away from the subject and focus and with the non macro you will have to be 2meters away from the subject to be able to obtain focus.

 

[joescrivens]

Also a macro lens has a magnification of 1:1

 

[Donki]

All of the above, the different focal lenths of true macros 50m, 60mm, 90mm 100mm etc mean that the longer the focal length the further away you can be from the subject to obtain a 1:1 magnification.

 

[TinaC]

Forgot to answer this mea culpa

Thanks for your info, it makes perfect sense now! If I had a brain I'd be dangerous :bang:

 

[slt_roopan]

Macro allow objects to be photographed at life size (1:1) or larger but in practical terms a "macro" lens is one that focuses from infinity to half life size (1:2) or so.

Secondly, the difference between a macro lens and a normal short telephoto lens is that the macro is optimised to very close distances. A short telephoto (50/35/30 mm) may well be available in apertures up to f1.2, at full aperture it will be sharp in the center but not necessarily at the edges, a true macro lens will be designed for a flat field and will be available with a smaller max. aperture (typically f2.5 to f2.8).

Both of these are different from a true portrait lens, which will be designed to give deliberate softness at full aperture and sharpen up 3 or 4 stops down.