 Zac J. George |
Macro... What Is It? Does anybody know what macro is? I looked in the user's guide for my camera, and it didn't have anything in there about it. Thanks.
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Alan N. Marcus |
Macro is a general term for close-up photography. Until modern times, most cameras had mechanical restrictions on just how close you could focus. Generally it was rare for a camera to allow focusing on subjects closer than 24 inches (60cm). Modern cameras with chip logic are able to calculate exposure when close focusing. More importantly, a macro lens is capable of good performance at both standard and close subject distances. Your camera, equipped with a macro lens, allows you to snap the girl next-door as well as stamps, bugs, and the likes. Enjoy.
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Bob Cammarata |
The acceptable standard of "true macro" is recognized as having the ability to focus close enough to achieve 1:1 lifesize (or at least 1/2 lifesize). In other words, if you were to use a film camera to photograph Alan's postage stamp at the closest focusing distance of your lens, you could take the negative (or slide) after processing and lay that same stamp over the photographed one and it would cover it completely. That's 1:1 lifesize. Many camera/lens manufacturers boast "macro-modes" and "macro capabilities". When shopping for a close-focusing lens, you should check the life-size reproduction ratio they claim to achieve to really determine how close they are designed to focus.
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Zac J. George |
Alright thanks for the answers
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BetterPhoto Member |
Hi Zeki; As of late, it seems that the measurement for macro has become lifesize on a 4X6 inch print. Most true macro lenses are prime lenses. These are single focal length lenses, such as 50mm, 85mm, 100mm. Zoom lenses are rarely macro, though most profess to be. Macro is a great art to undertake. At times, your camera may pick up detail that you cannot see. It's a lot of fun, and very addictive. Have fun and keep shooting, Mark H.
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