• Understanding SLR camera settings
• Tips for taking better photographs
• SLR tips for beginners

Is your camera a macro lens if it has macro written on it?

Just because your camera lens has macro written on it, doesn't mean it is actually macro. Unfortunately manufacturers sometimes add this word to their lenses as a marketing ploy. Yes, it is true they can focus closer than an ordinary lens. However, don't expect them to get as close as a true macro.

How to recognise a real macro lens

A real macro lens has the capability of achieving in the least a 1:1 magnification. This should be written either on the lens or in the manual under specifications. Note: the aperture f stop is not the ratio we are talking about here. For example, the macro lens used to photograph the dragonfly above has an aperture of f2.8. However it also has a 1:1 magnification rating, making it a true macro lens.

Technically, this ratio is a measure of how large the subject appears on your camera's sensor. A lens with a magnification of 1:1 means the subject appears as life size on the sensor. A macro lens with a 2:1 ratio captures subjects twice as large as they appear in real life. On the other hand for a 1:2 lens, the subject appears on the sensor as half its actual size. Therefore a 1:2 lens is not considered a real macro lens.

• 1:1 or 2:1 ratio is a real macro lens
• 1:2 is not a real macro lens
  
  
  
  

You might also be interested in:

• What is the difference between a 50mm macro lens, compared to a 100mm macro lens
• Should you buy a third party generic lens
• Macro photography tips with example photographs
• Review of Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro
• AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens review
• How to photograph water droplets
• Difference between a zoom lens and a prime fixed focal length lens
• Difference between macro micro and close up photography
• How to edit macro photographs post production tips
  
  

Want to learn more about SLR Photography? Subscribe to SLR Photography Guide today for free.