Curiosity macro question

arshuter

Senior Member
First I know very little about macro. As I was reading though some of the posts I started thinking about something. If a person uses a bellow or extension tubes do you have to use a macro lens? ( I'm guessing no.) Also any benefit if you do? Thanks.
 

480sparky

Senior Member
There is no 'official' definition of the term macro. It is generally accepted that 'macro' photography starts at a reproduction ratio of 1:1, or 100%. This means the image projected onto the digital sensor or film plane is the same dimension as the actual subject. For example, if you were shooting with a full-frame camera, and your subject measures 24x36mm, it would fill the sensor/film frame. If it didn't the reproduction ratio would be 1:1.5 or 1:2.

If the projected image is larger than the subject, you have RRs of 1.5:1, 2:1 or more depending on the magnification.

Manufacturers tend to play fast and loose with the word macro. Some will call a 1:2 lens a macro. Some sill claim 1:3 is.

Any lens can be used for macrophotography. For the vast majority of them, it would require using additional equipment such as your bellows or extension tubes. Close-up lenses, reversing rings and coupler rings are other pieces of gear that can be utilized.
 

arshuter

Senior Member
There is no 'official' definition of the term macro. It is generally accepted that 'macro' photography starts at a reproduction ratio of 1:1, or 100%. This means the image projected onto the digital sensor or film plane is the same dimension as the actual subject. For example, if you were shooting with a full-frame camera, and your subject measures 24x36mm, it would fill the sensor/film frame. If it didn't the reproduction ratio would be 1:1.5 or 1:2.

If the projected image is larger than the subject, you have RRs of 1.5:1, 2:1 or more depending on the magnification.

Manufacturers tend to play fast and loose with the word macro. Some will call a 1:2 lens a macro. Some sill claim 1:3 is.

Any lens can be used for macrophotography. For the vast majority of them, it would require using additional equipment such as your bellows or extension tubes. Close-up lenses, reversing rings and coupler rings are other pieces of gear that can be utilized.
Thanks for the explanation/clarification Sparky
 
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